Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
  • A61F9/0008—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein
  • A61F9/0017—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
  • A61B3/0008—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes provided with illuminating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
  • A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
  • A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
  • A61M31/002—Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
  • A61B90/39—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
  • A61B2090/3937—Visible markers
  • A61B2090/3945—Active visible markers, e.g. light emitting diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
  • A61B90/39—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
  • A61B2090/397—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers electromagnetic other than visible, e.g. microwave
  • A61B2090/3975—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers electromagnetic other than visible, e.g. microwave active
  • A61B2090/3979—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers electromagnetic other than visible, e.g. microwave active infrared
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
  • A61M2025/0008—Catheters; Hollow probes having visible markings on its surface, i.e. visible to the naked eye, for any purpose, e.g. insertion depth markers, rotational markers or identification of type
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
  • A61M25/0021—Catheters; Hollow probes characterised by the form of the tubing
  • A61M2025/0042—Microcatheters, cannula or the like having outside diameters around 1 mm or less
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
  • A61M25/0043—Catheters; Hollow probes characterised by structural features
  • A61M2025/0057—Catheters delivering medicament other than through a conventional lumen, e.g. porous walls or hydrogel coatings

Definitions

• Minimally invasive surgical methods to access and treat tissues of the eye are desired to minimize trauma and introduction of pathogens. Dissection of the eye during surgery may affect the optical alignment of tissues involved in vision and typically results in scarring which makes subsequent surgery more difficult. Minimally invasive surgical methods are advantageous in that they minimize potential alterations to the optical alignment of the tissues in the visual axis. Minimally invasive surgical methods may also allow for the use of small incisions, thereby limiting scarring and allowing subsequent surgical procedures to be performed. Minimally invasive methods are routinely used in eye surgery to treat cataracts. Small incisions are made into the cornea and appropriately sized tools introduced and used under direct visualization through the cornea with a surgical microscope.
• the tools are used to remove the opacified natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens implant.
• Minimally invasive methods are also used in retinal surgery, involving the introduction of tools into the posterior chamber of the eye through small incisions in the pars plana region of the sclera. Direct visualization through the cornea and visual axis with a surgical microscope allows the surgeon to manipulate tools to treat the retina and macula.
• the present invention describes microsurgical tools and methods, which enable minimally invasive surgical access to the eye from within the suprachoroidal space.
• the suprachoroidal space is a virtual space between the sclera and choroid, due to the close apposition of the two tissues from the intraocular pressure of the eye.
• the present invention provides a flexible, catheter-like tool that may be safely placed in the suprachoroidal space and maneuvered anteriorly to the region near the cilliary body as well as posteriorly to the area of the retina and optic nerve.
• Such tools may be used to surgically treat the uveal scleral drainage pathway to increase aqueous outflow in the treatment of glaucoma, to surgically treat the macula and choroidal vasculature in the treatment of macular degeneration as well as to deliver drugs to the posterior tissues of the eye in the treatment of macular degeneration or optic nerve damage.
• the present invention provides a composite microcannula device with proximal and distal ends for access and advancement within the suprachoroidal space of the eye comprising, a flexible tubular sheath having an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns and configured to fit within the suprachoroidal space of the eye; a proximal assembly configured for introduction and removal of materials and tools through the proximal end; and a signal-producing beacon at the distal end to locate the distal end within the eye, wherein the signal-producing beacon is detectable visually or by non- invasive imaging.
• the signal-producing beacon may be configured to emit visible light at an intensity that is visible externally through interposing tissues or the beacon may comprise markers identifiable by non-invasive imaging, such as, ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography or ophthalmoscopy.
• the marker for example may be an optical contrast marker.
• the beacon may provide illumination from the distal end at an angle of about 45 to about 135 degrees from the axis of the device to be coincident with the area of intended tissue treatment.
• the device may comprise an optical fiber for imaging tissues within or adjacent to the suprachoroidal space and an energy-emitting source for treating blood vessels within or adjacent to the suprachoroidal space.
• the source may be capable, for example, of emitting laser light, thermal energy, ultrasound, or electrical energy.
• Preferably the source is aligned with the location of the beacon to facilitate tissue targeting.
• the device may further comprise an implant deliverable at the distal end.
• the implant may comprise a space-maintaining material or a drug.
• the device may further comprise a sustained release drug formulation deliverable at the distal end.
• the device additionally comprises an inner member with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sheath and inner member are sized such that the inner member fits slidably within the sheath and the distal end of the inner member is adapted to provide tissue treatment to the eye through one or more openings in the distal end.
• the distal end of the inner member may be adapted for tissue dissection, cutting, ablation or removal.
• the inner member may be curved in the range of 12 to 15 mm radius and may comprise a multi-lumen tube and/or an optical fiber.
• the inner member may be made of steel, nickel titanium alloy or tungsten.
• a composite microcannula device for implantation in the suprachoroidal space of an eye for delivery of fluids to the posterior region of the eye comprising, a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends with an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns configured to fit within the suprachoroidal space of the eye; a self-sealing proximal fitting capable of receiving injections of fluids into the device, wherein the distal end of the sheath is adapted for release of fluids from the device into the eye.
• the device may comprise a signal-producing beacon to locate the distal end within the suprachoroidal space during implantation wherein the signal-producing beacon is detectable visually or by non-invasive imaging.
• the device may be adapted for slow release of fluids, such as drugs, f om the distal end.
• a method for treating the suprachoroidal space of an e3'e comprising a) inserting a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about of 1000 microns and an atraumatic distal tip into the suprachoroidal space; b) advancing the sheath to the anterior region of the suprachoroidal space; and c) delivering energy or material from the distal end to form a space for aqueous humor drainage.
• the energy may comprise mechanical, thermal, laser, or electrical energy sufficient to treat or remove scleral tissue in the vicinity of the distal end.
• the material may comprise a space-maintaining material.
• a method for treating the posterior region of an eye comprising a) inserting a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about 1000 micron into the suprachoroidal space; b) advancing the sheath to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space; and c) delivering energy or material from the distal end sufficient to treat the macula, retina, optic nerve or choroid.
• the energy may comprise mechanical, thermal, laser, or electrical energy sufficient to treat tissues in the vicinity of the distal end.
• the material may comprise a drug or a drug and hyaluronic acid.
• the drug may comprise a neuroprotecting agent, an anti- angiogenesis agent and/or an anti-inflammatory agent.
• a typical anti-inflammatory agent comprises a steroid.
• a method for treating the tissues within or adjacent to the suprachoroidal space of an eye comprising a) inserting a composite flexible microcannula device having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns into the suprachoroidal space, the device comprising an atraumatic distal tip and an optical fiber to provide detection of tissues in the vicinity of the distal tip; b) advancing the device to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space; c) detecting and characterizing tissues in the suprachoroidal space to identify target tissues; and d) delivering energy from the distal end to treat the target tissues.
• the energy may comprise laser light, thermal, ultrasound or electrical energy.
• Typical target tissues comprise blood vessels.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of a flexible microcannula device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram of a microcannula device with a reinforcing member according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram of a microcannula device having a signal-emitting beacon at the distal tip according to the invention.
• FIG. 4 shows of a microcannula device according to the invention positioned within the suprachoroidal space of the eye.
• FIG. 5 shows a microcannula device according to the invention positioned within the suprachoroidal space and receiving a charge of drugs delivered to the posterior region of the eye through the distal end.
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides tools, materials and related methods to surgically access the suprachoroidal space of an eye for the purpose of performing minimally invasive surgery or to deliver drugs to the eye.
• the invention provides a flexible microcannula device that may be placed into the suprachoroidal space through a small incision of the overlying tissues, maneuvered into the appropriate region of the space, and then activated to treat tissues adjacent to the distal tip of the device.
• the device may also include features for treating tissues adjacent a region along the length of the device.
• the treatments accomplished by the invention include mechanical modification of adjacent tissues, the delivery of energy to adjacent tissues, the delivery of drugs or drug delivery materials from the distal end of the device, or the delivery of an implant. Referring to FIG.
• the device can have an outer diameter up to about 1000 microns.
• the microcannula device is sized in the range of about 50 to about 1000 microns outer diameter with a wall thickness from about 10-200 microns.
• the cross- section of the microcannula device may be round or ovoid to approximate the shape of the suprachoroidal space.
• a predetermined curvature may be applied to the microcannula device to approximate the curvature of the eye, the curvature being in the range of 12 to 15 mm radius.
• the length of the microcannula is preferred to be long enough to reach the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space from an anterior access point, approximately 20 to 30 mm.
• Suitable materials for the elongated element include metals, polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide or polyether-block co-polyamide (Pebax), polysulfone, fluoropolymers, polypropylene, polyethylene or similar materials.
• the microcannula of the present invention incorporates features that enable it to be placed into and maneuvered in the suprachoroidal space.
• a key feature is to have the appropriate combination of axial stiffness and compliance.
• the reinforcing element may comprise any high modulus material such as metals including stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome alloys, tungsten and nickel titanium alloys, ceramic fibers and high strength polymer composites.
• the reinforcing element may comprise wires, coils or similar configurations.
• the reinforcing element or multiple elements may also be configured to provide a preferred deflection orientation of the microcannula.
• the reinforcing element may also be a malleable material such as a metal, to allow the surgeon to set a preferred geometry.
• An important feature of the device is the capability of being visualized within the suprachoroidal space to allow guidance by the surgeon.
• high resolution, non-invasive medical imaging such as high frequency ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or indirect ophthalmoscopy
• OCT optical coherence tomography
• the patient eye may be imaged to determine suitable avascular sites on the overlying tissues for introduction of the device.
• the suprachoroidal space may also be imaged to determine the best regions for introducing or advancing the microcannula device to minimize potential trauma.
• the use of an ultrasound or optical contrast agent either delivered directly to the suprachoroidal space or systemically to the subject, may facilitate imaging. Material selection and the use of contrast markers at the distal end and along the length of the microcannula device may be utilized to provide the desired imaging properties for the device and facilitate image guidance.
• the long axis of the combined device may be significantly larger in dimension than the short axis, as long as the long axis is maintained parallel to the surface of the scleral and choroidal tissues during advancement.
• a signal-emitting beacon incorporated into the microcannula enhances guidance of the device.
• the microcannula 9 is fitted with a signaling beacon 7 to identify the location of the microcannula distal tip 8 relative to the target tissues.
• the signaling beacon 7 may be compatible with medical imaging techniques used to guide the surgical procedure, or it may be made for direct visualization by the surgeon.
• the beacon 7 may comprise an echogenic material for ultrasound guidance, an optically active material for optical guidance or a light source for visual guidance.
• the signaling beacon may be visualized through the papillary aperture and directed to the desired area.
• the POF may also comprise a tip which is beveled, mirrored or otherwise configured to provide for a directional beacon.
• a directional beacon may be configured in the range of about 45 to about 135 degrees from the microcannula axis to align with the direction and region of tissue treatment from the distal end of the device.
• the beacon may be illuminated by a light source 10, such as a laser, laser diode, light-emitting diode, or an incandescent source such as a mercury halogen lamp.
• the beacon may also extend the along the length of the microcannula to indicate the orientation of the microcannula to aid surgical placement.
• the microcannula device may be used to perform surgery at the distal end of the device.
• the distal end of the device may incorporate elements that allow for therapeutic intervention to the tissues.
• the distal end may be advanced near the anterior region of the suprachoroidal space and the device activated to treat tissues adjacent to the distal tip.
• the tissue treatment may comprise the cutting or removal of tissues to form a cyclodialysis cleft, the ablation of tissues to enhance uveal scleral drainage or the placement of an implant to increase uveal scleral drainage.
• the distal end may also be advanced to any region of the suprachoroidal space requiring treatment of the choroids, macula, or retina.
• the tissue treatment may comprise the application of suction to drain suprachoroidal hemorrhage or choroidal effusion, or the treatment of the optic nerve sheath to relieve retinal vein occlusion.
• the tissue treatment may also comprise the application of energy or surgical tools to treat choroidal neovscularization, melanoma or nevus.
• Various forms of energy application may be accomplished using suitably adapted microcannulae, including laser, electrical such as radio frequency ultrasound, thermal and mechanical energy.
• the device additionally comprises an inner member with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sheath of the microcannula and inner member are sized such that the inner member fits slidably within the sheath and the distal end of the inner member is adapted to provide tissue treatment to the eye through one or more openings in the distal end.
• the distal end of the inner member may be adapted for tissue dissection, cutting, ablation or removal.
• the inner member may be curved in the range of 12 to 15 mm radius and may comprise a multi-lumen tube and/or an optical fiber.
• the inner member may be made of steel, nickel titanium alloy or tungsten.
• the microcannula device incorporates imaging element to allow the surgeon to view, characterize, and treat blood vessels from the suprachoroidal space.
• the device may incorporate an endoscope to image the local tissues and blood vessels.
• the imaging may incorporate non- visual wavelengths of light such as infra-red to aid tissue penetration.
• the area of energy delivery may be aligned to coincide with a specific area of the imaging means to facilitate specific tissue targeting by the surgeon.
• the imaging may also include elements to characterize blood flow, such as Doppler flow methods, to identify target vessels for treatment.
• the treatment method may also incorporate the use of localized labeling of target vasculature with photosensitive agents such as used in photodynamic therapy.
• the microcannula may be used to deliver energy such as laser light or radio frequency energy to the vessels to reduce neovascularization or blood vessel leakage.
• the microcannula may also be used to deliver drugs or drug delivery implants from the distal end of the device.
• the microcannula 11 may be advanced in the suprachoroidal space to the posterior pole 12 via a surgical entry point 12A formed by a surgical formed scleral flap 12B.
• the microcannula may be used to deliver drugs or drug delivery implants to the target site.
• a microcannula 13 is designed as a permanent implant, residing in the suprachoroidal space 14.
• the distal end 15 of the microcannula is adapted to deliver drugs 16 over a sustained period to the posterior region of the eye.
• the distal end may incorporate microporosity or diffusional barriers to provide the appropriate drug release kinetics.
• the proximal end 17 of the microcannula is implanted to extend outside of the suprachoroidal space, and is positioned within the sclera or into the subconjunctival space.
• the proximal end 17 incorporates a self-sealing septum (not shown) that allows repeated injection into the device with a syringe 18 to refill the device with drug.
• the proximal end 17 may be placed in the anterior region of the eye to facilitate access.
• the distal end 15 may be positioned near the optic nerve or the region of retina or macula to be treated.
• the device may be used to provide sustained delivery of drugs such as neuroprotectants to treat damage to the optic nerve, anti-angiogenesis agents to treat macular degeneration and anti-inflammatory agents to treat inflammation in the posterior segment of the eye.
• the microcannula implant may also contain space-maintaining materials, such as hyaluronic acid. Also, the implant may be provided with a signal-producing beacon to locate the distal end within the suprachoroidal space during implantation.
• the microcannula of this embodiment is preferably constructed from materials suitable for implantation in soft tissues.
• implant microcannula may also utilize secondary elements such as an outer or inner microcannula to facilitate surgical implantation.
• the outer surface of the implant microcannula may also incorporate features for in situ mechanical securement , such as tissue ingrowth porosity or features for suture anchoring.
• the invention also provides methods to treat an eye by surgically accessing the suprachoroidal space.
• the following methods are provided as explanatory and do not constitute the entire scope of methods which may be used in conjunction with the devices described herein, hi a first example, the surgeon accesses the suprachoroidal space and places a microcannula device having an atraumatic distal end within the space.
• a microcannula device comprising a sheath with an inner member and beacon signal is used, wherein the inner member has a distal tip configured to treat or excise tissue.
• the device is advanced within the space while visualizing the beacon signal to position the device tip to a location desired for surgical treatment.
• the device is actuated to treat a controlled amount of tissues adjacent to the distal tip.
• the energy may comprise mechanical, thermal, laser, or electrical energy sufficient to treat or remove scleral tissue in the vicinity of the distal end.
• the surgical treatment may include: formation of a space for aqueous humor drainage; treatment of the macula, retina, optic nerve or choroids in the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space; treating blood vessels within or adjacent to the suprachoroidal space.
• the device preferably is adapted with an optical fiber to provide the capability of detecting and characterizing tissues and identifying target vessels before delivery of the treatment. After the surgical treatment, the device is removed and the access site is then sealed by any requisite method.
• the suprachoroidal space is surgically accessed and a microcannula device placed within the space.
• a microcannula device comprising a tubular sheath incorporating a beacon signal at the distal end is used.
• the device is advanced within the suprachoroidal space while visualizing the beacon signal first through the scleral tissues and second through the papillary aperture to position the device tip to a posterior location desired for drug treatment.
• Drugs, drug-containing materials or space-maintaining materials are delivered through the microcannula.
• the device is removed and the access site is then sealed by any requisite method.
• the procedure may also be performed at more than site per eye as may be required.
• the procedure may be performed on one or more sites, and the patient monitored post-surgically. If more treatment is required, then a subsequent procedure may be performed.
• the following examples are presented for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner.
• a microcannula comprising a polyimide infusion lumen, a stainless steel anti-kink core wire and a plastic optical fiber to create a beacon signal at the device tip was fabricated.
• the components were bound together using very thin walled heat shrink tubing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• the assembled microcannula was approximately 200 microns in outer diameter, 75 microns inner diameter and with a working length of 25mm.
• An atraumatic ball-shaped distal tip was produced by heating the end of the PET shrink tubing to it's melt point prior to assembly. The surface tension of the melt results in the creation of a rounded ball-shaped tip.
• a stainless steel wire was placed in the lumen to maintain the lumen during the melting of the tip.
• the proximal end consisted of an infusion tube connected to a luer fitting, and a fiber optic light pipe connected to a 25 W laser diode illumination source.
• the luer fitting was attached to an injector filled with a surgical viscoelastic (Healon GV, Advanced Medical Optics, Irvine, CA).
• Enucleated human eyes were prepared for surgery. Using a radial or radial plus lateral (cross) incision, the sclera was cut down to the suprachoroidal space above the medial rectus muscle attachment near the pars plana. After accessing the suprachoroidal space, the microcannula was advanced into the space while visually observing the beacon signal at the tip.
• the beacon tip could be observed from the outside of the eye through the overlying sclera, and also from the inside of the eye through the interposing choroidal tissues.
• the tip of the device could be positioned by manipulation of the proximal end while observing the beacon signal at the device distal tip. With the microcannula directed posteriorly, the device was able to be advanced adjacent to the optic nerve.
• a drug formulation was prepared for suprachoroidal administration by injection through a microcannula of the present invention.
• Three milliliters of sterile triamcinolone acetonide suspension (Kenalog 40, 40 mg/ml, Bristol Meyers Squib) was withdrawn into a sterile syringe.
• the syringe was attached to a sterile 0.45 micron syringe filter and the drug suspension was injected into the filter, capturing the drug particles.
• a second syringe with an adjunct mixer was attached to the filter and 0.6 milliliters of sterile hyaluronic acid solution (Healon, 10 mg/ml, Advanced Medical Optics, Irvine, CA) introduced into the filter containing the drug particles.
• Healon 10 mg/ml, Advanced Medical Optics, Irvine, CA
• the hyaluronic acid and drug particles were then withdrawn into the first syringe and the filter removed.
• the hyaluronic acid and drug particles were mixed by multiple passage between two sterile syringes.
• the suspended drug formulation contained 200 mg/ml triamcinolone acetonide and 10 mg/ml hyaluronic acid.
• the drug formulation was then transferred to a viscoelastic injector for injection through a microcannula.
• the mean particle size of the triamcinolone acetonide suspended in hyaluronic acid solution was measured using a Coulter Counter instrument, demonstrating a mean particle size of approximately 4 microns.
• Microcannulae were fabricated, comprising a communicating element of 65 Shore D durometer Pebax tubing of 0.008" x 0.0010" diameter, containing a plastic optical fiber 0.0033" diameter and a stainless steel wire 0.001" diameter within the lumen.
• the plastic optical fiber was connected to a laser diode light source similar to that used in Example 1 to provide for an illuminated beacon distal tip.
• the steel wire was incorporated to prevent kinking of the shaft.
• the lumen of the tube was attached to a larger plastic tube and then to a proximal Luer connector for the attachment of a syringe or viscoelastic injector.
• An atraumatic distal tip was created by applying a small amount of high viscosity ultraviolet cure adhesive and allowing the surface tension to create a ball-shaped tip prior to curing.
• the devices were sterilized for use by gamma irradiation.
• Animal studies were performed to evaluate the microcannula in accessing the suprachoroidal space and advancing to the posterior pole. The study was performed using juvenile farm pigs. In each surgery, the animals were anesthetized and prepared per standard ophthalmic surgical procedures. A limbal perotomy was performed to retract the conjunctiva. A small scleral incision was made in the pars plana region down to the choroid layer.
• Microcannulae similar to those used in Example 3 were made without the atraumatic tip.
• the devices were used during the porcine animal study as detailed in Example 3.
• the microcannula was unable to be advanced into the posterior region, appearing to be caught on the tissues of the suprachoroidal space.
• the microcannula was able to advance to the posterior pole, but was seen to catch on the choroidal tissues in a number of locations, causing tissue irregularities visible upon angiographic imaging.
• the microcannulae without atraumatic tipping were able to be advanced in the suprachoroidal space. lit was noted in each case that the devices were more difficult to advance than those with an atraumatic tip.
• Example 5 Example 5
• Microcannulae were fabricated and used in porcine animal studies as described in Example 3.
• a viscoelastic (Healon, Advanced Medical Optics, Irvine, CA) or a steroid/viscoelastic (triamcinilone acetonide plus Healon) formulation as described in Example 2 was delivered to the suprachoroidal space in the region of the area centralis.
• Viscoelastic and steroid/viscoelastic delivery amounts ranged from 1.2 to 9.2 mg.
• the delivered materials could be observed in the suprachoroidal space by direct visualization and by posterior segment imaging using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Animals were survived up to one month. Posterior segment imaging at sacrifice did not show any observable changes to the retinal or choroidal blood flow, and no adverse tissue reactions were seen.
• a flexible microcannula comprising a small endoscope was fabricated for use in the suprachoroidal space.
• An experiment was performed to evaluate the use of the microcannula for direct imaging of the scleral and choroidal tissues from within the suprachoroidal space.
• a custom micro-endoscope (Nanoptics Inc., Gainesville, FL) consisting of about 3000 glass fibers was fabricated.
• the micro-endoscope had an external jacket dimension of about 250 microns terminating in a 350 micron diameter tip that included a gradient lens objective with a 5 mm focus.
• the micro-endoscope was coupled via a lOx Mitutoyo microscope objective and tube lens to a CCD video camera, and then to a video monitor.
• the microcannula comprised Pebax polymer tubing 0.010" ID x 0.012" OD.
• An atraumatic distal tip was created by applying a high viscosity ultraviolet cure adhesive to the tubing end, thus forming a rounded tip.
• a tissue interfacing flange was created at the proximal end by applying heat to the end of the tube, causing it to flare outwards.
• the total length of the microcannula was 0.79".
• the indwelling microcannula was placed over a delivery microcannula similar to the microcannula of Example 1 with a 4" working length.
• the delivery microcannula was 0.008" OD and contained a plastic optical fiber to provide for an illuminated distal tip.
• the proximal end of the fiber was connected to a battery powered laser diode source as described in Example 1.
• the delivery microcannula was sized to fit snugly inside the indwelling microcannula.
• the laser diode was activated, providing a red light beacon tip on the delivery microcannula.
• the assembly was placed into the suprachoroidal space and advanced under visual guidance toward the posterior pole. The assembly was advanced until the tissue flange of the indwelling microcannula was flush with the scleral surface. Examination of the exterior of the eye showed the beacon tip was located near the macular region.

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