Systems and methods for viscoelastic delivery

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11540940
  • Patent Number
    11,540,940
  • Date Filed
    Monday, January 10, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 3, 2023
    a year ago
Abstract
A method and device for reducing intraocular pressure in a patient. The method may comprise deploying administering a viscoelastic material into Schlemm's canal to open aqueous humor outflow pathways. The device is adapted to perform the method. The viscoelastic material may be configured to lower the intraocular pressure within the eye.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.


TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to medical devices, and methods for manufacturing medical devices. The present invention relates generally to devices and systems that are inserted into the eye. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for injecting a viscoelastic material into Schlemm's canal open aqueous humor outflow pathways.


BACKGROUND

According to a draft report by The National Eye Institute (NEI) at The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), glaucoma is now the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the second leading cause of blindness, behind cataract, in the world. Thus, the NEI draft report concludes, “it is critical that significant emphasis and resources continue to be devoted to determining the pathophysiology and management of this disease.” Glaucoma researchers have found a strong correlation between high intraocular pressure and glaucoma. For this reason, eye care professionals routinely screen patients for glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure using a device known as a tonometer. Many modern tonometers make this measurement by blowing a sudden puff of air against the outer surface of the eye.


The eye can be conceptualized as a ball filled with fluid. There are two types of fluid inside the eye. The cavity behind the lens is filled with a viscous fluid known as vitreous humor. The cavities in front of the lens are filled with a fluid know as aqueous humor. Whenever a person views an object, he or she is viewing that object through both the vitreous humor and the aqueous humor.


Whenever a person views an object, he or she is also viewing that object through the cornea and the lens of the eye. In order to be transparent, the cornea and the lens can include no blood vessels. Accordingly, no blood flows through the cornea and the lens to provide nutrition to these tissues and to remove wastes from these tissues. Instead, these functions are performed by the aqueous humor. A continuous flow of aqueous humor through the eye provides nutrition to portions of the eye (e.g., the cornea and the lens) that have no blood vessels. This flow of aqueous humor also removes waste from these tissues.


Aqueous humor is produced by an organ known as the ciliary body. The ciliary body includes epithelial cells that continuously secrete aqueous humor. In a healthy eye, a stream of aqueous humor flows out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm's canal as new aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelial cells of the ciliary body. This excess aqueous humor enters the venous blood stream from Schlemm's canal and is carried along with the venous blood leaving the eye.


When the natural drainage mechanisms of the eye stop functioning properly, the pressure inside the eye begins to rise. Researchers have theorized prolonged exposure to high intraocular pressure causes damage to the optic nerve that transmits sensory information from the eye to the brain. This damage to the optic nerve results in loss of peripheral vision. As glaucoma progresses, more and more of the visual field is lost until the patient is completely blind.


SUMMARY

The invention provides design, material, and methods of use for medical devices.


An illustrative method for reducing intraocular pressure in a patient may comprise administering a viscoelastic material into Schlemm's canal of an eye to open aqueous humor outflow pathways. In some embodiments, the viscoelastic can be administered prior to or after deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal.


One aspect of the invention provides a method of treating an eye of a patient with an ocular system. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: inserting a distal end of a cannula of the ocular system into an anterior chamber of the eye; placing the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal, a conduit being disposed within the cannula; actuating a first control of the ocular system to advance the conduit from the cannula into Schlemm's canal; and actuating a second control of the ocular system to administer viscoelastic material from a viscoelastic delivery port of the conduit into Schlemm's canal without moving the conduit. In some embodiments, the method also includes the step of actuating the first control to retract the conduit within Schlemm's canal and into the cannula.


The method may include, in some embodiments, the step of pressurizing a volume of viscoelastic material within a viscoelastic module, wherein the step of actuating the second control comprises actuating the second control of the ocular system to administer viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module into the conduit. In some such embodiments, the ocular system may have a handle, the cannula, the first control, and the second control each extending from, and supported by, the handle, with the viscoelastic module being disposed outside of the handle. In some embodiments, the step of pressurizing the volume of viscoelastic material may include the additional step of applying a spring to a plunger of a viscoelastic syringe disposed within the viscoelastic module.


In some embodiments, the step of pressurizing the volume of viscoelastic material includes the step of pressurizing a reservoir within the viscoelastic module. In some such embodiments, the step of pressurizing the reservoir includes the step of compressing a spring engaged with a wall of the reservoir, such as, e.g., by operating an actuator extending from the viscoelastic module.


Some embodiments include the additional step of filling the reservoir with viscoelastic material from a viscoelastic syringe. Some such embodiments include the additional step of advancing viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic syringe into the conduit, optionally before the step of filling the reservoir with viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic syringe.


Some embodiments have the additional step of providing tactile feedback while actuating the first control, the tactile feedback being correlated with a length of the conduit moving into or out of the cannula.


Some embodiments of the method also include the step of advancing an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal prior to the viscoelastic material being administered into Schlemm's canal. Some embodiments may also include the step of advancing an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal after the viscoelastic material is administered into Schlemm's canal.


Another aspect of the invention provides an ocular viscoelastic delivery system having a handle; a cannula defining a passageway extending from the handle to a distal cannula opening, the cannula being sized and configured to be advanced through an anterior chamber of a patient's eye to place the distal cannula opening in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal of the eye; a conduit slidably disposed within the cannula passageway, the conduit including a viscoelastic delivery port, at least a distal portion of the conduit being sized and configured to be advanced from the cannula into Schlemm's canal; a viscoelastic module in fluid communication with the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port, the viscoelastic module being configured to contain a pressurized volume of viscoelastic material outside of the handle; a first control configured to adjust a position of the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port relative to the cannula; and a second control configured to release pressurized viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module through the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal.


In some embodiments of the delivery system, the viscoelastic module also includes a cradle configured to receive a viscoelastic syringe and a force assembly configured to contact a plunger of the viscoelastic syringe, the force assembly being further configured to apply a constant force against the plunger. In some such embodiments, the force assembly also has an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the force assembly with respect to the plunger.


In some embodiments, the viscoelastic module force assembly has a reservoir and a spring configured to pressurize viscoelastic material in the reservoir. Some such embodiments also have an actuator extending from the viscoelastic module and configured to compress the spring to pressurize the reservoir.


In some embodiments, the viscoelastic module further has an inlet port adapted to engage with a viscoelastic syringe, the inlet port being fluid being fluidly communicable with the reservoir. In some such embodiments, the viscoelastic module also has a check valve disposed between the inlet port and the reservoir, the check valve being configured to open to permit pressurized viscoelastic material to flow from the viscoelastic syringe through the inlet port to the reservoir and to close to prevent viscoelastic material from the reservoir out of the inlet port.


In some embodiments, the first control and the second control are disposed on the handle. In some embodiments, a single actuation of the first control moves the conduit by a known distance, and in some embodiments a single actuation of the second control administers a known volume of viscoelastic material from the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal. Some embodiments provide a cantilever spring engaged with the first control and adapted to provide tactile feedback of movement of the first control.


In some embodiments, the second control includes a toggle lever operable to be moved to a first position to open a valve to deliver viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module into the conduit, the second control further comprising a spring operable to move the toggle to a second position to close the valve. Some such embodiments also have a toggle lock configured to hold the toggle lever in the first position. The toggle lock may be removably disposed on an exterior surface of the handle and engaged with the toggle lever.


In some embodiments, the delivery system also has tubing extending from the viscoelastic module to the handle, the tubing having a fluid lumen extending from an outlet of the viscoelastic module to an inlet control in the handle. The tubing may have a length of 3-4 inches.


Yet another aspect of the invention provides an ocular delivery system including a handle; a hub disposed at a distal end of the handle and being configured to be rotatable with respect to the handle; a cannula coupled to the hub and configured to be rotated with the hub, the cannula defining a passageway extending from the handle to a distal cannula opening, the cannula being sized and configured to be advanced through an anterior chamber of a patient's eye to place the distal cannula opening in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal of the eye, the cannula having a curved distal end; a cannula orientation marking rotatable with the hub and visible from outside of the delivery system, the marking being aligned with a radial direction in which the cannula curved distal end extends; and a stationary marking supported by the handle, the cannula orientation marking and the stationary marking together indicating an orientation of the cannula curved distal end with respect to an orientation of the handle.


In some embodiments, the system also has a conduit slidably disposed within the cannula passageway, the conduit including a viscoelastic delivery port, at least a distal portion of the conduit being sized and configured to be advanced from the cannula into Schlemm's canal, and a reservoir adapted to deliver viscoelastic material into the conduit. In some such embodiments, the system has a control configured to adjust a position of the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port relative to the cannula. In some embodiments, the system has a control configured to release pressurized viscoelastic material from the reservoir through the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal.


The above summary of some examples and embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Brief Description of the Drawings, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments, but are also intended as exemplary and not limiting.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:



FIG. 1 is a stylized perspective view depicting a portion of a human eye and a portion of an ocular implant disposed in Schlemm's canal.



FIG. 2 is a stylized representation of a medical procedure in accordance with this disclosure.



FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view further illustrating a delivery system and the eye of a patient.



FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a cannula of the delivery system including a conduit and a viscoelastic delivery port.



FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a viscoelastic delivery system.



FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section and partial side elevational view illustrating a viscoelastic module of the viscoelastic delivery system in an open, unpressurized configuration.



FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section and partial side elevational view illustrating the viscoelastic module of FIG. 6 in a closed, pressurized configuration.



FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a visco syringe being loaded into the viscoelastic module of FIGS. 6-7.



FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a visco syringe loaded into the viscoelastic module of FIGS. 6-8.



FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a viscoelastic delivery system.



FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing details of the viscoelastic module of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIG. 10.



FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic module of FIG. 11 showing the reservoir fully loaded with viscoelastic material.



FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a viscoelastic module with a partially see-through housing and graduated markings.



FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the viscoelastic module of FIG. 13 with a clip for attaching the module to, e.g., a user's wrist or arm or to a pole.



FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of a viscoelastic module of the viscoelastic delivery system.



FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic module of FIG. 15 in a pre-filling configuration.



FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic module of FIGS. 15-16 in a filled and pressurized configuration.



FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic module of FIGS. 15-17 in an empty configuration.



FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18.



FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of a viscoelastic module of the viscoelastic delivery system.



FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the viscoelastic module of FIG. 20.



FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a viscoelastic delivery system showing a viscoelastic module (such as the viscoelastic module shown in FIG. 14) attached to a user's arm.



FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a viscoelastic delivery system showing a viscoelastic module (such as the viscoelastic module shown in FIG. 14) attached to an IV stand.



FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a viscoelastic delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention including first and second controls configured to control delivery of the viscoelastic material and adjustment of the position of the conduit relative to the cannula.



FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery system of FIG. 24.



FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing aspects of the delivery system of FIGS. 24-25.



FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing aspects of the delivery system of FIGS. 24-26.



FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing aspects of the delivery system of FIGS. 24-27.



FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of part of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 24-28 but with an alternative design for a strain relief element according to an embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of part of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 24-28 but with an alternative design for an advancement wheel according to an embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of part of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 24-28 but with yet another alternative design for an advancement wheel.



FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating aspects of a viscoelastic delivery system according to alternative embodiments of the invention.



FIG. 33 is a perspective view of some components of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIG. 32.



FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the exterior of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 32-33.



FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative visco control element shape for use with the viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 32-34.



FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a toggle lock for use with the viscoelastic delivery system of this invention.



FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative toggle lock for use with the viscoelastic delivery system of this invention.



FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a beveled distal tip of a cannula extending from a viscoelastic delivery system according to embodiments of the invention.



FIG. 39 is an elevational view of the beveled distal tip of the cannula of FIG. 38



FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a cannula rotation feature of the viscoelastic delivery system.



FIG. 41 is a perspective view of aspects of the cannula rotation feature of FIG. 40.



FIG. 42 is a perspective view of aspects of the cannula rotation feature of FIG. 40.



FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a component of the cannula rotation feature of FIG. 40.



FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another component of the cannula rotation feature of FIG. 40.



FIG. 45 is a flowchart describing a method of treating an eye of a patient.





While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the claimed invention.


Definitions of certain terms are provided below and shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.


All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same or substantially the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (i.e., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified.


The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).


As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include or otherwise refer to singular as well as plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed to include “and/or,” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.


It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are nevertheless contemplated as being combinable or able to be arranged with each other to form other additional embodiments or to complement and/or enrich the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.



FIG. 1 is a stylized perspective view depicting a portion of a human eye 20. Eye 20 can be conceptualized as a fluid filled ball having two chambers. Sclera 22 of eye 20 surrounds a posterior chamber 24 filled with a viscous fluid known as vitreous humor. Cornea 26 of eye 20 encloses an anterior chamber 30 that is filled with a fluid know as aqueous humor. The cornea 26 meets the sclera 22 at a limbus 28 of eye 20. A lens 32 of eye 20 is located between anterior chamber 30 and posterior chamber 24. Lens 32 is held in place by a number of ciliary zonules 34. Whenever a person views an object, he or she is viewing that object through the cornea, the aqueous humor, and the lens of the eye. In order to be transparent, the cornea and the lens can include no blood vessels. Accordingly, no blood flows through the cornea and the lens to provide nutrition to these tissues and to remove wastes from these tissues. Instead, these functions are performed by the aqueous humor. A continuous flow of aqueous humor through the eye provides nutrition to portions of the eye (e.g., the cornea and the lens) that have no blood vessels. This flow of aqueous humor also removes waste from these tissues.


Aqueous humor is produced by an organ known as the ciliary body. The ciliary body includes epithelial cells that continuously secrete aqueous humor. In a healthy eye, a stream of aqueous humor flows out of the eye as new aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelial cells of the ciliary body. This excess aqueous humor enters the blood stream and is carried away by venous blood leaving the eye.


In a healthy eye, aqueous humor flows out of the anterior chamber 30 through the trabecular meshwork 36 and into Schlemm's canal 38, located at the outer edge of the iris 42. Aqueous humor exits Schlemm's canal 38 by flowing through a number of outlets 40. After leaving Schlemm's canal 38, aqueous humor is absorbed into the venous blood stream.



FIG. 2 is a stylized representation of a medical procedure in accordance with this detailed description. In the procedure of FIG. 2, a physician is treating an eye 400 of a patient P. In the procedure of FIG. 2, the physician is holding a hand piece of a viscoelastic delivery system 450 in his or her right hand RH. The physician's left hand (not shown) may be used to hold the handle H of a gonio lens 402. Alternatively, some physicians may prefer holding the delivery system hand piece in the left hand and the gonio lens handle H in the right hand RH.


During the procedure illustrated in FIG. 2, the physician may view the interior of the anterior chamber using gonio lens 402 and a microscope 404. Detail A of FIG. 2 is a stylized simulation of the image viewed by the physician. A distal portion of a cannula 452 is visible in Detail A. A shadow-like line indicates the location of Schlemm's canal SC which is lying under various tissues (e.g., the trabecular meshwork) that surround the anterior chamber. A distal opening 454 of cannula 452 is positioned near Schlemm's canal SC of eye 400.


Methods in accordance with this detailed description may include the step of advancing the distal end of cannula 452 through the cornea of eye 400 so that a distal portion of cannula 452 is disposed in the anterior chamber of the eye. Cannula 452 may then be used to access Schlemm's canal of the eye, for example, by piercing the wall of Schlemm's canal with the distal end of cannula 452. Distal opening 454 of cannula 452 may be placed in fluid communication with a lumen defined by Schlemm's canal. A viscoelastic material may be administered from the cannula into Schlemm's canal to open aqueous humor outflow pathways. Delivery of a viscoelastic material into Schlemm's canal may facilitate the flow of aqueous humor out of the anterior chamber of the eye.



FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view further illustrating viscoelastic delivery system 450 and eye 400 shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 3, cannula 452 extending from a handle 453 of viscoelastic delivery system 450 is shown extending through a cornea 426 of eye 400. A distal portion of cannula 452 is disposed inside the anterior chamber defined by cornea 426 of eye 400. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, cannula 452 is configured so that a distal opening 454 of cannula 452 can be placed in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal.


In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a viscoelastic material can be administered by the cannula into Schlemm's canal. In some embodiments, a conduit or microcatheter can be disposed within the cannula of the viscoelastic delivery system. The conduit can be configured to be advanced out of the cannula into Schlemm's canal. In this embodiment, the viscoelastic material can be delivered into Schlemm's canal from the conduit. Delivery system 450 includes a mechanism that is capable of advancing and retracting the conduit along a length of cannula 452. The viscoelastic material may be delivered into Schlemm's canal of eye 400 by advancing the conduit through the distal opening of cannula 452 while the distal opening is in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal. Viscoelastic material can then be administered from the conduit into Schlemm's canal.


The viscoelastic material can be delivered into Schlemm's canal of the eye before or after delivering an ocular implant into the eye of the patient. In one embodiment, the delivery system can be connected to a visco module 460 that is remote from the main body or handle 453 of the delivery system 450. The visco module 460 can be configured to deliver the viscoelastic material through lumens or tubing into the conduit within the cannula of the delivery system. In one implementation, the delivery system can include a visco trigger 462 on handle 453 configured to release the viscoelastic material from the visco module 460 into the conduit of the delivery system.


The delivery system 450 can further include a conduit advancement wheel 464 configured to advance or retract the conduit within the cannula and within Schlemm's canal. For example, advancing the conduit advancement wheel 464 in the distal direction (e.g., towards the cannula) can advance the conduit towards a distal tip of the cannula and partially out of the cannula into Schlemm's canal of the patient's eye when the distal end of the cannula is in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal. Furthermore, moving the conduit advancement delivery wheel the in the proximal direction (e.g., towards the visco trigger 462) can move the conduit proximally within the cannula and to withdraw it within and from Schlemm's canal. The separate conduit advancement wheel 464 enables the conduit to be moved within Schlemm's canal without administering any viscoelastic material from the conduit. Likewise, the visco trigger 462 on the handle enables viscoelastic material to be administered from the conduit into Schlemm's canal without moving the conduit.



FIG. 4 is an illustration of a distal end of cannula 452 of the viscoelastic delivery system of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, conduit 453 is shown partially extending from the distal opening 454 of the cannula 452. As described above, the conduit 453 can be slidably disposed within the cannula and can be advanced partially beyond the distal opening of the cannula (such as with conduit advancement wheel 464). Conduit 453 may be made, e.g., of Grilamid® polyamide, Pebax® elastomer, nylon, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the conduit can have a size (e.g., 0.008 inch OD by 0.006 inch ID) and a cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular cross-section, oval cross section, etc.) that matches the size and cross-sectional shape of the interior of the cannula. It should be understood that conduit 453 can be any shape so long as it is able to be slidably disposed within the cannula. Conduit 453 can have a length of 16-18 mm, enabling it to extend beyond the distal tip of the cannula half-way around Schlemm's canal. The conduit 453 can include a distal opening 455, which can be configured to deliver a viscoelastic material into a body structure such as Schlemm's canal. It should be understood that conduit 453 includes a lumen that fluidly communicates with a source of viscoelastic material (such as visco module 460) to facilitate administration of viscoelastic material. While the illustrative embodiment includes only a distal opening 455, in other embodiments the conduit can include additional openings, such as openings along a side of the conduit.



FIG. 5 is an illustration of a viscoelastic delivery system 500 that includes a delivery system 550 and a visco module 560 external to the delivery system 500. Delivery system 550 has a handle 552 and a cannula 554 extending from a distal end of handle 552. Cannula 554 has an internal passageway and a distal opening configured to be placed in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal. A conduit (not shown) is movably disposed within cannula 554 so that it can be advanced out of the cannula into Schlemm's canal and retracted back into the cannula.


The visco module 560 can be adapted to receive or accommodate a variety of visco syringes 566. The visco syringe 566 can be connected to tubing 568 (via, e.g., a female luer connector) using a sterile technique to fluidly couple the viscoelastic material in the interior chamber of the visco syringe to the conduit within delivery system 550. In one embodiment, the visco module 560 can be configured to automatically pressurize the interior chamber of visco syringe 566 when the syringe is inserted into the module. Toggling the visco trigger 562 on the handle 552 delivery system 550 can allow a pressurized flow of viscoelastic material to flow from the visco syringe and visco module into the delivery system 550 and out of one or more ports of the conduit of the delivery system and into Schlemm's canal. As described above, the delivery system can also include a conduit advancement wheel 564 configured to advance and retract a conduit within the cannula of the delivery system, thereby advancing and retracting the conduit within Schlemm's canal. The separate conduit advancement wheel 564 enables the conduit to be moved within Schlemm's canal without administering any viscoelastic material from the conduit. Likewise, the visco trigger 562 on the handle enables viscoelastic material to be administered from the conduit into Schlemm's canal without moving the conduit.



FIGS. 6-7 illustrate cross-sectional views, respectively, of a visco module 660 in an open, unpressurized configuration and in a closed, pressurized configuration. In this embodiment, the visco syringe 666 can rest within cradle 670 which can be configured to accommodate a wide variety of visco syringe sizes and shapes. A spring assembly 674 (e.g., a compression spring or a constant force spring) can be placed into contact with plunger 672 of the syringe 666. In some embodiments, the spring assembly 674 can include an outer adjuster barrel 676 configured to adjust a position of the spring assembly to bring it into contact with the plunger 672. Rotation of the outer adjuster barrel 676 can adjust a relative position the outer adjuster barrel 676 with respect to an inner adjuster barrel 678. For example, the outer adjuster barrel can be threaded complimentarily with the inner adjuster barrel 678 to facilitate relative positioning adjustments of the outer adjuster barrel against the plunger 672.


The visco module 660 of FIGS. 6-7 further includes a piston 680 coupled to one end of an arm 682 and a module cover 684 coupled to another end of the arm. In some embodiments, these components can be rotationally coupled together with a pivot or a hinge. When the visco module is in the open configuration of FIG. 6, the module cover 684 pulls the arm 682 and the piston 680 away from the spring assembly 674. In the closed configuration of FIG. 7, however, closing the module cover 684 moves the arm and piston into the spring assembly to partially compress the spring. The spring assembly can then begin to apply a constant force to the plunger 672 of the syringe 666, effectively pressurizing the syringe. An operator can then control delivery of viscoelastic material from the reservoir of syringe 666 into the delivery system, for example, by deploying a visco trigger (such as visco trigger 562 in FIG. 5) on the delivery system that is connected to the visco module.



FIGS. 8-9 are additional views of the visco module of FIGS. 6-7 showing the loading of a visco syringe 666 into the visco module 660. Outer adjuster barrel 676 and inner adjuster barrel 678 are also shown in FIGS. 8-9 illustrating how fine-tuning adjustments can be made to position the spring assembly against the plunger of the syringe.



FIGS. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of a viscoelastic delivery system 700 that includes a delivery system 750 and a visco module 760. Delivery system 750 has a handle 752 and a cannula 754 extending from a distal end of handle 752. Cannula 754 has an internal passageway and a distal opening configured to be placed in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal. A conduit (not shown) is movably disposed within cannula 754 so that it can be advanced out of the cannula into Schlemm's canal and retracted back into the cannula. The conduit has one or more exit ports. A toggling visco trigger 762 on the delivery system 750 can allow a pressurized flow of viscoelastic material to flow from the visco module 760 through tubing 768, into the conduit within cannula 754 and out of the conduit exit port(s).


The visco module 760 is adapted to receive viscoelastic material from a visco syringe prior to use of the system to treat a patient. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the outlet of a visco syringe can connect with a luer fitting 786 at an inlet 785 of the visco module 760. The visco syringe may inject viscoelastic material through inlet 785 and one-way valve 787 into a passageway 789 that leads to a luer connector. Tubing 768 connected to connector 793 extends to the delivery system. The system may be primed during injection of viscoelastic material from the visco syringe by opening the visco trigger 762 until viscoelastic material passes from inlet 785, passageway 789, tubing 768 and out of the exit port(s) of the conduit, as shown in FIG. 11. Releasing visco trigger stops the flow of viscoelastic material through the conduit. Thereafter, as viscoelastic material is continued to be injected from the visco syringe, the fluid pressure moves piston rod 788 away from inlet 785 against the operation of springs 792 (which are connected to piston rod 788 via plate 790), and pressurized viscoelastic material fills chamber 766, as shown in FIG. 12. When filling is complete, the visco syringe is removed, and one-way valve 787 prevents viscoelastic material from flowing back through inlet 785. O ring seals 791 prevent viscoelastic material from leaking around piston rod 788. When visco trigger 762 of delivery system 750 is toggled open again, springs 792 move piston rod 788 back toward inlet 785. Because one-way valve 787 prevents the viscoelastic material from passing through inlet 785, this movement of piston rod 788 ejects viscoelastic material from chamber 766 into passageway 789, tubing 768, and into the conduit within cannula 754. The visco module returns to the configuration of FIG. 11 after all viscoelastic material has been delivered from chamber 766 through tubing 768.


A conduit advancement wheel 764 is configured to advance and retract the conduit within the cannula 754 of the delivery system. The separate conduit advancement wheel 764 enables the conduit to be moved within Schlemm's canal without administering any viscoelastic material from the conduit. Likewise, the visco trigger 762 on the handle enables viscoelastic material to be administered from the conduit into Schlemm's canal without moving the conduit.



FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of visco module 760 that adds graduated markings 794 to a partially transparent or translucent visco module body to form a viscoelastic chamber gauge. A portion 795 of the body may be opaque to hide the springs 792. FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the visco module 760 that adds an integral clip 796 to attach the visco module to an IV pole 995 (as shown in FIG. 23), to the user's wrist (as shown in FIG. 22), or to the user's clothing. In other embodiments, the clip 796 can be omitted, and the tubing 768 tethers module 760 to the handle of the delivery system 750 as the module 760 and tubing drape over the user's wrist. In embodiments, tubing 768 can be 3-4 inches long to enable this draping feature. In various embodiments, tubing 768 can be formed from a high pressure braided reinforced tube.



FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a visco module 860. Similar to the embodiments described above, the visco module can implement a spring (e.g., a compression spring) to provide compression against a plunger to pressurize a flow of viscoelastic material within the visco module. In this embodiment, the visco module can include a luer fitting 886 and a one-way check valve 887, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12. A passageway 889 extends through a rod 802 to a visco reservoir 894. Rod 802 extends from a compression knob 896, a threaded member 804 connected to the compression knob 896, a compression spring 892, and a piston 889. An outlet 895 from visco reservoir 894 is adapted to connect via a connector 893 to a tubing (not shown) leading to a delivery system (not shown), such as the delivery system 750 described above. The reservoir 894 can be filled with a viscoelastic material, such as by connecting a visco syringe to the luer fitting 886, with the visco module in the configuration shown in FIG. 16. If a visco delivery system is connected to the outlet of reservoir 894 via tubing, and if the visco delivery system's visco delivery trigger is pushed to the open position, viscoelastic material will first fill reservoir 894 and will then flow into the tubing and through the delivery system to the delivery system's conduit exit ports to prime the system. After toggling the delivery system's visco delivery trigger to the closed position, the viscoelastic material in the visco reservoir 894 of visco module 860 can be pressurized by turning compression knob 896 so that threaded member 804 advances into the housing 806 (which has corresponding threads). With the visco delivery trigger in the closed position, viscoelastic material cannot flow out of reservoir 894, and the piston 889 stays in its withdrawn position as the threaded member 804 advances. A flange 808 on the end of threaded member 804 compresses spring 892 against piston 889 during advancement of the threaded member to pressurize reservoir 894, as shown in FIG. 17. An operator can then control delivery of viscoelastic material from the visco module 860 into the delivery system, for example, by deploying a visco trigger (such as visco trigger 762 in FIG. 10) on the delivery system that is connected to the visco module. As viscoelastic material is delivered from reservoir 894, spring 892 moves piston 889 toward outlet 895 until the reservoir is depleted, as shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the reservoir portion of housing 806, or all of housing 806, may be clear or translucent so that the quantity of viscoelastic material it contains can be seen. Markings may be added to the housing to help quantify the amount of viscoelastic material delivered and/or the amount remaining in the housing.



FIG. 19 illustrates a modification to the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18. In this embodiment, the visco inlet luer fitting 886′ and a one-way check valve 887′ are on the side of the housing 806′ of the visco module 860′. Rod 802′ extends between a threaded member 804′ connected to a compression knob 896′ and a piston 889′. A compression spring 892′ also extends between threaded member 804′ and piston 889′. An outlet 895′ from visco reservoir 894′ is adapted to connect via a connector 893′ to a tubing (not shown) leading to a delivery system (not shown), such as the delivery system 750 described above. The reservoir 894′ can be filled with a viscoelastic material, such as by connecting a visco syringe to the luer fitting 886′, with the visco module in the configuration shown in FIG. 19. If a visco delivery system is connected to the outlet of reservoir 894′ via tubing, and if the visco delivery system's visco delivery trigger is pushed to the open position, viscoelastic material will first fill reservoir 894′ and will then flow into the tubing and through the delivery system to the delivery system's conduit exit ports to prime the system. After toggling the delivery system's visco delivery trigger to the closed position, the viscoelastic material in the visco reservoir 894′ of visco module 860′ can be pressurized by turning compression knob 896′ so that threaded member 804′ advances into the housing 806′ (which has corresponding threads). With the visco delivery trigger in the closed position, viscoelastic material cannot flow out of reservoir 894′, and the piston 889′ stays in its withdrawn position as the threaded member 804′ advances. A flange on the end of threaded member 804′ compresses spring 892′ against piston 889′ during advancement of the threaded member to pressurize reservoir 894′. An operator can then control delivery of viscoelastic material from the visco module 860′ into the delivery system, for example, by deploying a visco trigger (such as visco trigger 762 in FIG. 10) on the delivery system that is connected to the visco module. As viscoelastic material is delivered from reservoir 894′, spring 892′ moves piston 889′ toward outlet 895′ until the reservoir is depleted. In some embodiments, the reservoir portion of housing 806′, or all of housing 806′, may be clear or translucent so that the quantity of viscoelastic material it contains can be seen. Markings may be added to the housing to help quantify the amount of viscoelastic material delivered and/or the amount remaining in the housing.



FIGS. 20-21 illustrate still another embodiment of a visco module 1200 for use with, e.g., the viscoelastic delivery systems described herein. In this embodiment, the visco inlet luer fitting 1202 and a one-way check valve 1204 lead to an inlet 1206 on the top front side of the housing 1208 of the visco module 1200. Inlet 1206 extends from check valve 1204 to a top end of a tapered reservoir portion 1212 disposed at the end of a cylindrical reservoir portion 1214 of a reservoir 1210. Rod 1216 extends from a piston 1222 to an interior channel 1218 of a hollow rod 1219 extending from a compression knob 1220. A compression spring 1224 extends between one end of rod 1219 and piston 1222. An outlet 1225 at the tapered portion 1212 of visco reservoir 1210 is adapted to connect via a connector 1226 to a tubing (not shown) leading to a delivery system (not shown), such as the delivery system 750 described above. O-rings 1228 seal piston against the inner wall of reservoir 1210 to prevent viscoelastic material from leaking around the piston.


The reservoir 1210 can be filled with a viscoelastic material (such as by connecting a visco syringe to the luer fitting 1202) to move piston 1222 within reservoir 1210 away from inlet 1204 to the position shown in FIG. 20 in which piston 1222 engages the forward edge of a stop tube 1221, but with the spring 1224 of the visco module in an uncompressed configuration (not shown) and with the compression knob 1220 rotated away from housing 1208 (also not shown) to permit piston movement away from inlet 1204 during injection of viscoelastic material from the syringe. If a visco delivery system is connected via tubing to the outlet of reservoir 1210, and if the visco delivery system's visco delivery trigger is pushed to the open position, viscoelastic material will first flow into the reservoir tapered portion 1212, then into tubing connected to connector 1226 and through the delivery system to the delivery system's conduit exit ports to prime the system. Additional viscoelastic material will then fill the remaining reservoir as the piston is pushed back. The position of inlet 1206 just below the reservoir's cylindrical portion 1214 will cause viscoelastic material to flow across the bottom face 1223 of piston 1222 at the beginning of the priming process, when the piston is at the end of cylindrical portion 1214 (as shown in FIG. 21), thereby purging any air bubbles that may form and deposit on piston face 1223 or in reservoir tapered portion 1212.


After toggling the delivery system's visco delivery trigger to the closed position, the viscoelastic material in the visco reservoir 1210 of visco module 1200 can be pressurized by turning compression knob 1220 so that hollow rod 1219 advances over rod 1216 into the housing 1208 (which has corresponding threads). With the visco delivery trigger in the closed position, viscoelastic material cannot flow out of reservoir 1210, and the piston 1222 stays in its withdrawn position as the rod 1219 advances, thereby compressing spring 1224 and pressurizing reservoir 1210, as shown in FIG. 20. An operator can then control delivery of viscoelastic material from the visco module 1200 into the delivery system, for example, by deploying a visco trigger (such as visco trigger 762 in FIG. 10) on the delivery system that is connected to the visco module. As viscoelastic material is delivered from reservoir 1200, spring 1224 moves piston 1222 toward outlet 1225 until the piston reaches the end of its range of motion, as shown in FIG. 21. In some embodiments, the reservoir portion of housing 1208, or all of housing 1208, may be clear or translucent so that the quantity of viscoelastic material it contains can be seen. Markings may be added to the housing to help quantify the amount of viscoelastic material delivered and/or the amount remaining in the housing.



FIGS. 24-28 illustrate various views of a viscoelastic delivery system 1050 as discussed herein. As described above, the delivery system can include a visco trigger 1062 and a conduit advancement wheel 1064 supported by a handle 1052. A cannula 1054 extends from the distal end of handle 1052. Cannula 1054 has an internal passageway and a distal opening configured to be placed in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal. Referring to FIG. 25, the conduit advancement wheel 1064 can include a number of notches 1098. The wheel can be coupled to a rack and pinion mechanism 1099 which is coupled to a conduit 1053 (formed, e.g., from a Vestamid® ML21 nylon extrusion) to control advancement of the conduit 1053 within the cannula 1054.


In some embodiments, the gearing of the rack and pinion system can be optimized to advance the conduit by a set distance for every notch 1098 of the conduit advancement wheel 1064. For example, in one embodiment, the notches can be spaced apart by 3 mm, and 1:1 gearing can be used in the rack and pinion system such that advancement of the conduit advancement wheel by one notch will advance the conduit by 3 mm. In alternative embodiments, other gearing ratios can be used. For example, a 2:1 gearing ratio can be used to advance the conduit by 6 mm when there is a 3 mm spacing between notches.


As shown in FIGS. 26-27, a cantilever spring 1065 formed from wire or as a molded plastic bar can slide along the ridges of the notched conduit advancement wheel 1064 to give the user tactile feedback to know exactly how far the conduit is advanced into Schlemm's canal when the wheel is rotated, giving the user knowledge of where viscoelastic material is injected relative to the cannula tip. FIG. 30 shows an alternative conduit advancement wheel 1064′ and an alternative cantilever spring 1065′ that slides into and out of depressions 1067 in the side of wheel 1064′ to provide tactile feedback. FIG. 31 shows yet another alternative advancement wheel 1064″ with depressions 1067″ and a cantilever spring 1065″ for tactile feedback of conduit advancement.


In some embodiments, the rack and pinion mechanism 1099 is configured to travel 24 mm. In the completely retracted configuration, 24 mm of the conduit 1053 resides within handle 1052, and the conduit resides within the straight portion of cannula 1054 proximal to the distal curved portion of the cannula. The conduit can be kept in this configuration during shipping and/or storage so that the conduit does not take on a curved set from the curved portion of the cannula. The 24 mm of rack movement to the most extended configuration will result in 20 mm of conduit being extended from the cannula.


Referring to FIGS. 25-28, operation of the visco trigger 1062 will now be discussed. As described above, the visco trigger 1062 can comprise a simple toggle lever, which can be alternated between and off state and an on state. When the visco trigger is in the off state, the delivery system 1050 does not deliver a flow a viscoelastic material through the conduit within the cannula. In contrast, when the visco trigger is moved to the on state, a flow of viscoelastic material is allowed to flow from the visco module (described above) through the toggle valve 1001, and into the conduit/cannula of the delivery system. Thus, the amount of viscoelastic material delivered from the delivery system is correlated with the length of time the visco trigger is in the on state.


Referring to FIGS. 26-28, a shaft 1003 is disposed at a position offset from the rotational axis 1063 of visco trigger 1062, and the distal end of shaft 1003 is disposed within a groove 1061 in visco trigger 1062. The distal end 1004 of shaft 1003 slides within groove 1061 as trigger 1062 moves. The distal end 1004 of shaft 1003 may be convex, as shown in FIG. 28, or flat. The offset position of shaft 1003 with respect to the rotational axis of trigger 1062 causes shaft 1003 to move forward and back along its longitudinal axis, which compresses spring 1005 and moves the position of one or more o-rings 1007 within the toggle valve 1001. The movement of o-ring(s) 1007 opens the valve to allow a pressurized flow of viscoelastic material to flow from the visco module (described above) through tubing 1010 into valve inlet 1009 and out of a valve outlet (not shown) into tubing 1012 leading to the conduit 1053. (FIG. 26 omits tubing 1010 and most of tubing 1012 for clarity. Likewise, FIG. 28 shows valve outlet 1011 with tubing 1012 omitted for clarity.) When the user's actuation force is released from the visco trigger, the spring 1005 decompresses to move shaft 1003 and the o-rings 1007 back into place, returning visco trigger 1062 to its off state, closing the valve, and effectively stopping the flow of pressurized viscoelastic material.


Tubing 1012 extends from the valve outlet over a strain relief element 1002 on the side of toggle valve 1001. Tubing 1012 forms a loop within handle 1052 when the rack and pinion is in its most retracted position, as shown in FIG. 27, and straightens out during advancement of the conduit. FIG. 29 shows a strain relief element 1002′ with an alternative shape.



FIGS. 32-34 illustrate other alternative embodiments of some components of viscoelastic delivery system of FIGS. 24-28. In one embodiment, the visco trigger 1362 of the delivery system has a modified shape. As described above, the visco trigger 1362 can be a simple toggle lever, which can be alternated between and off state and an on state. When the visco trigger is in the off state, the delivery system 1050 does not deliver a flow a viscoelastic material through the conduit within the cannula. In contrast, when an actuation force is applied to the visco trigger, the visco trigger is moved rearward to the on state (as shown in FIGS. 32-34), and a flow of viscoelastic material is allowed to flow from the visco module (described above) through the toggle valve 1301 and into the conduit/cannula of the delivery system. Specifically, rearward movement of visco trigger 1362 moves shaft 1306 against the action of spring 1304 to move ball valve 1305 away from its seat on O-ring 1303 (as shown in FIG. 32 with valve housing 1310 shown in phantom), thereby allowing pressurized viscoelastic material to flow into valve housing 1310 and out into tubing 1012 leading to the delivery system's conduit (not shown). When the actuation force is removed, visco trigger 1362 returns to the off state, the spring 1304 decompresses to move ball valve 1305 back into place against its seat on O-ring 1303, closing the valve and effectively stopping the flow of pressurized viscoelastic material. The components of valve housing 1310 may be glued together. Openings 1312 may be formed in valve housing 1310 to facilitate glue injection.


The visco trigger may be a simple lever, such as toggle lever 1062 in FIG. 28 or toggle lever 1362 in FIGS. 32-34, or it may alternatively have an angled shape, such as toggle lever 1362′ shown in FIG. 35. Visco trigger 1062, visco trigger 1362, and visco trigger 1362′ may be formed from plastic (e.g., PEEK), stainless steel, or any other suitable material.



FIG. 36 shows a toggle lock 1340 that keeps visco trigger 1362 in its rearward (open) position during priming. Toggle lock 1340 may be removed from handle 1052 by pulling upward on tabs 1341 after priming and before pressurizing the visco cartridge (e.g., by turning compression knob 1220 of the embodiment of FIG. 20) and using the viscoelastic delivery system to treat a patient. FIG. 37 shows an alternative toggle lock 1340′ with larger tabs 1341′ to facilitate its removal from handle 1052.



FIGS. 38 and 39 show details of the distal end of cannula 1054 of the viscoelastic delivery system, which has a beveled tip 1055. Tip 1055 may be electropolished so that it is not so sharp as to puncture or shear the conduit 1053 (not shown in FIG. 38) as it moves into and out of cannula 1054, but sharp enough to puncture trabecular meshwork tissue during the therapy. As shown in FIG. 39, tip 1055 has two flat surfaces 1056 and 1057 at the distal end formed, e.g., by grinding the angled surface 1058.



FIGS. 40-44 show how the curved cannula 1054 extending from handle 1052 may be rotated a known amount with respect to the handle. Cannula 1054 is welded to a rotatable hub 1402 extending from the distal end of the handle 1052 with the angled tip of the cannula pointing to one of two notches 1403 in hub 1402. A barrel 1404 extends around hub 1402. Barrel 1404 has a groove 1408 at a proximal open end 1409 that rests against an O-ring 1410 on the handle. A locking plug 1412 is disposed with its proximally facing surface against a distally facing surface 1407 surrounding a distal opening 1406 of barrel 1404 to connect barrel 1404 to hub 1402 so that barrel 1404, hub 1402 and cannula 1054 rotate together. Two legs 1414 extend proximally from locking plug 1412 through notches 1403. Tabs 1416 on legs 1414 engage proximally facing surfaces of hub 1402 to press barrel proximally against O-ring 1410, and ridges 1418 on legs 1414 engage corresponding grooves 1420 on the inside of barrel 1404. Cannula 1054 extends through distal opening 1406 of barrel 1404 and through an opening 1422 in locking plug 1412. When assembled, a line 1424 on the exterior of barrel 1404 lines up with the radial direction in which the angled tip of 1054 extends. By orienting line 1424 with graduated “clock hour” markings and/or numbers 1426 on handle 1052, a user will know the orientation of the curved tip of cannula 1054 even when the cannula itself cannot be easily seen, e.g., when the cannula has been inserted into a patient's eye. O-ring 1410 provides friction resisting free movement of barrel 1404 to hold the barrel/hub/cannula assembly in its rotational position. Barrel 1404 may have grooves, ridges or knurls 1405 for easy gripping.


The systems described herein provide a novel and unique viscoelastic delivery system. The delivery system itself includes separate triggers or mechanisms for deploying or administering viscoelastic material from the delivery system into the eye and for controlling the position from which the viscoelastic material is deployed (via the conduit). Methods of use can also be provided herein.


Referring to FIG. 45, a flowchart is provided describing a method of treating an eye of a patient with an ocular system. The method can include the following steps:


At an operation 1102 of FIG. 45, the method can include inserting a distal end of a cannula of the ocular system into an anterior chamber of the eye. In some embodiments, the cannula can be inserted through an incision of the eye into the anterior chamber. In other embodiments, the cannula can pierce the eye with its distal tip to enter the anterior chamber.


At an operation 1104, the method can further include placing the distal end of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal such that the cannula enters Schlemm's canal in a substantially tangential orientation.


At an operation 1106, the method can further include actuating a first control of the ocular system to advance a conduit out of the cannula and into Schlemm's canal. The first control can also further advance and retract the conduit within Schlemm's canal, and it can retract the conduit fully into the cannula. As described above, the delivery system can include a viscoelastic advancement wheel configured to move the conduit of the delivery system within the cannula. The conduit can be moved, for example, distally from the cannula to cause the conduit to partially extend beyond the distal opening of the cannula. Alternatively, the conduit can be moved proximally relative to the distal end of the cannula. Adjusting the position of the conduit relative to the cannula can be used to adjust the position of the viscoelastic delivery port of the conduit. In one example, the viscoelastic delivery port comprises an opening at a distal end of the conduit. The viscoelastic delivery port can be configured to administer a flow of viscoelastic material into tissue or a body structure. In some implementations, the first control can be a control wheel, lever, switch, button, or the like disposed on a handle of the ocular system. In other embodiments, the first control can be remote from a handle of the system (e.g., a foot switch). The first control can include physical features such as detents, notches, etc. to give a user tactile feedback on how far the conduit has been advanced or retracted.


At an operation 1108, the method can further include actuating a second control of the ocular system to administer a viscoelastic material into the conduit and into Schlemm's canal. In some implementations, the second control can be a control wheel, lever, switch, button, or the like disposed on the handle of the ocular system. The first control and the second control can be adjacent to another, or can be positioned on the handle to allow the user to manipulate both the first control and the second control. In some embodiments, the second control is remote from the handle (e.g., positioned on the viscoelastic module).


The second control can comprise an on/off switch, in which viscoelastic material flows out of the conduit in the on position and does not flow out of the conduit in the off position. In other embodiments, the second control can deposit a known volume of viscoelastic material into Schlemm's canal. The second control gives the user control over how much viscoelastic material is delivered into Schlemm's canal. In some examples, a consistent bolus or volume of viscoelastic material can be injected into Schlemm's canal each time the position of the viscoelastic delivery port is adjusted. In some embodiments, a larger volume of viscoelastic material can be administered when desired. The position of the conduit, and thus the viscoelastic delivery port, can be controlled separately by the user from the administration of viscoelastic material (e.g., via the first and second controls, respectively).


In some embodiments, the viscoelastic material can be administered prior to delivery of an ocular implant to open aqueous humor outflow pathways. In other embodiments, the viscoelastic material can be administered after an ocular implant is placed within Schlemm's canal.


It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics of various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts illustrated by the various embodiments to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims
  • 1. An ocular viscoelastic delivery system, comprising: a handle;a cannula defining a passageway extending from the handle to a distal cannula opening, the cannula being sized and configured to be advanced through an anterior chamber of a patient's eye to place the distal cannula opening in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal of the eye;a conduit slidably disposed within the cannula passageway, the conduit including a viscoelastic delivery port, at least a distal portion of the conduit being sized and configured to be advanced from the cannula into Schlemm's canal;a viscoelastic module in fluid communication with the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port, the viscoelastic module being configured to contain a pressurized volume of viscoelastic material outside of the handle, wherein the viscoelastic module comprises a reservoir and a spring configured to pressurize viscoelastic material in the reservoir, wherein the viscoelastic module further comprises an inlet port adapted to engage with a viscoelastic syringe, the inlet port being fluid being fluidly communicable with the reservoir;a first control configured to adjust a position of the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port relative to the cannula; anda second control configured to release pressurized viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module through the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal.
  • 2. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the viscoelastic module further comprises: a cradle configured to receive a viscoelastic syringe; anda force assembly configured to contact a plunger of the viscoelastic syringe, the force assembly further being configured to apply a constant force against the plunger.
  • 3. The delivery system of claim 2, wherein the force assembly further comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the force assembly with respect to the plunger.
  • 4. The delivery system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator extending from the viscoelastic module and configured to compress the spring to pressurize the reservoir.
  • 5. The delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a check valve disposed between the inlet port and the reservoir, the check valve being configured to open to permit pressurized viscoelastic material to flow from the viscoelastic syringe through the inlet port to the reservoir and to close to prevent viscoelastic material from the reservoir out of the inlet port.
  • 6. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first control and the second control are disposed on the handle.
  • 7. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein a single actuation of the first control moves the conduit by a known distance.
  • 8. The delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a cantilever spring engaged with the first control and adapted to provide tactile feedback of movement of the first control.
  • 9. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein a single actuation of the second control administers a known volume of viscoelastic material from the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal.
  • 10. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the second control comprises a toggle lever operable to be moved to a first position to open a valve to deliver viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module into the conduit, the second control further comprising a spring operable to move the toggle to a second position to close the valve.
  • 11. The delivery system of claim 10, further comprising a toggle lock configured to hold the toggle lever in the first position.
  • 12. The delivery system of claim 11, wherein the toggle lock is removably disposed on an exterior surface of the handle and engaged with the toggle lever.
  • 13. The delivery system of claim 1, further comprising tubing extending from the viscoelastic module to the handle, the tubing comprising a fluid lumen extending from an outlet of the viscoelastic module to an inlet control in the handle.
  • 14. The delivery system of claim 13, wherein the tubing has a length of 3-4 inches.
  • 15. An ocular viscoelastic delivery system, comprising: a handle;a cannula defining a passageway extending from the handle to a distal cannula opening, the cannula being sized and configured to be advanced through an anterior chamber of a patient's eye to place the distal cannula opening in fluid communication with Schlemm's canal of the eye;a conduit slidably disposed within the cannula passageway, the conduit including a viscoelastic delivery port, at least a distal portion of the conduit being sized and configured to be advanced from the cannula into Schlemm's canal;a viscoelastic module in fluid communication with the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port, the viscoelastic module being configured to contain a pressurized volume of viscoelastic material outside of the handle;a first control configured to adjust a position of the conduit and the viscoelastic delivery port relative to the cannula; anda second control configured to release pressurized viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module through the conduit and viscoelastic delivery port into Schlemm's canal, wherein the second control comprises a toggle lever operable to be moved to a first position to open a valve to deliver viscoelastic material from the viscoelastic module into the conduit, the second control further comprising a spring operable to move the toggle to a second position to close the valve.
  • 16. The delivery system of claim 15, wherein the viscoelastic module further comprises: a cradle configured to receive a viscoelastic syringe; anda force assembly configured to contact a plunger of the viscoelastic syringe, the force assembly further being configured to apply a constant force against the plunger.
  • 17. The delivery system of claim 16, wherein the force assembly further comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the force assembly with respect to the plunger.
  • 18. The delivery system of claim 15, wherein the viscoelastic module comprises a reservoir and a spring configured to pressurize viscoelastic material in the reservoir.
  • 19. The delivery system of claim 15, further comprising a toggle lock configured to hold the toggle lever in the first position.
  • 20. The delivery system of claim 19, wherein the toggle lock is removably disposed on an exterior surface of the handle and engaged with the toggle lever.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,148, filed Jan. 11, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/236,598, filed Aug. 24, 2021, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (550)
Number Name Date Kind
703296 Arnold Jun 1902 A
1601709 Windom Oct 1926 A
2716983 George et al. Sep 1955 A
3071135 Baldwin et al. Jan 1963 A
3788327 Donowitz et al. Jan 1974 A
3811442 Maroth May 1974 A
3858577 Bass et al. Jan 1975 A
3884236 Krasnov May 1975 A
3948271 Akiyama Apr 1976 A
3982541 L'Esperance Sep 1976 A
4037604 Newkirk Jul 1977 A
4134405 Smit Jan 1979 A
4273109 Enderby Jun 1981 A
4391275 Fankhauser et al. Jul 1983 A
4428746 Mendez Jan 1984 A
4457757 Molteno Jul 1984 A
4461294 Baron Jul 1984 A
4470407 Hussein Sep 1984 A
4497319 Sekine et al. Feb 1985 A
4501274 Skjaerpe Feb 1985 A
4517973 Sunago et al. May 1985 A
4538608 L'Esperance Sep 1985 A
4548205 Armeniades et al. Oct 1985 A
4551129 Coleman Nov 1985 A
4558698 O'Dell Dec 1985 A
4559942 Eisenberg Dec 1985 A
4566438 Liese et al. Jan 1986 A
4580559 L'Esperance Apr 1986 A
4583539 Karlin et al. Apr 1986 A
4601713 Fuquo Jul 1986 A
4604087 Joseph Aug 1986 A
4633866 Peyman et al. Jan 1987 A
4658816 Ector Apr 1987 A
4660546 Herrick et al. Apr 1987 A
4671273 Lindsey Jun 1987 A
4689040 Thompson Aug 1987 A
4699140 Holmes et al. Oct 1987 A
4706669 Schlegel Nov 1987 A
4722350 Armeniades et al. Feb 1988 A
4722724 Schocket Feb 1988 A
4729373 Peyman Mar 1988 A
4733665 Palmaz Mar 1988 A
4750901 Molteno Jun 1988 A
4770654 Rogers et al. Sep 1988 A
4791927 Menger Dec 1988 A
4826478 Schocket May 1989 A
4846172 Berlin Jul 1989 A
4861341 Woodburn Aug 1989 A
4876250 Clark Oct 1989 A
4880000 Holmes et al. Nov 1989 A
4886488 White Dec 1989 A
4919130 Stoy et al. Apr 1990 A
4925299 Meisberger et al. May 1990 A
4934363 Smith Jun 1990 A
4934809 Volk Jun 1990 A
4936825 Ungerleider Jun 1990 A
4946436 Smith Aug 1990 A
4968296 Ritch et al. Nov 1990 A
4994060 Rink et al. Feb 1991 A
5034010 Kittrell et al. Jul 1991 A
5092837 Ritch et al. Mar 1992 A
5123902 Mullet et al. Jun 1992 A
5127901 Odrich Jul 1992 A
5129895 Vassiliadis et al. Jul 1992 A
5178604 Baerveldt et al. Jan 1993 A
5180362 Worst Jan 1993 A
5190552 Kelman Mar 1993 A
5213569 Davis May 1993 A
5246452 Sinnott Sep 1993 A
5254112 Sinofsky et al. Oct 1993 A
5273056 McLaughlin Dec 1993 A
5290267 Zimmermann Mar 1994 A
5300020 L'Esperance Apr 1994 A
5359685 Waynant et al. Oct 1994 A
5360399 Stegmann Nov 1994 A
5371078 Clark et al. Dec 1994 A
5372577 Ungerleider Dec 1994 A
5445637 Bretton Aug 1995 A
5454796 Krupin Oct 1995 A
5458615 Klemm et al. Oct 1995 A
5501274 Nguyen et al. Mar 1996 A
5536259 Utterberg Jul 1996 A
5575780 Saito Nov 1996 A
5591223 Lock et al. Jan 1997 A
5607966 Hellberg et al. Mar 1997 A
5613972 Lee et al. Mar 1997 A
5626558 Suson May 1997 A
5643250 O'Donnell Jul 1997 A
5653753 Brady et al. Aug 1997 A
5657760 Ying et al. Aug 1997 A
5676669 Colvard Oct 1997 A
5704907 Nordquist et al. Jan 1998 A
5713844 Peyman Feb 1998 A
5722970 Colvard et al. Mar 1998 A
5738676 Hammer Apr 1998 A
5738677 Colvard et al. Apr 1998 A
5785658 Benaron et al. Jul 1998 A
5792099 DeCamp et al. Aug 1998 A
5792103 Schwartz et al. Aug 1998 A
5807302 Wandel Sep 1998 A
5811453 Yanni et al. Sep 1998 A
5865831 Cozean et al. Feb 1999 A
5868697 Richter et al. Feb 1999 A
5879319 Pynson et al. Mar 1999 A
5885279 Bretton Mar 1999 A
5893837 Eagles et al. Apr 1999 A
5895831 Brasier et al. Apr 1999 A
5919171 Kira et al. Jul 1999 A
5948427 Yamamoto et al. Sep 1999 A
5968058 Richter et al. Oct 1999 A
5990099 Clark Nov 1999 A
5993438 Juhasz et al. Nov 1999 A
5997531 Loeb et al. Dec 1999 A
6002480 Izatt et al. Dec 1999 A
6007511 Prywes Dec 1999 A
6050970 Baerveldt Apr 2000 A
6083193 Kadziauskas et al. Jul 2000 A
6099521 Shaddock Aug 2000 A
6102045 Nordquist et al. Aug 2000 A
6142990 Burk Nov 2000 A
6146375 Juhasz et al. Nov 2000 A
6177544 Kanai et al. Jan 2001 B1
6186974 Allan et al. Feb 2001 B1
6217584 Nun Apr 2001 B1
6221078 Bylsma Apr 2001 B1
6238409 Hojeibane May 2001 B1
6241721 Cozean et al. Jun 2001 B1
D444874 Haffner et al. Jul 2001 S
6297228 Clark Oct 2001 B1
6319274 Shadduck Nov 2001 B1
6328747 Nun Dec 2001 B1
6375642 Grieshaber et al. Apr 2002 B1
6398809 Hoffmann et al. Jun 2002 B1
6409752 Boatman et al. Jun 2002 B1
6450984 Lynch et al. Sep 2002 B1
6464724 Lynch et al. Oct 2002 B1
6471666 Odrich Oct 2002 B1
6494857 Neuhann Dec 2002 B1
6508779 Suson Jan 2003 B1
6517523 Kaneko et al. Feb 2003 B1
6524275 Lynch et al. Feb 2003 B1
6533764 Haffner et al. Mar 2003 B1
6533768 Hill Mar 2003 B1
6544208 Ethier et al. Apr 2003 B2
6544249 Yu et al. Apr 2003 B1
6551289 Higuchi et al. Apr 2003 B1
6626858 Lynch et al. Sep 2003 B2
6638239 Bergheim et al. Oct 2003 B1
6666841 Gharib et al. Dec 2003 B2
6699210 Williams et al. Mar 2004 B2
6699211 Savage Mar 2004 B2
6702790 Ross Mar 2004 B1
6726676 Stegmann et al. Apr 2004 B2
D490152 Myall et al. May 2004 S
6730056 Ghaem et al. May 2004 B1
6736791 Tu et al. May 2004 B1
6780164 Bergheim et al. Aug 2004 B2
6783544 Lynch et al. Aug 2004 B2
6827699 Lynch et al. Dec 2004 B2
6827700 Lynch et al. Dec 2004 B2
6881198 Brown Apr 2005 B2
6899717 Weber et al. May 2005 B2
6939298 Brown et al. Sep 2005 B2
6955656 Bergheim et al. Oct 2005 B2
6962573 Wilcox Nov 2005 B1
6981958 Gharib et al. Jan 2006 B1
6989007 Shadduck Jan 2006 B2
7018376 Webb et al. Mar 2006 B2
7094225 Tu et al. Aug 2006 B2
7125119 Farberov Oct 2006 B2
7133137 Shimmick Nov 2006 B2
7135009 Tu et al. Nov 2006 B2
7147650 Lee Dec 2006 B2
7163543 Smedley et al. Jan 2007 B2
7186232 Smedley et al. Mar 2007 B1
7192412 Zhou et al. Mar 2007 B1
7207965 Simon Apr 2007 B2
7207980 Christian et al. Apr 2007 B2
7220238 Lynch et al. May 2007 B2
7273475 Tu et al. Sep 2007 B2
7297130 Bergheim et al. Nov 2007 B2
7331984 Tu et al. Feb 2008 B2
7488303 Haffner et al. Feb 2009 B1
7699882 Stamper et al. Apr 2010 B2
7740604 Schieber et al. Jun 2010 B2
7931596 Rachlin et al. Apr 2011 B2
7967772 McKenzie et al. Jun 2011 B2
8012115 Karageozian Sep 2011 B2
8123729 Yamamoto et al. Feb 2012 B2
8172899 Silvestrini et al. May 2012 B2
8267882 Euteneuer et al. Sep 2012 B2
8282592 Schieber et al. Oct 2012 B2
8308701 Horvath et al. Nov 2012 B2
8337509 Schieber et al. Dec 2012 B2
8372026 Schieber et al. Feb 2013 B2
8414518 Schieber et al. Apr 2013 B2
8425449 Wardle et al. Apr 2013 B2
8475374 Irazoqui et al. Jul 2013 B2
8512404 Frion et al. Aug 2013 B2
8529494 Euteneuer et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540659 Berlin Sep 2013 B2
8551166 Schieber et al. Oct 2013 B2
8629161 Mizuno et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636647 Silvestrini et al. Jan 2014 B2
8647659 Robinson et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657776 Wardle et al. Feb 2014 B2
8663150 Wardle et al. Mar 2014 B2
8663303 Horvath et al. Mar 2014 B2
8734377 Schieber et al. May 2014 B2
8808222 Schieber et al. Aug 2014 B2
8939906 Huang et al. Jan 2015 B2
8939948 De Juan, Jr. et al. Jan 2015 B2
8945038 Yablonski Feb 2015 B2
8951221 Stegmann et al. Feb 2015 B2
8961447 Schieber et al. Feb 2015 B2
8974511 Horvath et al. Mar 2015 B2
9039650 Schieber et al. May 2015 B2
9050169 Schieber et al. Jun 2015 B2
9066750 Wardle et al. Jun 2015 B2
9066783 Euteneuer et al. Jun 2015 B2
9155655 Wardle et al. Oct 2015 B2
9211213 Wardle et al. Dec 2015 B2
9226852 Schieber et al. Jan 2016 B2
9301875 Tu et al. Apr 2016 B2
9351874 Schieber et al. May 2016 B2
9358156 Wardle et al. Jun 2016 B2
9402767 Schieber et al. Aug 2016 B2
9510973 Wardle Dec 2016 B2
9579234 Wardle et al. Feb 2017 B2
9603741 Berlin Mar 2017 B2
9610196 Schieber et al. Apr 2017 B2
9636254 Yu et al. May 2017 B2
9642746 Berlin May 2017 B2
9693899 Wardle et al. Jul 2017 B2
9693901 Horvath et al. Jul 2017 B2
9693902 Euteneuer et al. Jul 2017 B2
9730638 Haffner et al. Aug 2017 B2
9757276 Penhasi Sep 2017 B2
9775729 McClain et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782293 Doci Oct 2017 B2
9788999 Schaller Oct 2017 B2
9795503 Perez Grossmann Oct 2017 B2
9808373 Horvath et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820883 Berlin Nov 2017 B2
9833357 Berlin Dec 2017 B2
9931243 Wardle et al. Apr 2018 B2
10159601 Berlin Dec 2018 B2
10335314 Berlin Jul 2019 B2
10363168 Schieber et al. Jul 2019 B2
10390993 Berlin Aug 2019 B1
10406025 Wardle et al. Sep 2019 B2
10492949 Wardle et al. Dec 2019 B2
10537474 Euteneuer et al. Jan 2020 B2
10617558 Schieber et al. Apr 2020 B2
10687978 Berlin Jun 2020 B2
10709547 Schieber Jul 2020 B2
11026836 Wardle et al. Jun 2021 B2
11135088 Wardle et al. Oct 2021 B2
11197779 Van Meter et al. Dec 2021 B2
20010002438 Sepetka et al. May 2001 A1
20020003546 Mochimaru et al. Jan 2002 A1
20020013546 Grieshaber et al. Jan 2002 A1
20020013572 Berlin Jan 2002 A1
20020052653 Durgin May 2002 A1
20020072673 Yamamoto et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020082591 Haefliger Jun 2002 A1
20020133168 Smedley et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020143284 Tu et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020165504 Sharp et al. Nov 2002 A1
20020165522 Holmen Nov 2002 A1
20020193805 Ott et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030004457 Andersson Jan 2003 A1
20030014092 Neuhann Jan 2003 A1
20030040754 Mitchell et al. Feb 2003 A1
20030055372 Lynch et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030060748 Baikoff Mar 2003 A1
20030060752 Bergheim et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030060784 Hilgers et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030093084 Nissan et al. May 2003 A1
20030097151 Smedley et al. May 2003 A1
20030105456 Lin Jun 2003 A1
20030125351 Azuma et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030175324 Robinson et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030181848 Bergheim et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030187384 Bergheim et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030212387 Kurtz et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030229303 Haffner et al. Dec 2003 A1
20030236483 Ren Dec 2003 A1
20030236484 Lynch et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040024345 Gharib et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040024453 Castillejos Feb 2004 A1
20040030302 Kamata et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040070761 Horvath et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040082939 Berlin Apr 2004 A1
20040088048 Richter et al. May 2004 A1
20040092856 Dahan May 2004 A1
20040098124 Freeman et al. May 2004 A1
20040102729 Haffner et al. May 2004 A1
20040106975 Solovay et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040111050 Smedley et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040116909 Neuberger et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040122380 Utterberg Jun 2004 A1
20040127843 Tu et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040147870 Burns et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040193095 Shaddock Sep 2004 A1
20040193262 Shadduck Sep 2004 A1
20040199149 Myers et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040199171 Akahoshi Oct 2004 A1
20040210181 Vass et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040210185 Tu et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040216749 Tu Nov 2004 A1
20040225357 Worst et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040228013 Goldstein et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040249333 Bergheim et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254517 Quiroz-Mercado et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254519 Tu et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254520 Porteous et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040260228 Lynch et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050041200 Rich Feb 2005 A1
20050043722 Lin Feb 2005 A1
20050049578 Tu et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050090806 Lynch et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050090807 Lynch et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050101967 Weber et al. May 2005 A1
20050107734 Coroneo May 2005 A1
20050119636 Haffner et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050119661 Lynch et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050125003 Pinchuk et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131514 Hijlkema et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050149114 Cartledge et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050154443 Linder et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165385 Simon Jul 2005 A1
20050192527 Gharib et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050197667 Chan et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050203542 Weber et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050209549 Bergheim et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050209550 Bergheim et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050240168 Neuberger et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050244464 Hughes Nov 2005 A1
20050245916 Connor Nov 2005 A1
20050250788 Tu et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050260186 Bookbinder et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050266047 Tu et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050271704 Tu et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050273033 Grahn et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050277864 Haffner et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050279369 Lin Dec 2005 A1
20050288619 Gharib et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050288745 Andersen et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060020247 Kagan et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060021623 Miller et al. Feb 2006 A1
20060032507 Tu Feb 2006 A1
20060052879 Kolb Mar 2006 A1
20060069340 Simon Mar 2006 A1
20060074375 Bergheim et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060079828 Brown Apr 2006 A1
20060084907 Bergheim et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060084954 Zadoyan et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060106370 Baerveldt et al. May 2006 A1
20060110428 deJuan et al. May 2006 A1
20060116626 Smedley et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060129141 Lin Jun 2006 A1
20060149194 Conston et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060154981 Klimko et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060155238 Shields Jul 2006 A1
20060155265 Juhasz et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060155300 Stamper et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060167421 Quinn Jul 2006 A1
20060167466 Dusek Jul 2006 A1
20060173397 Tu et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060173399 Rodgers et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060178674 McIntyre Aug 2006 A1
20060189915 Camras et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060189916 Bas et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060189917 Mayr et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060195055 Bergheim et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060195056 Bergheim et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060195187 Stegmann et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060200113 Haffner et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060224146 Lin Oct 2006 A1
20060241749 Tu et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060259021 Lin Nov 2006 A1
20060264971 Akahoshi Nov 2006 A1
20060276759 Kinast et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070010827 Tu et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070021725 Villette Jan 2007 A1
20070027452 Varner et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070073275 Conston et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070088432 Solovay et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070093794 Wang et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070093796 Raksi et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070106200 Levy May 2007 A1
20070106236 Coroneo May 2007 A1
20070112292 Tu et al. May 2007 A1
20070118147 Smedley et al. May 2007 A1
20070121120 Schachar May 2007 A1
20070135681 Chin et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070173791 Raksi Jul 2007 A1
20070179520 West Aug 2007 A1
20070191863 De Juan, Jr. et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070202186 Yamamoto Aug 2007 A1
20070208325 Kurtz Sep 2007 A1
20070219509 Tashiro et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070219541 Kurtz Sep 2007 A1
20070235543 Zadoyan et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070236771 Zadoyan et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070265582 Kaplan et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270945 Kobayashi et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070276315 Haffner et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070276316 Haffner et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070282244 Tu et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070282245 Tu et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070293807 Lynch et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070293872 Peyman Dec 2007 A1
20070298068 Badawi et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080015488 Tu et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080027519 Guerrero Jan 2008 A1
20080045878 Bergheim et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080058704 Hee et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080058777 Kurtz et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080082088 Kurtz et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080091224 Griffis et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080119827 Kurtz et al. May 2008 A1
20080228127 Burns et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080278687 Somani Nov 2008 A1
20080288082 Deal Nov 2008 A1
20080312661 Downer et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090005852 Gittings et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090028953 Yamamoto et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090030363 Gellman Jan 2009 A1
20090030381 Lind et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090036843 Erskine Feb 2009 A1
20090043321 Conston et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090054723 Khairkhahan et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090069786 Vesely et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090082862 Schieber et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090104248 Rapacki et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090118716 Brownell May 2009 A1
20090118717 Brownell et al. May 2009 A1
20090118718 Raksi et al. May 2009 A1
20090131921 Kurtz et al. May 2009 A1
20090137988 Kurtz May 2009 A1
20090138081 Bergheim et al. May 2009 A1
20090157062 Hauger et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090171327 Kurtz et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090182421 Silvestrini et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090198248 Yeung et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090204053 Nissan et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090247955 Yamamoto et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090259126 Saal et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090281520 Highley et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090281530 Korn Nov 2009 A1
20090291423 Hara Nov 2009 A1
20100004580 Lynch et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100036488 de Juan et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100057072 Roman et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100114309 de Juan et al. May 2010 A1
20100137981 Silvestrini et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100173866 Hee et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100191176 Ho et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100191177 Chang et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100234726 Sirimanne et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100234790 Tu et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100262174 Sretavan et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100324543 Kurtz et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100331858 Simaan et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110028948 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028949 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028950 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028951 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028952 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028953 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028954 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028955 Raksi Feb 2011 A1
20110028957 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110028958 Raksi et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110098809 Wardle Apr 2011 A1
20110196487 Badawi et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110218523 Robl Sep 2011 A1
20110224597 Stegmann et al. Sep 2011 A1
20120010702 Stegmann et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120021397 Van Dalen et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120022424 Yamamoto et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120035524 Silvestrini Feb 2012 A1
20120191064 Conston et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120271272 Hammack et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120283557 Berlin Nov 2012 A1
20120302861 Marshall et al. Nov 2012 A1
20130023837 Becker Jan 2013 A1
20130182223 Wardle et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130184631 Pinchuk Jul 2013 A1
20130253402 Badawi et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130253403 Badawi et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130253437 Badawi et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130253438 Badawi et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130253528 Haffner et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130267887 Kahook et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130281908 Schaller et al. Oct 2013 A1
20140018720 Horvath et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140066821 Freidland et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140066831 Silvestrini et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140081195 Clauson et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140309599 Schaller Oct 2014 A1
20150018746 Hattenbach Jan 2015 A1
20150022780 John et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150038893 Haffner et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150045714 Horvath et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150057583 Gunn et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150057591 Horvath et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150065940 Rangel-Friedman et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150148836 Heeren May 2015 A1
20150305939 Vera et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150305940 Vera et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150313759 Vera et al. Nov 2015 A1
20160063898 Bernal Mar 2016 A1
20170127941 Ostermeier et al. May 2017 A1
20170143541 Badawi et al. May 2017 A1
20170164831 Choo et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172794 Varner et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172795 Lerner Jun 2017 A1
20170172797 Horvath et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172798 Horvath et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172799 Horvath Jun 2017 A1
20170172800 Romoda et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170202708 Berlin Jul 2017 A1
20170239272 Ambati et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170251921 Phan et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170252209 Gooi Sep 2017 A1
20170280997 Lai et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170281409 Haffner et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170348150 Horvath et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170360609 Schieber et al. Dec 2017 A9
20180256395 Escaf Sep 2018 A1
20180360655 Berlin Dec 2018 A1
20180369017 Schieber et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190142632 Badawi et al. May 2019 A1
20190343679 Wardle et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190380874 Schieber et al. Dec 2019 A1
20200060876 Wardle et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200085620 Euteneuer et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200197221 Schieber et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200222238 Schieber et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200261266 Bley Aug 2020 A1
20200261270 Berlin Aug 2020 A1
20200305878 Herrin Oct 2020 A1
20210030590 Blanda et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210330499 Wardle et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210361477 Johnson et al. Nov 2021 A1
20210361479 Wardle et al. Nov 2021 A1
20220054314 Van Meter et al. Feb 2022 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (74)
Number Date Country
199876197 Feb 1999 AU
4226476 Aug 1993 DE
102012221350 May 2014 DE
0168201 Jun 1988 EP
0957949 Nov 1996 EP
0766544 May 1998 EP
1615604 Aug 2009 EP
2193821 Jun 2010 EP
1715827 Dec 2010 EP
2380622 Oct 2011 EP
2468327 Jun 2012 EP
2471563 Jul 2012 EP
1833440 Aug 2012 EP
3164061 May 2017 EP
2996648 Jun 2017 EP
1732484 Aug 2017 EP
1740153 Aug 2017 EP
3076948 Aug 2017 EP
3205333 Aug 2017 EP
3060180 Sep 2017 EP
3082570 Sep 2017 EP
10504978 May 1998 JP
11123205 May 1999 JP
2002542872 Dec 2002 JP
2006517848 Aug 2006 JP
2006289075 Oct 2006 JP
2009523545 Jun 2009 JP
2010509003 Mar 2010 JP
2011502649 Jan 2011 JP
2012527318 Nov 2012 JP
2015517836 Jun 2015 JP
2017517363 Jun 2017 JP
WO9620742 Jul 1996 WO
WO9901063 Jan 1999 WO
WO9945868 Sep 1999 WO
WO0007525 Feb 2000 WO
WO0064389 Nov 2000 WO
WO0064393 Nov 2000 WO
WO0067687 Nov 2000 WO
WO0189437 Nov 2001 WO
WO0197727 Dec 2001 WO
WO0236052 May 2002 WO
WO02074052 Sep 2002 WO
WO02080811 Oct 2002 WO
WO0301 5659 Feb 2003 WO
WO03045290 Jun 2003 WO
WO2004054643 Jul 2004 WO
WO2004093761 Nov 2004 WO
WO2005105197 Nov 2005 WO
WO2006066103 Jun 2006 WO
WO2007035356 Mar 2007 WO
WO2007047744 Apr 2007 WO
WO2007087061 Aug 2007 WO
WO2008002377 Jan 2008 WO
WO2008005873 Jan 2008 WO
WO2009120960 Oct 2009 WO
WO2011053512 May 2011 WO
WO2011057283 May 2011 WO
WO2011106781 Sep 2011 WO
WO2011150045 Dec 2011 WO
WO2012051575 Apr 2012 WO
WO2012083143 Jun 2012 WO
WO2013147978 Oct 2013 WO
WO2016154066 Sep 2016 WO
WO2017030902 Feb 2017 WO
WO2017030917 Feb 2017 WO
WO2017062347 Apr 2017 WO
WO2017087713 May 2017 WO
WO2017095825 Jun 2017 WO
WO2017132418 Aug 2017 WO
WO2017132647 Aug 2017 WO
WO2017156530 Sep 2017 WO
WO2019106803 Jun 2019 WO
WO2021055751 Mar 2021 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (39)
Entry
Bahler, et al.; Trabecular bypass stents decrease intraocular pressure in cultured human anterior segments; Amer. Journal of Ophthalmology; vol. 138, No. 6; pp. 988-994.e2; Dec. 2004.
Cambridge Dictionary: Sensor (definition); 2 pages; retrived from the internet (http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?dict=CALD&key=71811 >) on Aug. 14, 2018.
Camras et al.; A novel schlemm's canal scaffold increases outflow facility in a human anterior segment perfusion model; Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. , 53(10); pp. 6115-6121; Sep. 1, 2012.
D'Ermo, et al.; Our results with the operation of ab externo trabeculotomy; Ophthalmologica; vol. 163; pp. 347-355; Feb. 1971.
Dietlein et al.; Morphological variability of the trabecular meshwork in glaucoma patients: implications for non-perforating glaucoma surgery; British Journal of Ophthalmology: 84(12); pp. 1354-1359; Dec. 2000.
Ellingsen et al.; Trabeculotomy and sinusotomy in enucleated human eyes; Investigative Ophthalmology; vol. 11; pp. 21-28; Jan. 1972.
Gallab et al.; Development of a spherical model with a 3D microchannel: An application to glaucoma surgery; Micromachines; 10(5):297; pp. 1-12; May 1, 2019.
Grant; Experimental aqueous perfusion in enucleated human eyes; Archives of Ophthalmology; vol. 69; pp. 783-801; Jun. 1963.
Gulati et al; A novel 8-mm schlemm's canal scaffold reduces outflow resistance in a human anterior segment perfusion model; Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; 54(3); pp. 1698-1704; Mar. 5, 2013.
Hays et al.; Improvement in outflow facility by two novel microinvasive glaucoma surgery implants; Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; 55(3); pp. 1893-1900; Mar. 1, 2014.
Huang et al.; Optical coherence tomography; Science; 254(5035); pp. 1178-1181; 12 pages (Author Manuscript); Nov. 1991.
Johnstone et al.; “Microsurgery of Schlemm's Canal and the Human Aqueous Outflow System;” American Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. 76 (6): 906-917; Dec. 1973.
Johnstone et al.; Effects of a schiemm canal scaffold on collector channel ostia in human anterior segments; Exp. Eye. Res.; 119; pp. 70-76; Feb. 2014.
Johnstone; Aqueous humor outflow system overview; Becker-Shaffer's Diagnosis and Therapy of the Glaucomas; Part 2 Aqueous Humor Dynamics; Chapter 3; pp. 25-46; Mosby Elseveir; 2009 (the year of publication is sufficiently earlier than the effective U.S. filing date and any foreign priority date so that the particular month of publication is not in issue).
Kirkness et al.; The Use of Silicone Drainage Tubing to Control Post-Keratoplasty Glaucoma; Eye; 2 (pt 5); pp. 583-590; Apr. 1988.
Lee et al.; Aqueous-venous shunt and intraocular pressure. Preliminary report of animal studies; Investigative Ophthalmology; vol. 5; No. 1; pp. 59-64; Feb. 1966.
Lee et al.; Short-pulsed neodymium-YAG laser trabeculotomy. An in vivo morphological study in the human eye; Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science; 29(11); pp. 1698-1707; Nov. 1988.
Lynch, Mary G.: U.S. Appl. No. 60/131,030 entitled “Devices and methods for treating glaucoma by enhancing aqueous outflow through schlemm's canal and anterior chamber angle,” filed Apr. 26, 1999.
Macmilla Online Dictionary; Detector (definition); Macmilla on Line Dictionary; 2 pages; retrived from the internet (https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/detector) on Aug. 14, 2018.
Mäepea et al.; The pressures in the episcleral veins, schlemm's canal and the trabecular meshwork in monkeys: effects of changes in intraocular pressure; Exp. Eye Res.; vol. 49; pp. 645-663: Oct. 1989.
Molteno et al.; Long Tube Implants in the Management of Glaucoma; SA Medical Journal; 26: pp. 1062-1066; Jun. 1976.
Molteno; New implant for drainage in glaucoma; Brit. J. Ophthal; 53; pp. 606-615; Sep. 1969.
Moses, Robert; The effect of intraocular pressure on resistance to outflow; Survey of Ophthalmology; vol. 22; No. 2; pp. 88-100; Sep.-Oct. 1977.
Nakamura et al.; Femtosecond laser pholodisruption of primate trabecular meshwork: an ex vivo study; Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science; 50(3); pp. 1198-1204; Mar. 2009.
Owen; A moving-mirror gonioscope for retinal surgery; British Journal of Ophthalmology; 61(3); pp. 246-247; Mar. 1977.
Oxford Dictionaries; Detector (definition); 1 page; retrieved from the internet (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/detector) on Aug. 14, 2018.
Oxford Dictionaries; Sensor (definition); 1 page; retrieved from te internet (http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/sensor?>) on Aug. 14, 2018.
Radhakrishnan et al.; Real-time optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment at 1310 nm; Archives of Opthhalmology; 119(8); pp. 1179-1185; Aug. 2001.
Rosenquist et al.; Outflow resistance of enucleated human eyes at two different perfusion pressures and different extents of trabeculotomy; Current Eye Res.; vol. 8: No. 12; pp. 1233-1240; Dec. 1989.
Savage, James; Gonioscopy in the management of glaucoma; Am. Academy of Ophthalmology; Focal Points; vol. XXIV; No. 3; pp. 1-14; Mar. 2006.
Schocket et al.; Anterior Chamber tube Shunt to an Encircling Band in the Treatment of Neovascular Glaucoma and other Refractory Glaucomas; Ophthalmology; 92; pp. 553-562; Apr. 1985.
Schultz, Jared; Canaloplasty procedure shows promise for open-angle glaucoma in European study; Ocular Surgery News; vol. 34; Mar. 1, 2007.
Smit et al.; Effects of viscoelastic injection into schlemm's canal in primate and human eyes; J. Am. Academy of Ophthalmology; vol. 109; No. 4; pp. 786-792; Apr. 2002.
Spiegel et al.; Schlemm's canal implant: a new method to lower intraocular pressure in patients with POAG?; Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers; vol. 30; No. 6; pp. 492-494; Jun. 1999.
Sugiyama et al.; Micro-Diaphragm Pressure Sensor; 1986 International Electron Devices Meeting; pp. 184-187; Dec. 7, 1986.
Toyran et al.; Femtosecond laser photodisruption of human trabecular meshwork: an in vitro study; Experimental Eye Research; 81(3); pp. 298-305; Sep. 2005.
Wilcox et al.; Hypothesis for Improving Accessory Filtration by Using Geometry; Journal of Glaucoma; 3; pp. 244-247; Fall 1994.
Yuan et al.; Mathematical modeling of outflow facility increase with trabecular meshwork bypass and schlemm canal dilation; J. Glaucoma; 10 pgs.; Mar. 24, 2015 (Epub ahead of print).
Wardle et al.; U.S. Appl. No. 17/548,212 entitled “Single operator device for delivering an ocular implant,” filed Dec. 10, 2021.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20220218521 A1 Jul 2022 US
Provisional Applications (2)
Number Date Country
63236598 Aug 2021 US
63136148 Jan 2021 US