Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100121342 | Methods and Apparatus for Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - A cannula for an ocular implant delivery system. In some embodiments, the cannula includes a tubular member having a curved portion, a distal opening surrounded by a distal opening surface, and a distal tip, the distal tip being adapted to be inserted into an anterior chamber of a human subject's eye, through trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm's canal of the eye, a proximal portion of the tubular member being adapted to extend from a location exterior to the eye when the distal tip is in Schlemm's canal of the eye, the cannula being further adapted to cooperate with an advancement mechanism to advance an ocular implant through the tubular member toward and through the distal opening into Schlemm's canal of the eye when the distal tip is disposed in Schlemm's canal. The invention also includes a method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 05-13-2010 |
20110009874 | Single Operator Device for Delivering an Ocular Implant - An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
20110009958 | Ocular Implants and Methods for Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - 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. | 01-13-2011 |
20110098809 | Ocular Implant System and Method - An ocular implant and delivery system having a channel tool adapted to extend through at least a portion of Schlemm's canal of a human eye and to determine whether the Schlemm's canal portion provides a suitable location for the delivery of an ocular implant; an ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye; and a cannula comprising a distal opening adapted to deliver the channel tool and the ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The invention also provides a method of treating glaucoma in a human eye including the steps of inserting a distal exit port of a cannula at least partially into Schlemm's canal of the eye; delivering a channel tool through the cannula into Schlemm's canal; delivering an ocular implant through the cannula into Schlemm's canal; and removing the channel tool and the cannula from the eye while leaving the ocular implant in place within Schlemm's canal. | 04-28-2011 |
20110319806 | Ocular Implants Deployed in Schlemm's Canal of the Eye - An ocular implant is provided that is adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes an implant body having plurality of filars extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant is configured to move between a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state. In some embodiments, the implant is configured to assume the radially expanded state when no external forces are acting thereon. Methods of delivering and using the ocular implant are also provided. | 12-29-2011 |
20120323159 | Ocular Implants for Delivery Into the Eye - An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes a spine extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant, a plurality of curved supports extending from the spine, each support comprising a first end extending from a first location on a first side of the spine and a second end extending from a second location on a second side of the spine, the second location being proximal to the first location, so that each support forms a portion of a helix, the spine and supports defining a volume having a maximum width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches, the ocular implant being configured to bend preferentially in a preferential bending plane. | 12-20-2012 |
20130006165 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating Glaucoma - An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye. | 01-03-2013 |
20130079701 | Methods and Apparatus for Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 03-28-2013 |
20130158462 | Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method. | 06-20-2013 |
20130182223 | SUSPENDED GONIOLENS SYSTEM - A suspended goniolens system is provided. The suspended goniolens system includes a balance arm with a goniolens disposed at one end and a counterbalance disposed towards an opposing end. The system can position the goniolens in a desired position near a patient's eye and can maintain the desired position without the need to be held in place by a clinician. The suspended goniolens system allows for the clinician to use both hands during treatment of the patient. The goniolens system can be attached to an optical microscope or an adapter engaged with the optical microscope. Methods are also provided for using the goniolens system. | 07-18-2013 |
20130231603 | Ocular Implants and Methods for Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - 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. | 09-05-2013 |
20130281907 | Ocular Implants for Delivery into an Anterior Chamber of the Eye - An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant. | 10-24-2013 |
20130331761 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating Glaucoma - An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338563 | Methods and Apparatus for Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 12-19-2013 |
20140114229 | OCULAR IMPLANTS FOR DELIVERY INTO THE EYE - An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes a spine extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant, a plurality of curved supports extending from the spine, each support comprising a first end extending from a first location on a first side of the spine and a second end extending from a second location on a second side of the spine, the second location being proximal to the first location, so that each support forms a portion of a helix, the spine and supports defining a volume having a maximum width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches, the ocular implant being configured to bend preferentially in a preferential bending plane. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121584 | Delivering Ocular Implants Into the Eye - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method. | 05-01-2014 |
20140249463 | OCULAR IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of treating glaucoma in a human eye by inserting a distal exit port of a cannula at least partially into Schlemm's canal of the eye; delivering a dye through the cannula into Schlemm's canal; identifying obstructions within Schlemm's canal; and delivering an ocular implant through the cannula into Schlemm's canal. | 09-04-2014 |
20140316485 | NASAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health. | 10-23-2014 |
20140323944 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING OCULAR IMPLANTS INTO THE EYE - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 10-30-2014 |
20140371812 | NASAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health. | 12-18-2014 |
20150119787 | DELIVERING OCULAR IMPLANTS INTO THE EYE - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method. | 04-30-2015 |
20150223984 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING OCULAR IMPLANTS INTO THE EYE - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223985 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING OCULAR IMPLANTS INTO THE EYE - A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber. | 08-13-2015 |
20150238754 | POLYMER FORMULATIONS FOR NASOLACRIMAL STIMULATION - Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein. | 08-27-2015 |
20150250649 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING GLAUCOMA - An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye. | 09-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100204709 | ELUTING COILS AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING AND RETRIEVING - Embodiments are directed to eluting coils having a relaxed coiled state and a straightened state that may be deployed at a fixed location within a patient's body and may accurately dispense and distribute fluids and or dissolvable substances at site specific locations of the body. Some embodiments of eluting elements are configured to be subsequently retrieved from a delivery site. | 08-12-2010 |
20110022057 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING AN IMPLANTED ELONGATE BODY TO A REMOTE SITE - A transfer guidewire assembly configured to manipulate an implanted elongate body includes a flexible elongate portion, such as a guidewire, and coupler. The flexible elongate body has a proximal end and a distal end attached to the coupler. The coupler can include a catheter and/or a handle. The handle can include a screw. The coupler is configured to be removably attached to the end of an implanted elongate body, for example, by forming an interference fit with the outside diameter of the implanted body. A method for transferring an end of an implanted medical component from first site to a second site within a patient, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, and/or sensor lead, etc., includes inserting a guidewire into the body at the first site and externalizing the guidewire at the second site. A proximal portion of the implanted component near the first site and is attached to the guidewire. The proximal portion of the implanted component is pulled through the patient's body and out the second site with the transfer guidewire assembly. | 01-27-2011 |
20110054405 | HEMOSTASIS VALVE WITH IRIS SEAL - A hemostasis valve is disclosed herein. The hemostasis valve may include an inner bushing, a rotation sleeve, an elastomeric sleeve, and a biasing element. The rotation sleeve may extend about the inner bushing and be rotationally displaceable relative to the inner bushing. The elastomeric sleeve may include a first end operably coupled to the inner bushing, a second end operably coupled to the rotation sleeve, and an iris valve portion. Rotation of the rotation sleeve relative to the inner bushing may cause the iris valve to transition from an open state to a closed state. The biasing element may act between the rotation sleeve and inner bushing to bias the iris valve towards at least one of a closed state or an open state. | 03-03-2011 |
20120123469 | SURGICAL COILS AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING - Surgical coils for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing that can be implanted in the body by deforming it to a small cross section profile and then sliding it through a low profile delivery device then deployig from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical coils when deployed revert back to a coiled configuration and circle tissue at the target site. Can be deployed about attachment members, such as suture lines, marker lines and the like for anchoring same. | 05-17-2012 |
20130006201 | ELUTING COILS AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING AND RETRIEVING - Embodiments are directed to eluting coils having a relaxed coiled state and a straightened state that may be deployed at a fixed location within a patient's body and may accurately dispense and distribute fluids and or dissolvable substances at site specific locations of the body. Some embodiments of eluting elements are configured to be subsequently retrieved from a delivery site. | 01-03-2013 |