Sulcus implants and methods of using the same
Inventors
Cable, II, Craig Alan • Kahook, Malik Y. • Sussman, Glenn R. • Dennewill, James R.
Assignees
University of Colorado Colorado Springs • University of Colorado Denver • Spyglass Pharma Inc
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Publication Number
US-11806227-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
This disclosure provides ophthalmic implants such as sulcus implants which can comprise one or more drug delivery devices. Further provided herein are methods of using the drug delivery ophthalmic devices described herein for implantation into a subject's eye, e.g., into an eye's ciliary sulcus or capsular bag.
Core Innovation
The ocular implant is configured for implantation into an eye of a subject and includes a ring and a haptic. The ring includes an outer circumferential surface, an inner wall, a central aperture, and a hole communicating from an opening in the outer circumferential surface toward the inner wall.
A haptic is connected to the ring at a haptic first end and a haptic second end. The haptic second end is slidably disposed within the hole, whereby the haptic is deformable by forces applied by tissues into which the ocular implant is implanted, and the deformation forces the haptic second end into the hole while the ring retains its configuration.
In some configurations, a haptic distal tip inhibits removal from the hole based on size relationships between the haptic distal tip and the hole bore, while grasping features and accessible tip configurations allow engagement by a grasping tool. Variations also include aqueous humor flow-pathway/through-hole embodiments to avoid fluid buildup and allow therapeutic agent flow, and the ring can be used in conjunction with lens/IOL components and drug delivery structures for delivering therapeutic agents such as bimatoprost.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set centers on an ocular implant architecture with a ring having a central aperture and an inner-wall-access hole, and a haptic whose second end is slidably disposed in that hole and is deformable by tissue-applied forces to move into the hole. Additional claim features refine retention, implantation location, and add drug delivery and therapeutic-agent selection features.
Ring with central aperture and inner-wall hole communicating from outer surface
A ring configured for implantation into the eye, the ring including an outer circumferential surface, an inner wall, and a central aperture, where the ring comprises a hole communicating from an opening in the outer circumferential surface toward the inner wall.
Slidably disposed deformable haptic second end forced into the hole by tissue forces
A haptic connected to the ring at a haptic first end and a haptic second end, wherein the haptic second end is slidably disposed within the hole, whereby the haptic is deformable by forces applied by tissues into which the ocular implant is implanted to force the haptic second end into the hole.
Haptic distal tip cross-section larger than hole bore to inhibit removal
The haptic second end includes a haptic distal tip with a larger cross section than the rest of the haptic second end, and the hole has a bore with a cross section smaller than the haptic distal tip, whereby the haptic second end is inhibited or prevented from removal from the hole.
Implantation in posterior chamber and ciliary sulcus
The ring is configured for implantation in the posterior chamber and a ciliary sulcus of the eye of the subject, with the ring configured for implantation in the posterior chamber of the eye of the subject.
Drug delivery structure coupled to the ocular implant
The ocular implant includes a drug delivery structure.
Therapeutic agent selected from specified classes
The therapeutic agent is selected from one or more specified drug classes and bioactive agents, including prostaglandin analogues, receptor agonists/activators, enzyme inhibitors, steroids, and various anti-inflammatory or anti-proliferative agents.
Overall, the claims combine a ring/inner-wall hole with a slidably disposed deformable haptic second end that is forced into the hole by tissue-applied forces, and in refinements use size relationships at a haptic distal tip and hole bore to inhibit removal. Additional coverage includes specified implantation locations, optional drug delivery structures, and therapeutic-agent selection from listed drug classes.
Stated Advantages
Inhibits or prevents removal of the haptic second end from the hole.
Reduces tissue trauma by constraining iris/ciliary contact as described in the summary content.
Avoids fluid buildup and enables therapeutic agent flow via aqueous humor flow-pathway/through-hole embodiments as described in the summary content.
Documented Applications
Implantation into the ciliary sulcus/posterior chamber/capsular bag for treating glaucoma and other ocular disorders, as described in the provided summary content.
Therapeutic agent delivery using an ocular implant architecture including drug delivery structures, with example therapeutic agent bimatoprost, as described in the provided summary content.
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