Composite lacrimal insert and related methods
First Claim
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1. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to an eye, comprising:
- placing a lacrimal implant into a lacrimal canaliculus of a patient, wherein the lacrimal implant comprises;
a unitary implant body, including first and second portions defining a single longitudinal axis, wherein the unitary body is formed from a substantially non-swelling polymer comprising one or more of a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or silicone,the first portion extending from a proximal end of the implant body, the first portion having a first diameter, wherein the first portion includes a cavity extending inward from the proximal end of the first portion, the cavity having a first supply of a therapeutic agent for release to the eye, andthe second portion comprising a distal end portion of the implant body and extending from a distal end of the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter; and
an expandable retention member fully enveloping the second portion of the implant body, the expandable retention member configured to swell via absorption of an aqueous medium after insertion into the lacrimal canaliculus so as to retain the implant body within the lacrimal canaliculus.
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Abstract
Lacrimal implants, methods of making lacrimal implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration or other diseases or disorders using lacrimal implants are disclosed.
131 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to an eye, comprising:
placing a lacrimal implant into a lacrimal canaliculus of a patient, wherein the lacrimal implant comprises; a unitary implant body, including first and second portions defining a single longitudinal axis, wherein the unitary body is formed from a substantially non-swelling polymer comprising one or more of a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or silicone, the first portion extending from a proximal end of the implant body, the first portion having a first diameter, wherein the first portion includes a cavity extending inward from the proximal end of the first portion, the cavity having a first supply of a therapeutic agent for release to the eye, and the second portion comprising a distal end portion of the implant body and extending from a distal end of the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter; and an expandable retention member fully enveloping the second portion of the implant body, the expandable retention member configured to swell via absorption of an aqueous medium after insertion into the lacrimal canaliculus so as to retain the implant body within the lacrimal canaliculus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of manufacture for a lacrimal implant configured to be inserted into a lacrimal canaliculus of a patient comprising:
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forming a unitary implant body, including first and second portions defining a single longitudinal axis, from a substantially non-swelling polymer comprising one or more of a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or silicone, including forming the first portion extending from a proximal end of the implant body, the first portion having a first diameter, wherein the first portion includes a cavity extending inward from the proximal end of the first portion, forming the second portion comprising a distal end portion of the implant body and extending from a distal end of the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter; forming an expandable retention member from a polymer configured to swell via absorption of an aqueous medium after insertion into the lacrimal canaliculus; coupling the unitary implant body and the expandable retention member wherein the expandable retention member fully envelopes the second portion of the implant body; and
,forming a drug supply comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix for placement in the cavity of the first portion. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification