Ocular implants and methods for delivering ocular implants into the eye
Inventors
Wardle, John • SCHIEBER, Andrew Thomas • Galt, Kenneth M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12746153-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.
Core Innovation
The patent discloses an ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm’s canal of an eye. The implant body is curved about a longitudinal axis, defines a longitudinal channel with a channel opening, and defines additional openings in fluid communication with the channel. At least some of the additional openings are configured to be positioned in Schlemm’s canal circumferentially around the iris.
The disclosed implant geometry can orient the channel opening adjacent to a major side of Schlemm’s canal upon implantation. Additional disclosed configurations include a channel width-to-depth aspect ratio greater than one, an implant body that is more than 50% open due to the additional openings, and a therapeutic agent deposited on the body.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify one independent claim comprising seven inventive features across the independent and dependent claims.
Curved implant body
The body has a first major surface comprising a concave surface and a second major surface comprising a convex surface, adapted to be curved about a longitudinal axis.
Longitudinal channel
The body defines a longitudinal channel having a channel opening.
Fluid-connected additional openings
The body defines a plurality of additional openings in fluid communication with the longitudinal channel, with at least some configured to be positioned in Schlemm’s canal circumferentially around an iris of the eye.
Channel opening orientation
The body is configured to orient the implant so the channel opening is adjacent to a major side of Schlemm’s canal when implanted.
Channel width-to-depth aspect ratio
The channel width-to-depth aspect ratio is greater than one.
Open implant body
The body is more than 50% open due to the additional openings.
Therapeutic agent on the body
A therapeutic agent is deposited on the body.
The independent claim covers the curved ocular implant body, longitudinal channel, and fluid-connected openings positioned circumferentially around the iris in Schlemm’s canal. The dependent claims add channel-opening orientation adjacent to a major side of the canal, channel aspect ratio, body openness, and a deposited therapeutic agent.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm’s canal of an eye, with at least some additional openings configured for positioning circumferentially around the iris.
A delivery system in which a sheath covers the implant openings during advancement and uncovers them at the target location.
An ocular implant comprising a deposited therapeutic agent, including anti-glaucoma drugs.
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