Patent classifications
A61F9/00781
PRESSURIZED GOGGLE FOR INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MODIFICATION
Assemblies and methods for modifying an intraocular pressure of a patient's one or both eyes are disclosed. The assemblies and methods can be used to treat, inhibit, or prevent ocular conditions such as glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, optic disc edema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, zero-gravity induced papilledema, and other optic pressure related conditions. An assembly can include a goggle including at least one cavity, a pump in fluid communication with the at least one cavity, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the pump and can maintain a target pressure or target pressure range in the at least one cavity, which, when the assembly is worn by a patient, is the area between a patient's eye(s) and wall surfaces of the goggle. Controlling the pressure over the outer surfaces of the patient's eye(s) can drive a desired change in the intraocular pressure of the eye(s).
Shunt for draining ocular fluid
A shunt for draining ocular fluid of one embodiment includes a tubular body formed of a mesh material including bioactive glass fiber and collagen, the tubular body including an implantation member and a conduit through the implantation member. The implantation member and the conduit are formed integrally. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
INTRAOCULAR DEVICE FOR DUAL INCISIONS
A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dual-blade device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.
Apparatus and method for securing ocular tissue and providing surgical tool positioning points
A device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye and multiple tine assemblies configured to secure the body to and release the body from the eye. The body includes multiple corners and multiple sides. Each corner includes a passage through the corner. Each side connects an adjacent pair of corners. Each tine assembly includes a twist pick configured to be inserted through one of the passages. Bottom surfaces of the sides are raised relative to bottom surfaces of the corners such that the bottom surfaces of the sides are spaced apart from the eye when the bottom surfaces of the corners are resting on the eye. Each of at least one side includes multiple openings configured to allow manipulation of a position of the body and a groove configured to receive a projection from a surgical tool in order to position the surgical tool on the eye.
Eyewear-based System and Method to Mechanically Increase Intraocular Pressure
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an eyewear-based system and method comprised of an ocular compression device positioned around a user's head to compress the globes of a user's eyes using direct mechanical force to artificially elevate the user's intraocular pressure. An application of this system is to increase intraocular pressure in users with glaucoma or users who are at risk for glaucoma to assess novel biomarkers for glaucoma progression. The ocular compression device may be used in conjunction with an ocular imaging device, such as an optical coherence tomography angiography device, to characterize changes in the user's optic nerve head structure as a function of intraocular pressure. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.
Ab externo intraocular shunt placement
An intraocular shunt can be placed into the eye in an ab externo approach. A clinician may determine an entry area below a corneal limbus of an eye and a target outflow region. Thereafter, the clinician can insert a hollow shaft into the eye at the entry area toward an anterior chamber of the eye, the shaft carrying an intraocular shunt therein. The clinician can position an inflow end of the shunt within the anterior chamber of the eye and, while maintaining the shunt inflow end in the anterior chamber, can remove the shaft from the eye to release the shunt. Finally, the clinician can repositioning an outflow end of the shunt within the target outflow region and verify placement of the outflow end of the shunt within the target outflow region.
Systems for incising tissue
An elongate electrode is configured to flex and generate plasma to incise tissue. An electrical energy source operatively coupled to the electrode is configured to provide electrical energy to the electrode to generate the plasma. A tensioning element is operatively coupled to the elongate electrode. The tensioning element can be configured to provide tension to the elongate electrode to allow the elongate electrode to flex in response to the elongate electrode engaging the tissue and generating the plasma. The tensioning element operatively coupled to the flexible elongate electrode may allow for the use of a small diameter electrode, such as a 5 μm to 20 μm diameter electrode, which can allow narrow incisions to be formed with decreased tissue damage. In some embodiments, the tensioning of the electrode allows the electrode to more accurately incise tissue by decreasing variations in the position of the electrode along the incision path.
METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR MAINTAINING FUNCTIONING DRAINAGE BLEBS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN BODIES
Methods and systems for applying beta radiation to a treatment area, such as a target area of a bleb, in association with and/or in combination with glaucoma surgery. The methods and systems herein may help achieve and/or maintain a healthy intraocular pressure, maintain functioning blebs and/or drainage holes arising from glaucoma drainage procedures or surgeries, help avoid scar formation or wound reversion, inhibit or reduce fibrogenesis and/or inflammation in the blebs or surrounding areas, etc.
DRUG ELUTING OCULAR IMPLANT WITH INTERNAL PLUG
Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allows for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING AN OCULAR IMPLANT TO THE SUPRACHOROIDAL SPACE WITHIN AN EYE
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 a suprachoroidal 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 or other portion of the uveoscleral outflow path. 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, easy-to-use package for use by an operator.