Treatment medium delivery device and methods for delivery of such treatment mediums to the eye using such a delivery device
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11633300-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for delivering a treatment medium to an eye includes a first body portion configured to be removably inserted and secured in an opening of the eye, and a second body portion supported by the first body portion. At least the second body portion includes a treatment medium, and a coating having an opening through which the treatment medium elutes out of the device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for delivering a treatment medium to an eye. The device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a treatment medium member. The first portion comprises a plug type member configured and arranged to be removably secured within a punctum of the eye, and the first portion secures the treatment medium member to the device.
The second portion is configured and arranged to elute the treatment medium from the treatment medium member to an exterior surface of the eye. In this way, the device delivers a desired amount of the treatment medium to the eye in a controllable manner. The device is configured and arranged such that when at least a part of the first portion is removably inserted into the punctum, the device occludes or plugs the punctum.
By occluding or plugging the punctum, the device increases retention time on the eye surface by preventing drainage through the nasolacrimal duct and reducing systemic dilution and side effects. The disclosed configurations include a plug type member/stent-like member and a treatment medium member that can include coatings with opening or an elution/diffusion controlled-release structure.
The treatment medium is described in broad categories for ophthalmic conditions and clinical uses, including pre-operative, post-operative, and prophylactic uses. The document describes treatment medium categories and example agents such as anti-inflammatories including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics/antimicrobials, prostanglandins and related agents, anti-VEGF agents, thrombolytics, and fluticasone.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim. The independent claim focuses on the combination of a removable plug-type first portion that occludes a punctum and a second portion that elutes a treatment medium to an exterior surface of the eye in a controllable manner, with the treatment medium member carried by the first portion.
Removably secured plug type member occluding the punctum
A plug type member configured and arranged to be removably secured within a punctum of the eye, wherein the first portion secures the treatment medium member to the device, and wherein the device occludes or plugs the punctum when at least a part of the first portion is removably inserted into the punctum.
Eluting second portion delivering controllable treatment to an exterior surface
A second portion configured and arranged to elute the treatment medium from the treatment medium member to an exterior surface of the eye, thereby controllably delivering a desired amount of the treatment medium to the eye.
Across the independent claim, the core inventive coverage is the removably inserted plug-type portion that occludes or plugs the punctum while supporting the treatment medium member, together with a second portion that elutes the treatment medium to the exterior surface of the eye for controllable delivery.
Stated Advantages
Increases retention time on the eye surface by preventing drainage through the nasolacrimal duct.
Reduces systemic dilution/side effects.
Documented Applications
Pre-operative, post-operative, and prophylactic ophthalmic uses are described.
Use is described in connection with Lasik, cataract procedures, refractive procedures, glaucoma procedures, and corneal transplant management.
Use is described for corneal melts, conjunctivitis, dry eye, pre- and post-operative inflammation and pain, inflammation, and infections.
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