Systems and methods for delivering an ocular implant to the suprachoroidal space within an eye
First Claim
1. An ocular implant delivery device, comprising:
- a generally elongated outer housing and handpiece that is ergonomically contoured;
an elongated insertion needle partially disposed in the outer housing and having a non-linear exposed distal portion;
an implant pusher tube extending through a lumen of the insertion needle and having a non-linear distal portion;
a trocar passing through a lumen of the pusher tube and having a non-linear distal portion;
an implant disposed on the non-linear portion of the trocar and being positioned within the non-linear portion of the insertion needle;
a pusher tube trigger mechanically coupled to the pusher tube; and
a trocar trigger mechanically coupled to the trocar and being configured such that actuation of the trocar trigger in a first direction advances a distal tip of the trocar distally away from the housing and actuation of the trocar trigger in a second direction retracts the distal tip of the trocar proximally toward the housing, the trocar trigger further being configured such that actuation of the trocar trigger in the first direction moves the pusher tube trigger.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with the suprachoroidal space, uveal scleral outflow pathway, uveoscleral outflow path or supraciliary space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space, uveal scleral outflow pathway, uveoscleral outflow path or supraciliary space. Alternatively, or in addition, the implant can elute a drug or therapeutic agent. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision. The implant can be preloaded with or within the inserter to advantageously provide a sterile package for use by the surgeon, doctor or operator.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An ocular implant delivery device, comprising:
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a generally elongated outer housing and handpiece that is ergonomically contoured; an elongated insertion needle partially disposed in the outer housing and having a non-linear exposed distal portion; an implant pusher tube extending through a lumen of the insertion needle and having a non-linear distal portion; a trocar passing through a lumen of the pusher tube and having a non-linear distal portion; an implant disposed on the non-linear portion of the trocar and being positioned within the non-linear portion of the insertion needle; a pusher tube trigger mechanically coupled to the pusher tube; and a trocar trigger mechanically coupled to the trocar and being configured such that actuation of the trocar trigger in a first direction advances a distal tip of the trocar distally away from the housing and actuation of the trocar trigger in a second direction retracts the distal tip of the trocar proximally toward the housing, the trocar trigger further being configured such that actuation of the trocar trigger in the first direction moves the pusher tube trigger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of implanting a suprachoroidal implant, comprising:
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forming a self-sealing corneal incision using an insertion needle of an implant delivery device; actuating a trocar trigger to actuate a pusher tube trigger and advance an implant and a trocar into an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein the implant is located on a distal portion of the trocar, and wherein the implant and the distal portion of the trocar have substantially the same curvature; positioning a distal tip of the trocar adjacent a suprachoroidal space of the eye; penetrating ocular tissue using the distal tip of the trocar and locating the implant in the suprachoroidal space; and retracting the trocar from within the implant by actuating the trocar trigger. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification