Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090092654 | Drug Delivery Methods, Structures, and Compositions for Nasolacrimal System - An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent. | 04-09-2009 |
20090099626 | Lacrimal implant detection - This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a lacrimal implant insertable at least partially into a lacrimal punctum. The lacrimal implant comprises an implant core, and an implant body. The implant body includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the implant core. At least one of the implant core and the implant cavity includes a detection device configured to allow automatic detection of the lacrimal implant with a separate detector device. | 04-16-2009 |
20090104243 | Drug cores for sustained release of therapeutic agents - A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105749 | Insertion and extraction tools for lacrimal implants - Insertion and extraction tool, systems, and methods for use with lacrimal implants. An insertion tool is disclosed that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tool body therebetween. The distal end includes a mechanical coupling to receive a cartridge preloaded with a lacrimal implant, and a plunger configured to dispense the lacrimal implant from a preloaded cartridge. | 04-23-2009 |
20090194941 | INFLATABLE PONG TABLE - An inflatable pong table comprises a substantially hollow inflatable member. The inflatable member may be formed with an opposing pair of end recesses and having an intermediate recess interposed between the end recesses. The pong table may further comprise a pair of end inserts that are removably insertable within the end recesses. Each of the end inserts preferably includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each of the apertures may be sized and configured to receive the base of a beverage container. An intermediate insert is preferably configured to be removably insertable into the intermediate recess. The intermediate insert is preferably formed with a substantially hard and planar upper surface to facilitate bouncing of a ball thereagainst. | 08-06-2009 |
20090292355 | INTRAOCULAR, ACCOMMODATING LENS AND METHODS OF USE - An intraocular lens comprises an optical element adapted to be implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye. The optical element includes one or more internal layers formed by one or more planes that are moveable relative to one another in order to effect the power of the optical element. | 11-26-2009 |
20100010416 | GLAUCOMA TREATMENT DEVICE - Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber. | 01-14-2010 |
20100036488 | Therapeutic device for pain management and vision - A therapeutic lens for the treatment of an epithelial defect comprises a layer of therapeutic material disposed over the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane to inhibit water flow from the tear liquid to the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane, such that corneal deturgescence can be restored to decrease corneal swelling and light scattering. The layer may cover and protect nerve fibers to decrease pain. The layer may comprise an index of refraction to inhibit light scatter from an anterior surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane. The lens may comprise a curved anterior surface that provides functional vision for the patient when the epithelium regenerates. The layer of therapeutic material can be positioned on the eye in many ways, for example with a spray that is cured to adhere the layer to the exposed surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane. | 02-11-2010 |
20100292731 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO TREAT DISEASED OR INJURED MUSCULOSKELETAL TISSUE - A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained. | 11-18-2010 |
20100324554 | Aortic Valve Repair - The present invention provides devices and methods for decalcifying an aortic valve. The methods and devices of the present invention break up or obliterate calcific deposits in and around the aortic valve through application or removal of heat energy from the calcific deposits. | 12-23-2010 |
20110028883 | GLAUCOMA TREATMENT DEVICE - Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber. | 02-03-2011 |
20110098629 | GLAUCOMA TREATMENT DEVICE - Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber. | 04-28-2011 |
20110208300 | Corneal Onlay Devices and Methods - A corneal only is configured to adhere to the cornea so as to inhibit epithelial growth under the onlay. Structures can be provided on the onlay to adhere the onlay to the eye. At least one of an epithelial layer or the water inhibiting layer can be provided on or over the onlay, for example a natural epithelial layer or water inhibiting layer that inhibits, for example minimizes, water penetration into the onlay, so as to adhere the onlay to the eye with pumping of the endothelium. The water inhibiting layer may comprise a therapeutic covering positioned over the onlay to inhibit swelling of the cornea. The posterior surface of the onlay may be shaped so as to fit the anterior exposed surface of the cornea. | 08-25-2011 |
20110276131 | NASOLACRIMAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPLANTS FOR DRUG THERAPY - An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen. | 11-10-2011 |
20110306915 | Glaucoma Treatment Device - Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber. | 12-15-2011 |
20120136322 | Anterior Segment Drug Delivery - A therapeutic system comprises an ocular insert placed on a region outside an optical zone of an eye. The ocular insert comprises two structures: a first skeletal structure and a second cushioning structure. The first structure functions as a skeletal frame which maintains positioning of the implant along the anterior portion of the eye and provides support to the second, cushioning structure. This first structure maintains the attachment of the therapeutic system to the anterior portion of the eye for at least thirty days. In some embodiments the first structure remains a constant size and shape, e.g. a ring shape, a ring with haptics, or a curvilinear ring that is confined to and restrainingly engages the inferior and superior conjunctival fornices so as to retain the implant within the tear fluid and/or against the tissues of the eye. | 05-31-2012 |
20120168422 | INTRAOCULAR, ACCOMMODATING LENS AND METHODS OF USE - An intraocular lens comprises an optical element adapted to be implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye. The optical element includes one or more internal layers formed by one or more planes that are moveable relative to one another in order to effect the power of the optical element. | 07-05-2012 |
20120187594 | DRUG CORES FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues. | 07-26-2012 |
20120233024 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE PROXIMITY SEARCHING - In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for wireless communication. The method, apparatus, and computer program product may be configured to reference moving positional points within a defined proximity and search a parameter based on the moving positional points. The defined proximity may comprise a region of influence defined by a radial distance from each of the moving positional points. | 09-13-2012 |
20130101658 | DRUG DELIVERY METHODS, STRUCTURES, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR NASOLACRIMAL SYSTEM - A drug insert is configured for use with an implant. The implant is configured for insertion into a lacrimal canaliculus. The drug insert includes a drug core comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer; and a sheath body comprising material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, wherein the drug core is positioned within the sheath body. The sheath body is configured to provide an exposed end of the drug core that releases therapeutic agent to an eye when the drug insert is disposed within the implant and the implant is positioned in the lacrimal canaliculus. A distal end of the drug core is sealed with a medical-grade adhesive. | 04-25-2013 |
20130345715 | AORTIC VALVE REPAIR - The present invention provides devices and methods for decalcifying an aortic valve. The methods and devices of the present invention break up or obliterate calcific deposits in and around the aortic valve through application or removal of heat energy from the calcific deposits. | 12-26-2013 |
20140031863 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO TREAT DISEASED OR INJURED MUSCULOSKELETAL TISSUE - A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained. | 01-30-2014 |
20140161863 | DRUG DELIVERY METHODS, STRUCTURES, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR NASOLACRIMAL SYSTEM - A drug insert is configured for use with an implant. The implant is configured for insertion into a lacrimal canaliculus. The drug insert includes a drug core comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer; and a sheath body comprising material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, wherein the drug core is positioned within the sheath body. The sheath body is configured to provide an exposed end of the drug core that releases therapeutic agent to an eye when the drug insert is disposed within the implant and the implant is positioned in the lacrimal canaliculus. A distal end of the drug core is sealed with a medical-grade adhesive. | 06-12-2014 |
20140186420 | DRUG CORES FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues. | 07-03-2014 |
20140236293 | NASOLACRIMAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPLANTS FOR DRUG THERAPY - An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen. | 08-21-2014 |
20140328894 | DRUG DELIVERY METHODS, STRUCTURES, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR NASOLACRIMAL SYSTEM - An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent. | 11-06-2014 |