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Publication Number
US-12090088-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides devices to access the suprachoroidal space or sub-retinal space in an eye via a minimally invasive transconjunctival approach. The devices may also be used after a partial dissection, for example after dissection of the outer scleral layer of the eye, and using the device within the dissection to access the suprachoroidal space or the sub-retinal space.
Core Innovation
An ocular access device and methods administer a therapeutic substance to a target region of an eye by minimally invasive transconjunctival access toward the suprachoroidal space or the sub-retinal space. The approach uses an elongated body with a sharpened distal tip and an access port/lumen pathway that conveys therapeutic or diagnostic materials into the target region after the target region is created or expanded.
The device concept includes a moveable mechanical or fluidic guarding element that self-activates to shield the tip and apply a distally directed force to displace choroid or retina. The technique includes creating or expanding the target region by displacing a second portion relative to a first portion, then withdrawing the elongate member relative to the first portion, with the lumen of the puncture member providing a pathway for conveying the therapeutic substance into the target region.
The disclosed access approach further includes optional sealing to reduce leakage along the tissue tract and depth control via mechanical stops or tissue seals. Stabilization is provided by a surface-retention or seal element, and delivery can include therapeutic substances such as sustained-release formulations and triamcinolone acetonide.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent methods covering administering a therapeutic substance to a target region by inserting a puncture member, creating or expanding the target region by advancing a solid elongate member, withdrawing the elongate member, and conveying the therapeutic substance into the target region. Across these independent claims, the coverage concentrates on insertion into a first portion of the eye, displacing a second portion to create or expand a target region between the first and second portions, slidably fitting a solid elongate member within a lumen of the puncture member, and conveying the therapeutic substance through the puncture-member lumen.
Automatic advancement to create or expand a target region with solid elongate member slidably fitting within puncture member
inserting a distal end portion of a puncture member into a first portion of the eye; advancing, automatically in response to reduced resistance provided by the target region, an elongate member relative to the first portion of the eye to displace a second portion of the eye relative to the first portion to at least one of create or expand the target region, the target region disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and the elongate member having a solid shape including a distal end configured to fit slidably within the puncture member; withdrawing the elongate member relative to the first portion; and conveying, through a lumen of the puncture member, the therapeutic substance into the target region.
Solid elongate member slidably fitting within puncture member lumen to create or expand target region and conveying therapeutic substance
inserting a distal end portion of a puncture member into a first portion of the eye; advancing an elongate member relative to the first portion to displace a second portion of the eye relative to the first portion to at least one of create or expand the target region, the elongate member being solid and having a distal end configured to fit slidably within the puncture member, and the target region being disposed between the first portion and the second portion; withdrawing the elongate member relative to the first portion; and conveying the therapeutic substance into the target region.
Force-based advancement with compressive element through puncture-member lumen and completely removing elongate member
inserting a distal end portion of a puncture member through a first portion of the eye and towards the target region; as the distal end portion reaches the target region, advancing, with a force provided by a compressive element, an elongate member distally relative to and through a lumen defined by the puncture member to displace a second portion of the eye relative to the first portion to at least one of create or expand the target region, the target region being disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and the elongate member being solid and configured to slidably fit fully within the lumen; with the target region created or expanded, completely removing the elongate member from the first portion of the eye; and conveying the therapeutic substance into the target region.
Across the independent claims, the document covers administering a therapeutic substance to an eye target region by inserting a puncture member into a first eye portion, advancing a solid elongate member to displace a second eye portion and create or expand the target region between them, withdrawing the elongate member, and conveying the therapeutic substance into the target region using a lumen of the puncture member. The independent claim set distinguishes advancement mechanics by including automatically in response to reduced resistance, and by including a compressive element providing force as the distal end reaches the target region.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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