Method and device for treating eye disease
Inventors
Kao, Brandon Wei-Hsiang • Battu, Adarsh Narayan • Jiang, Rui Jing
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11717440-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein is a device for lowering intraocular pressure, the device comprising a plate structure comprising an upper surface opposite a lower surface, the plate structure formed from a multi-directional plate having a plate thickness ranging from about 1 nm to about 1,000 nm.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a glaucoma treatment device and a method of reducing intraocular pressure in an eye using a continuous plate structure. The device includes an uppermost surface opposite a lowermost surface, where the uppermost surface includes a plurality of open cells. The lowermost surface includes a fluid pathway with a plurality of open channels configured in an intersecting grid pattern extending from a first end to a second end.
The continuous plate structure is defined by a geometry in which the first end has a maximum width that is narrower than a maximum width of the second end, enabling aqueous humor to flow from the first end toward the second end. The intersecting grid pattern and open-ended cells and/or open channels form fluid pathways intended to allow aqueous humor to exit the eye, including to locations such as a subconjunctival bleb.
The described treatment configurations position the first end of the plate in an anterior chamber and the second end in at least one specified outflow-related location, including uveoscleral outflow pathway, Schlemm’s canal, a collector channel, a supraciliary space, a trabecular meshwork, a subconjunctival space, or a suprachoroidal space. The documented implementations further include securing and orientation options for the plate surfaces relative to sclera and conjunctiva, and securing the device by insertion and/or securing to eye tissue, including between adjacent eye muscles.
The problem addressed is reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma by providing a treatment device that enables aqueous humor to flow along a fluid pathway to reduce intraocular pressure within the eye.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims (methods) that share a common plate-based aqueous humor flow concept and together specify the key inventive features: a continuous plate structure with open cells and intersecting grid open channels forming a fluid pathway, a first narrower end inserted into the anterior chamber, and a second wider end inserted into specified drainage tissue locations to reduce intraocular pressure. Across the independent claims, the main anatomical placement differences concern where the second end is secured and how it may be secured within drainage tissue, including between adjacent eye muscles.
Continuous plate structure with open cells and intersecting grid open channels forming a fluid pathway
A continuous plate structure with an uppermost surface opposite a lowermost surface, the uppermost surface including a plurality of open cells, and a plurality of open channels formed into one surface, the plurality of open channels configured in an intersecting grid pattern extending from a first end to a second end, where the intersecting grid pattern defines a fluid pathway enabling aqueous humor to flow along the fluid pathway thereby reducing intraocular pressure within the eye.
Narrower first end inserted into an anterior chamber for aqueous humor reception
A first end having a maximum width that is narrower than a maximum width of the second end, where the first end is inserted into an anterior chamber of the eye and secured within the anterior chamber for receiving excess aqueous humor, while aqueous humor flows along the fluid pathway.
Second end inserted into specified drainage tissue outflow locations
A second end that is inserted into at least one of an uveoscleral outflow pathway, Schlemm’s canal, a collector channel, a supraciliary space, a trabecular meshwork, a subconjunctival space, or a suprachoroidal space and secured within drainage tissue of an eye such that the device enables aqueous humor to flow along the fluid pathway thereby reducing intraocular pressure within the eye.
Securing second end within drainage tissue by anatomical placement between eye muscles
The treatment method wherein the second end is positioned such that at least part is positioned between adjacent eye muscles, and/or wherein the second end is inserted between two adjacent eye muscles, while the first end remains secured within the anterior chamber and aqueous humor flows along the fluid pathway to reduce intraocular pressure.
Across both independent claims, the invention centers on a continuous plate structure that includes open cells and intersecting grid open channels forming a fluid pathway for aqueous humor, spanning from a narrower first end in the anterior chamber to a wider second end secured within specified drainage tissue outflow locations, optionally including placement between adjacent eye muscles. This configuration enables aqueous humor to flow along the fluid pathway to reduce intraocular pressure within the eye.
Stated Advantages
Enables aqueous humor to flow along the fluid pathway thereby reducing intraocular pressure within the eye.
Documented Applications
Reducing intraocular pressure in an eye of a glaucoma patient by implanting a continuous plate structure so that aqueous humor flows along a fluid pathway from an anterior chamber to specified outflow locations.
Use in relation to subconjunctival implantation and placement toward a subconjunctival bleb.
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