The present invention relates to the field of ocular therapies and, in particular, to a device, a system, and a method for sequential ab interno delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point in the eye. Ab interno methods for localizing the delivery of a fluid composition to Schlemm's canal are further described.
Glaucoma is a disease that affects over 60 million people worldwide, or about 1-2% of the population. The disease is typically characterized by an elevation in eye pressure (intraocular pressure) that causes pathological changes in the optic nerve which if left untreated can cause blindness. The increased intraocular pressure is generally caused by a resistance to drainage of aqueous humor or fluid from the eye.
Aqueous humor is a clear, colourless fluid that is continuously replenished by the ciliary body in the eye and then ultimately exits the eye through the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork extends circumferentially around the eye in the anterior chamber angle and feeds outwardly into a narrow circumferential passageway generally surrounding the exterior border of the trabecular meshwork (Schlemm's canal). From Schlemm's canal, aqueous humor empties into aqueous collector channels or veins positioned around and radially extending from Schlemm's canal. Pressure within the eye is determined by a balance between the production of aqueous humor and its exit through the trabecular meshwork. Resistance to flow in the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal can cause decreased flow of aqueous humor out of the eye and increased intraocular pressure.
Treatments that reduce intraocular pressure can slow or stop progressive loss of vision associated with some forms of glaucoma and such treatments are currently the primary therapy for glaucoma. A number of treatment methods are currently used for reducing intraocular pressure to treat glaucoma including medication, laser therapies and various forms of surgery. Drug therapy includes topical ophthalmic drops or oral medications that either reduce the production or increase the outflow of aqueous humor. When medical and laser therapy fail, however, more invasive surgical therapy is typically used.
Surgical techniques for treating glaucoma generally involve the mechanical disruption of the trabecular meshwork. Trabeculectomy, a procedure which is widely practiced, involves microsurgical dissection to mechanically create a new drainage pathway for aqueous humor to drain, by removing a portion of sclera and trabecular meshwork at the drainage angle. Trabeculectomy, however, carries risk of blockage of the surgically-created opening through scarring or other mechanisms and has been found to have limited long-term success. Furthermore, trabeculectomy surgery is associated with serious, potentially blinding complications.
Alternative surgical procedures to trabeculectomy include tube shunt surgeries, non-penetrating trabeculectomy and viscocanalostomy. These procedures are invasive as they are “ab externo” (from the outside of the eye). Tube shunt surgeries involve significant extraocular and intraocular surgery with significant risk of surgical complications, as well as the long term risk of failure from scarring. In the case of viscocanalostomy and non-penetrating trabeculectomy, the procedures involve making a deep incision into the sclera and creating a scleral flap to expose Schlemm's canal for cannulation and dilation. Due to the delicate nature of these ab-externo approaches, they are difficult to execute.
Due to the invasiveness of such procedures and the difficulty of successfully accessing the small diameter of Schlemm's canal from the outside of the eye, “ab interno” techniques have been described for delivering ocular devices and compositions into Schlemm's canal through the trabecular meshwork from the inside of the eye.
International Patent Publication No. WO2013/141898 describes a system and method for accessing and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition into Schlemm's canal. A device is described that comprises a handle and a cannula configured to facilitate accessing the lumen of Schlemm's canal. A positioning element or conduit is slidable within the cannula to deliver an ocular device or a fluid composition within Schlemm's canal in a minimally traumatic manner in order to mechanically disrupt and dilate Schlemm's canal to improve flow through the trabecular meshwork.
International Patent Publication No. WO2013/158919 describes a delivery system that can be used to deliver an ocular implant into a target location within the eye via an ab interno procedure. The delivery system comprises a handle component and a distal delivery component that includes a guide wire that can be extended distally relative to a sheath to disengage a mounted implant and/or to deliver fluid through openings in the guide wire to mechanically disrupt and/or dilate Schlemm's canal.
While such delivery systems provide means for accessing Schlemm's canal in an ab interno manner in order to mechanically disrupt blockages to aqueous humor flow, there remains a continuing need for alternative approaches to treating and delivering ocular therapies to Schlemm's canal.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a delivery system and method for ocular therapy. In accordance with one aspect, there is described a hand-held delivery device for ab interno delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point in the eye, comprising: a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end coupled to an elongated shaft that terminates in a self-trephinating tip; a chamber defined by the handle and configured to receive one or more fluid-filled cartridges, wherein each fluid-filled cartridge is charged by a respective piston to cause dispensation of the fluid from the respective cartridge; and one or more cannulae slidably disposed within the elongated shaft and having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of each of the one or more cannulae is distally extendable from the tip, the proximal end of each of the one or more cannulae is in fluid communication with the chamber and is adapted for fluid connection to the one or more fluid-filled cartridges when inserted in the chamber; wherein actuation of the respective piston allows controllable dispensation of two or more fluids contained in the fluid-filled cartridges for delivery through the fluidly connected cannulae in a sequential manner.
In accordance with another aspect, there is described a hand-held delivery device for ab interno delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point in the eye, comprising: a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end coupled to an elongated shaft that terminates in a self-trephinating tip, the handle defining a chamber configured to receive one or more fluid-filled cartridges; one or more fluid-filled cartridges each comprising a first interior chamber for containing a fluid composition and separated from a second interior chamber by a piston, wherein the second interior chamber is adapted to receive a drive fluid for charging the respective piston to cause dispensation of the fluid composition from the first interior chamber; and one or more cannulae slidably disposed within the elongated shaft and having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of each of the one or more cannulae is distally extendable from the tip, the proximal end of each of the one or more cannulae is in fluid communication with the chamber and is adapted for fluid connection to the first interior chamber of the one or more fluid-filled cartridges inserted in the chamber; wherein actuation of the respective piston allows controllable dispensation of two or more fluids contained in the fluid-filled cartridges for delivery through the fluidly connected cannulae in a sequential manner.
In accordance with a further aspect, there is described a system for ab interno delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point in the eye, comprising the hand-held delivery device according to embodiments described herein, and a drive fluid source, wherein the two or more fluid compositions are delivered in a sequential manner.
In accordance with another aspect, there is described an ab interno method for sequential delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point in the eye, comprising: (a) entering the eye by inserting a self-trephinating tip of a hand-held delivery device, wherein the hand-held delivery device comprises a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end coupled to an elongated shaft that terminates in the self-trephinating tip, and the handle defining a chamber housing one or more fluid-filled cartridges; (b) extending a first cannula into Schlemm's canal, wherein the first cannula is slidably disposed within the elongated shaft and is distally extendable at a first end through the tip of the hand-held delivery device, and wherein the first cannula is fluidly connected to the one or more fluid-filled cartridges at a second end; (c) actuating the one or more fluid-filled cartridges to dispense a first fluid composition from the one or more fluid-filled cartridges through the fluidly connected first cannula to deliver the first fluid composition into Schlemm's canal; (d) extending a second cannula into Schlemm's canal, wherein the second cannula is slidably disposed within the elongated shaft and is distally extendable at a first end through the tip of the hand-held delivery device, and wherein the second cannula is fluidly connected to the one or more fluid-filled cartridges at a second end; and (e) actuating the one or more fluid-filled cartridges to dispense a second fluid composition from the one or more fluid-filled cartridges through the fluidly connected second cannula to deliver the second fluid composition into Schlemm's canal; wherein steps (b) to (e) are repeated to sequentially deliver additional fluid compositions to the eye.
In accordance with a further aspect, there is described an ab interno method for localized delivery of a fluid composition to Schlemm's canal through a single insertion point in the eye, comprising: (a) entering Schlemm's canal by inserting a self-trephinating tip of a hand-held delivery device, wherein the hand-held delivery device comprises a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end coupled to an elongated shaft that terminates in the self-trephinating tip, and the handle defining a chamber housing one or more fluid-filled cartridges; (b) extending a first cannula into Schlemm's canal, wherein the first cannula is slidably disposed within the elongated shaft and is distally extendable at a first end through the tip of the hand-held delivery device, and wherein the first cannula is fluidly connected to the one or more fluid-filled cartridges at a second end; (c) actuating the one or more fluid-filled cartridges to dispense a first fluid composition from the one or more fluid-filled cartridges through the fluidly connected first cannula to deliver the first fluid composition into Schlemm's canal; and (d) actuating the one or more fluid-filled cartridges to dispense an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) from the one or more fluid-filled cartridges through a fluidly connected second cannula, wherein the OVD is delivered at the insertion point in Schlemm's canal to form a plug, wherein the OVD plug maintains localization of the first fluid composition in Schlemm's canal.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.
Referring to
The anterior chamber 140 of the eye 110 is filled with aqueous humor which is produced by the ciliary body 160 to ultimately exit the eye 110 through the trabecular meshwork 130. In a normal eye 110, aqueous humor passes through the trabecular meshwork 130 into Schlemm's canal 120 and thereafter through a plurality of aqueous veins 170, which merge with blood-carrying veins (not shown), and into systemic venous circulation. Intraocular pressure is maintained by balancing this secretion and outflow of aqueous humor. As discussed, glaucoma is characterized by an excessive buildup of aqueous humor, which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure that is distributed relatively uniformly throughout the eye 110.
Accessing Schlemm's canal 120 for treating glaucoma has primarily focused on means for mechanically disrupting the trabecular meshwork 130 and juxtacanalicular tissue (not shown) in order to maintain the good communication to Schlemm's canal 120. Described in the present disclosure are devices and methods that offer alternative approaches for delivering therapeutic treatment to the eye 110. According to embodiments described, devices and methods are disclosed for the ab interno delivery of two or more fluid compositions through a single insertion point 190 in the eye 110 with minimal trauma. In particular, devices and methods for delivering two or more fluid compositions into Schlemm's canal 120 are described such that Schlemm's canal 120 can be treated in a 360° manner with minimal trauma.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
As used herein, the terms “medicament”, “therapeutic”, “drug”, “bioactive compound”, and “bioactive agent” are used interchangeably to refer to one or more ingredients having bioactive, medicinal, or prophylactic properties.
As used herein, the term “fluid composition” refers to a composition in a liquid or gas form. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the composition may or may not include one or more medicament, therapeutic, drug, bioactive compound, and/or bioactive agent. For example, fluid compositions according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include without limitation saline, ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), air, and/or in combination with one or more medicament, therapeutic, drug, bioactive compound, and/or bioactive agent with potential to also inject a compound designed to counteract other bioactive agents previously administered.
As used herein, the term “disposable” describes articles that are not intended to be restored or reused and which are intended to be discarded after a single use.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.
Turning to
The distal end 212 of the handle 202 is coupled to an elongated shaft 204 that terminates in a self-trephinating tip 206 through which one or more cannulae 208 are slidably disposed and can be extended or retracted therethrough. The self-trephinating tip 206 can take any form known to those skilled in the art. As shown in
As shown in
The one or more cannulae 208, 218, slidably disposed within the lumen 302, 304 of the elongated shaft 204, each have a distal end 320 that is distally extendable from the tip 206. The proximal end 322 of each of the one or more cannulae 208, 218 is in fluid communication with the chamber 306 and is adapted for fluid connection to one or more fluid-filled cartridges 308, 318 that are insertable within the chamber 306. The cannulae 208, 218 are sized to slidably fit within the lumen 302, 304 of the shaft 204 and sized to be able to be extended through Schlemm's canal 120 in order to deliver one or more fluid compositions in a targeted manner. The outer diameter of the cannulae 208, 218 can range from about 50 microns to about 500 microns, from about 300 microns to about 500 microns, from about 200 microns to about 250 microns, or from about 180 microns to about 300 microns.
The cannulae 208, 218 can be made from any suitable material that imparts the desired combination of flexibility and rigidity for introduction through the eye wall 180 accessing Schlemm's canal 120, and/or navigation through other ocular tissue structures. For example, the cannulae 208, 218 can comprise a polymer; a polymer reinforced with metal wire, braid or coil; composites of polymers and metal; or metals such as stainless steel, titanium, nitinol, or alloys thereof. The cannulae 208, 218 can be straight with enough flexibility and rigidity to be forcibly advanced through Schlemm's canal 120.
The cannulae 208, 218 are slidably disposed within the shaft lumen 302, 304 so as to be extendable and retractable through the tip 206 of the shaft 204. An ab interno method is described for localized delivery of a fluid composition into Schlemm's canal 120 through a single insertion point 190 in the eye 110. Schlemm's canal 120 is entered by inserting the tip 206 of the device 200. The cannulae 208, 218 are extendable into Schlemm's canal 120 by any suitable amount and direction about the circumference 402 of the canal 120 to deliver a first fluid composition into Schlemm's canal 120. Once the first fluid composition is delivered as desired, the cannula 208 is retracted and an OVD is delivered through the second cannula 218 at the insertion point 190 in Schlemm's canal 120 to form a plug. In this way, the OVD plug prevents reflux of the first fluid composition and maintains localization of the first fluid composition in Schlemm's canal 120. The second cannula 218 can be extended in order to deliver the OVD plug in order to avoid interference with the first cannula 208. Alternatively, the second cannula 218 can deliver the OVD plug from a retracted position in the shaft lumen 204. Such methods may be used to treat glaucoma, pre-glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or other ocular conditions wherein treatment through Schlemm's canal 120 may be advantageous.
The methods of the present disclosure generally involve making an incision 420 in the ocular wall 180 to provide access to the anterior chamber 140 of the eye 110. Such methods are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed in detail here. Once the incision 420 is made, the self-trephinating tip 206 of the hand-held delivery device 200 can be inserted through the trabecular meshwork 130 to access Schlemm's canal 120. A first cannula 208 can then be extended through the lumen of the shaft 204 into Schlemm's canal 120. The cannula 208 can be extended into Schlemm's canal 120 by any suitable amount and direction depending on the particular procedure being conducted.
In this way, as shown in
As previously mentioned, the handle 202 further defines an interior chamber 306 that is sized to receive one or more cartridges 308, 318 each containing at least one fluid composition. Each cartridge 308, 318 is fluidly connected to a respective cannula 208, 218 such that sequential actuation of each cartridge 308, 318, during extension of the cannula 208, 218 about Schlemm's canal 120 for example, causes dispensation of the fluid compositions at the site for delivery without having to repeatedly enter the insertion point 190, e.g., Schlemm's canal 120, multiple times. In this way, multiple treatment fluid compositions such as saline, ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVD), medicaments, and bioactive agents, can be separately delivered to the target site in a sequential manner through a single insertion point 190, thereby minimizing trauma to the eye 110.
Using the hand-held delivery device 200 disclosed herein the method generally includes entering Schlemm's canal 120 and actuating the corresponding fluid-filled cartridge 308, 318 to sequentially dispense one or more fluid compositions through the fluidly connected cannula(e) 208, 218. The fluid composition(s) are localized in Schlemm's canal 120 by dispensing an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) (not shown) from the one or more fluid-filled cartridges 308, 318 through a fluidly connected cannula 208 to form a plug at the insertion point 190 in Schlemm's canal 120. In this way, the OVD plug limits the fluid composition(s) delivered into Schlemm's canal 120 from refluxing out of the canal 120 and thereby maintains localization of the delivered fluid composition(s) in Schlemm's canal 120. Localization of the delivered fluid composition(s), according to certain embodiments, can further be ensured by delivering a further OVD plug while withdrawing the hand-held delivery device 200 from Schlemm's canal 120 in order to maintain compartmentalization of the anterior chamber 140 of the eye 110. The ability to localize therapeutics, for example, within Schlemm's canal 120, presents alternative approaches to ocular therapy while minimizing physical or biochemical trauma to the eye 110.
An alternative fluid-filled cartridge 308, 318 is shown in
The first interior 502 chamber for containing a fluid composition is separated from a second interior 506 chamber by a piston or plunger 504. The second interior chamber 506 of each cartridge 308, 318 is fluidly connected, for example by a drive fluid conduit (not shown), to a drive fluid source 802, shown in more detail with reference to
Sequential actuation of each respective piston 504 allows controllable dispensation of each fluid composition from the fluid-filled cartridges 308, 318 such that each fluid composition is alternately delivered into Schlemm's canal 120 in a sequential manner. According to certain embodiments, controlled volumes of liquid can be delivered under low-flow conditions. For the intentions of ophthalmology, the volumes of fluids can range from about 50 μL-2000 μL.
Alternatively or in addition to the other embodiments described herein, the hand-held device 200 can be adapted to have chambers 306 to receive multiple cartridges 308, 318 assembled on a rotating carousel 602 shown in
Alternatively or in addition to the other embodiments described herein, the cartridge 308, 318 can comprise multiple discrete compartments 708, 718 each separately containing a different fluid composition as shown in
Alternatively or in addition to the other embodiments described herein, the hand-held delivery device 200 can be controllably activated by any drive fluid source 802 adapted for charging the fluidly connected piston 504 of the one or more cartridges 308, 318 to allow controllable dispensation of the fluids contained in each cartridge 308, 318 as shown in
The drive fluid source 802 may take the form of a motorized injection and aspiration system comprising at least one syringe 804 fluidly coupled to a drive fluid conduit 806 and having a plunger 808 with a shaft 810 for forcibly advancing a drive fluid through the drive fluid conduit 806. The drive fluid conduit 806 is configured, at the end opposite the syringe 804, for fluid connection to the hand-held delivery device 200. The drive fluid conduit 806 fluidly connects the drive fluid-filled syringe 804 to the second interior chamber 506 of a cartridge 308, 318 inserted in a chamber 306 of the hand-held device 200. In this way, expulsion of the drive fluid from the syringe 804 into the second interior chamber 506 charges the respective piston 504 to cause the fluid composition contained in the first interior chamber 502 to be displaced and dispensed through the fluidly connected cannula 208, 218 to the target site in Schlemm's canal 120. According to certain embodiments, the syringe 804 can include a Luer-Lok type connector 216 for fluid coupling to the drive fluid conduit 806.
Drive fluid is driven from the syringe 804 by actuation of a syringe driver 812. According to some embodiments, the drive fluid is a balanced salt solution (BSS); however, any fluid may be used to drive the syringe driver 812. The syringe driver 812, according to some embodiments, comprises a series of cogs 814 that line the exterior of the plunger shaft 810. The series of cogs 814 cooperate with a gear system 816 that is operatively connected to an axle (not shown). In such embodiments, the movement of the gears 816 along the cogs 814 allows for incremental advancement of the plunger 808 translating into the injection pressure at the outlet of the fluidly connected cannula 208, 218.
In operation, axle rotation is controlled through a control unit 820 in communication with one or more step motors 824, the syringe driver 812, and at least one foot pedal 822. According to such embodiments, actuation of the foot pedal 822 by the operator allows controllable movement of the plunger 808 between a raised and lowered position within the syringe 804. In this way, the drive fluid source 802 is adapted for hands-free or single hand control.
The step motor 824 is controllable by actuation of a foot pedal 822. For example, depressing the foot pedal 822 causes a signal to be sent to the controller 820 which in turn activates the one or more step motors 824. The step motors 824 rotate the gears 816 to advance the plunger 808 within the syringe 804. Toggling the foot pedal 822, for example by kicking the pedal 822 to the side, may send a different signal to be sent to the controller 820 which the controller 820 causes the step motors 824 to reverse direction. The reverse rotation causes gears 816 to retract the plunger 808 from the syringe 804 thereby causing aspiration to occur.
Alternatively, or in addition to the other embodiments, the step motor 824 can be controllable by a dual foot pedal 822, 826. For example, depression of one foot pedal 822 can cause advancement of the plunger 808 and depression of the other foot pedal 826 can cause retraction of the plunger 808. The degree of depression of the dual foot pedals 822, 826 similarly can govern the speed of the advancement and retraction.
Alternatively, or in addition to the other embodiments, the degree of depression or toggling of the foot pedal 822 dictates to the controller 820 the speed of advancement and the degree of toggling dictates to the controller 820 the speed of the retraction from the syringe 804. The foot pedal 822, 826 can include potentiometers 830 sending signals to the controller 820 that function as accelerators to increase the speed of motors 824 thereby increasing the plunger 808 advancement or retraction as the degree of depression of the pedal 822, 826 increases from a resting position. A control unit 820 may further control the maximum speed of the step motor 824 to ensure safe operation. Such control systems are familiar to those skilled in the art and can be operatively connected to the foot pedal 822, 826 and/or step motor 824 through electrical hardwiring or wireless communication.
According to some embodiments, referring to the embodiments illustrated in
According to some embodiments, the device 200 can be adapted for hands-free control of the cannulae 208, 218 as shown with reference to
Alternatively or in addition to the other embodiments described herein, an alternative tip 206 for delivering high viscosity and low viscosity fluids into the Schlemm's canal 120 is shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the tip 206 may not have an extendable cannula 208, 218 as shown in
According to certain embodiments, the hand-held delivery device 200 can be adapted to include viewing means, such as a fiber optic or one or more compound lenses in order to facilitate insertion and extension of the device 200 in the eye.
The fluid compositions that may be delivered by the hand-held device 200 described herein includes medicaments, saline and ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD), for example. The OVDs may comprise hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, cellulose, derivatives or mixtures thereof, or solutions thereof. In one variation, the OVDs are dispersive-type OVDs. Examples of medicaments that may be delivered using the methods described herein may include a drug suitable for treating glaucoma, reducing or lowering intraocular pressure, reducing inflammation or scarring, and/or preventing infection. According to further embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be used to deliver bioactive agents having certain bioactive properties that may be desirable for ocular treatment through Schlemm's canal 120. According to further embodiments, the fluid compositions may also include agents that aid with visualization of the fluid composition. For example, dyes such as but not limited to fluorescein, trypan blue, or indocyanine green may be included. In some variations, a fluorescent compound or bioluminescent compound is included in the fluid composition to help with its visualization. It is also contemplated that air or a gas could be delivered by the described methods.
According to certain embodiments, a further volume of OVD may be delivered while withdrawing the hand-held delivery device 200 from Schlemm's canal 120 in order to form an additional plug to maintain compartmentalization of the anterior chamber 140 of the eye 110.
According to certain embodiments, the hand-held delivery device 200 is disposable. According to other embodiments, the hand-held delivery device 200 can be re-used and is amenable to known sterilization techniques for reuse.
Although the embodiments described herein demonstrate ab interno procedures, the inventor contemplates that the embodiments may also be used for certain ab externo procedures.
The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
The application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/036,414, filed Aug. 12, 2014, the disclosure which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/CA2015/050755 | 8/11/2015 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62036414 | Aug 2014 | US |