System and method for stabilizing corneal tissue after treatment

• US 8,177,778 B2
• Filed: 10/29/2010
• Issued: 05/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avedro, Inc. (Glaukos Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Avedro, Inc. (Glaukos Corporation)
• Inventors: Muller, David, Marshall, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCOTT, AMANDA L
• Application Number:
  US12/915,646
• Publication Number:
  US 20110118716A1
• Time in Patent Office: 564 Days
• Field of Search: 606 20- 52, 600/383, 514/241
• US Class Current: 606/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00872 Cornea
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0079 using non-laser electromagnetic radiation, e.g. non-coherent light or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/013 Instruments for compensation of ocular refraction A61F9/008 takes precedence; Instruments for use in cornea removal, for reshaping or performing incisions in the cornea
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1841 Transforming growth factor [TGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/02 Ophthalmic agents

Abstract

Systems and methods stabilize corneal tissue after treatment of the corneal tissue. For example, thermokeratoplasty may be applied to the corneal tissue to address disorders associated with abnormal shaping of the cornea. To stabilize the desired structural changes caused by the treatment, embodiments apply ophthalmic formulations that help to inhibit wound healing. Wound healing may occur in response to the application of the treatment and may produce further structural changes that mitigate or alter the desired effects of the treatment.

Claims

1. A system for applying therapy to an eye, the system comprising:

an electrical energy source;

an electrical energy conducting element in contact with the electrical energy source, the electrical energy conducting element having a proximal end configured to receive electrical energy generated by the electrical energy source, and a distal end configured to apply electrical energy;

a wound healing inhibitor including Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P), the wound healing inhibitor being configured to reduce corneal haze by competing with latent Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) at an Insulin Like Growth Factor II receptor;

a wound healing inhibitor delivery element in contact with the wound healing inhibitor;

a processor configured to determine Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity,

a coolant supply; and

a coolant delivery element in contact with the coolant supply, the coolant delivery element configured to deliver a pulse of coolant

wherein the wound healing inhibitor delivery element is adjusted based on the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the wound healing inhibitor delivery element is at least one of an eye dropper and a drug application device configured to be removably attached to the eye.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical energy is microwave energy.

4. A system for applying therapy to an eye, the system comprising:

an electrical energy source;

an electrical energy conducting element in contact with the electrical energy source, the electrical energy conducting element having a proximal end configured to receive electrical energy generated by the electrical energy source, and a distal end configured to apply electrical energy;

a wound healing inhibitor delivery element including a wound healing inhibitor, the wound healing inhibitor including Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P); and

a processor configured to determine Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity,

wherein the wound healing inhibitor delivery element is adjusted based on the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the wound healing inhibitor delivery element is at least one of an eye dropper and a drug application device configured to be removably attached to the eye.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the electrical energy is microwave energy.