U.S. patent application number 11/121584 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for ocular implants with deployable structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLAUKOS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Olav Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Hosheng Tu.
Application Number | 20090076436 11/121584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34890607 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090076436 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Gharib; Morteza ; et
al. |
March 19, 2009 |
OCULAR IMPLANTS WITH DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURE
Abstract
An implant has a tubular member with an inlet configured to
receive fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye, an outlet
configured to deliver fluid from the inlet to a physiological
outflow pathway of the eye, and a lumen therebetween configured for
substantially free flow of the fluid and which generally defines a
flow axis. At the outlet of the tubular member is a distal
deployable portion that has a compacted position and an expanded
position. The deployable portion is configured to expand in the
physiological outflow pathway of the eye and moves transversely
when transitioning between the compacted and expanded positions
about a pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the flow
axis.
Inventors: |
Gharib; Morteza; (San
Marino, CA) ; Tu; Hosheng; (Newport Coast, CA)
; Bergheim; Olav; (Laguna Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
UNITED STATES
949-760-0404
949-760-9502
jcartee@kmob.com
|
Assignee: |
GLAUKOS CORPORATION
26051 Merit Circle, Suite 103
Laguna Hills
CA
92653
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050192527 A1 |
September 1, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
34890607 |
Appl. No.: |
11/121584 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 9/00781 20130101;
A61B 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/008 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/00 20060101
A61M005/00 |
Claims
1. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployable portion
comprises first and second members which project away from the
outlet such that the members in the compacted position extend in
substantially parallel directions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the members in the expanded
position extend in opposite directions.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the members comprise a
shape-memory material, said members being biased toward the
expanded position by the memory of the shape-memory material.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the shape-memory material has
a shape transition temperature that is lower than a temperature to
which the implant will be exposed when implanted.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a delivery applicator for delivering the implant through
eye tissue such that the members extend into the physiological
outflow pathway, said applicator cooperating with the implant such
that the members are in the compacted position prior to delivery
through the eye tissue and in the expanded position subsequent to
delivery into the physiological outflow pathway.
6. An implant, for treating glaucoma, comprising: an inflow portion
configured to receive fluid from the anterior chamber of an eye; an
outflow portion having an outflow opening and configured to deliver
fluid from the inflow portion to Schlemm's canal of the eye through
the outflow opening; wherein said outflow portion comprises a
plurality of protrusions extending beyond the outflow portion in a
direction substantially parallel to a long axis of the implant.
7. The implant of claim 6, wherein the protrusions are bendable or
foldable outwardly into Schlemm's canal.
8. The implant of claim 6, wherein the protrusions comprise shape
memory material an are adapted to extend in substantially opposite
directions.
9. An apparatus for treating an ocular disorder comprising an
implant, said implant comprising: a tubular member having an inlet
configured to receive fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye, an
outlet configured to deliver fluid from the inlet to a
physiological outflow pathway of the eye, and a lumen therebetween
configured for substantially free flow of said fluid and which
generally defines a flow axis; a distal deployable portion at the
outlet of the tubular member, the deployable portion having a
compacted position configured to fit within a delivery device for
transporting the implant and an expanded position configured to
expand in the physiological outflow pathway of the eye; wherein the
deployable portion moves transversely when transitioning between
the compacted and expanded positions about a pivot axis which is
substantially perpendicular to the flow axis.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the physiological outflow
pathway comprises Schlemm's canal.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployable portion
comprises two members which in the expanded position are outwardly
deployed with one on either side of the tubular member.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployable portion
comprises two members which in the expanded position are deployed
in two substantially opposite directions relative to the tubular
member.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the physiological outflow
pathway comprises Schlemm's canal.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployable portion
comprises a shape-memory material.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the deployable portion
comprises two members which are biased from the compacted position
to the expanded position by the memory of the shape-memory
material.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the shape-memory material
has a shape transition temperature that is lower than a temperature
to which the implant will be exposed when implanted.
17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further
comprises said delivery device for transporting the implant from an
incision in a cornea of the eye through the anterior chamber of the
eye such that the inlet is positioned in the anterior chamber of
the eye, the outlet is positioned in the physiological outflow
pathway of the eye, and the deployable portion extends in the
physiological outflow pathway of the eye.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the deployable portion
comprises two deployable members.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the physiological outflow
pathway comprises Schlemm's canal.
20. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further
comprises said delivery device for delivering the implant through
eye tissue adjacent the physiological outflow pathway of the
eye.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the eye tissue comprises
trabecular meshwork.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the physiological outflow
pathway comprises Schlemm's canal.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said delivery device is
configured to cooperate with the implant such that said deployable
portion is in the compacted position prior to delivery into the eye
tissue and in the expanded position subsequent to delivery into the
physiological outflow pathway of the eye.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the eye tissue comprises
trabecular meshwork and the physiological outflow pathway comprises
Schlemm's canal.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the deployable portion
comprises two deployable members.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/626,181, filed Jul. 24, 2003,
entitled "Implant with Pressure Sensor for Glaucoma Treatment," now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,958, which is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/847,523, filed May 2, 2001, and
entitled "Bifurcatable Trabecular Shunt for Glaucoma Treatment,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,841, the entirety of each of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to medical devices
and methods for reducing intraocular pressure in the animal eye.
More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment
of glaucoma by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior
chamber through a surgically implanted pathway.
[0003] The human eye is a specialized sensory organ capable of
light reception and able to receive visual images. The trabecular
meshwork serves as a drainage channel and is located in anterior
chamber angle formed between the iris and the cornea. The
trabecular meshwork maintains a balanced pressure in the anterior
chamber of the eye by draining aqueous humor from the anterior
chamber.
[0004] About two percent of people in the United States have
glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases encompassing a broad
spectrum of clinical presentations, etiologies, and treatment
modalities. Glaucoma causes pathological changes in the optic
nerve, visible on the optic disk, and it causes corresponding
visual field loss, resulting in blindness if untreated. Lowering
intraocular pressure is the major treatment goal in all
glaucomas.
[0005] In glaucomas associated with an elevation in eye pressure
(intraocular hypertension), the source of resistance to outflow is
mainly in the trabecular meshwork. The tissue of the trabecular
meshwork allows the aqueous humor ("aqueous") to enter Schlemm's
canal, which then empties into aqueous collector channels in the
posterior wall of Schlemm's canal and then into aqueous veins,
which form the episcleral venous system. Aqueous humor is a
transparent liquid that fills the region between the cornea, at the
front of the eye, and the lens. The aqueous humor is continuously
secreted by the ciliary body around the lens, so there is a
constant flow of aqueous humor from the ciliary body to the eye's
front chamber. The eye's pressure is determined by a balance
between the production of aqueous and its exit through the
trabecular meshwork (major route) or uveal scleral outflow (minor
route). The trabecular meshwork is located between the outer rim of
the iris and the back of the cornea, in the anterior chamber angle.
The portion of the trabecular meshwork adjacent to Schlemm's canal
(the juxtacanilicular meshwork) causes most of the resistance to
aqueous outflow.
[0006] Glaucoma is grossly classified into two categories:
closed-angle glaucoma, also known as angle closure glaucoma, and
open-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is caused by closure of
the anterior chamber angle by contact between the iris and the
inner surface of the trabecular meshwork. Closure of this
anatomical angle prevents normal drainage of aqueous humor from the
anterior chamber of the eye. Open-angle glaucoma is any glaucoma in
which the angle of the anterior chamber remains open, but the exit
of aqueous through the trabecular meshwork is diminished. The exact
cause for diminished filtration is unknown for most cases of
open-angle glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common
of the glaucomas, and it is often asymptomatic in the early to
moderately advanced stage. Patients may suffer substantial,
irreversible vision loss prior to diagnosis and treatment. However,
there are secondary open-angle glaucomas which may include edema or
swelling of the trabecular spaces (e.g., from corticosteroid use),
abnormal pigment dispersion, or diseases such as hyperthyroidism
that produce vascular congestion.
[0007] All current therapies for glaucoma are directed at
decreasing intraocular pressure. Medical therapy includes topical
ophthalmic drops or oral medications that reduce the production or
increase the outflow of aqueous. However, these drug therapies for
glaucoma are sometimes associated with significant side effects,
such as headache, blurred vision, allergic reactions, death from
cardiopulmonary complications, and potential interactions with
other drugs. When drug therapy fails, surgical therapy is used.
Surgical therapy for open-angle glaucoma consists of laser
trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, and implantation of aqueous shunts
after failure of trabeculectomy or if trabeculectomy is unlikely to
succeed. Trabeculectomy is a major surgery that is widely used and
is augmented with topically applied anticancer drugs, such as
5-flurouracil or mitomycin-C to decrease scarring and increase the
likelihood of surgical success.
[0008] Approximately 100,000 trabeculectomies are performed on
Medicare-age patients per year in the United States. This number
would likely increase if the morbidity associated with
trabeculectomy could be decreased. The current morbidity associated
with trabeculectomy consists of failure (10-15%); infection (a life
long risk of 2-5%); choroidal hemorrhage, a severe internal
hemorrhage from low intraocular pressure, resulting in visual loss
(1%); cataract formation; and hypotony maculopathy (potentially
reversible visual loss from low intraocular pressure).
[0009] For these reasons, surgeons have tried for decades to
develop a workable surgery for the trabecular meshwork.
[0010] The surgical techniques that have been tried and practiced
are goniotomy/trabeculotomy and other mechanical disruptions of the
trabecular meshwork, such as trabeculopuncture, goniophotoablation,
laser trabecular ablation, and goniocurretage. These are all major
operations and are briefly described below.
[0011] Goniotomy/Trabeculotomy: Goniotomy and trabeculotomy are
simple and directed techniques of microsurgical dissection with
mechanical disruption of the trabecular meshwork. These initially
had early favorable responses in the treatment of open-angle
glaucoma. However, long-term review of surgical results showed only
limited success in adults. In retrospect, these procedures probably
failed due to cellular repair and fibrosis mechanisms and a process
of "filling in." Filling in is a detrimental effect of collapsing
and closing in of the created opening in the trabecular meshwork.
Once the created openings close, the pressure builds back up and
the surgery fails.
[0012] Trabeculopuncture: Q-switched Neodynium (Nd) YAG lasers also
have been investigated as an optically invasive technique for
creating full-thickness holes in trabecular meshwork. However, the
relatively small hole created by this trabeculopuncture technique
exhibits a filling-in effect and fails.
[0013] Goniophotoablation/Laser Trabecular Ablation:
Goniophotoablation is disclosed by Berlin in U.S. Pat. No.
4,846,172 and involves the use of an excimer laser to treat
glaucoma by ablating the trabecular meshwork. Additionally, an
Erbium:YAG laser was used to create full-thickness holes through
trabecular meshwork in a primate model and a limited human clinical
trial at the University of California, Irvine. (Hill et al., Lasers
in Surgery and Medicine 11:341-346, 1991). Although morbidity was
zero in both trials, success rates did not warrant further human
trials. Failure was again from filling in of surgically created
defects in the trabecular meshwork by repair mechanisms.
[0014] Goniocurretage: This is an ab interno (from the inside),
mechanically disruptive technique that uses an instrument similar
to a cyclodialysis spatula with a microcurrette at the tip. Initial
results were similar to trabeculotomy: it failed due to repair
mechanisms and a process of filling in.
[0015] Although trabeculectomy is the most commonly performed
filtering surgery, viscocanulostomy (VC) and non-penetrating
trabeculectomy (NPT) are two new variations of filtering surgery.
These are ab externo (from the outside), major ocular procedures in
which Schlemm's canal is surgically exposed by making a large and
very deep scleral flap. In the VC procedure, Schlemm's canal is
cannulated and viscoelastic substance injected (which dilates
Schlemm's canal and the aqueous collector channels). In the NPT
procedure, the inner wall of Schlemm's canal is stripped off after
surgically exposing the canal.
[0016] Trabeculectomy, VC, and NPT involve the formation of an
opening or hole under the conjunctiva and scleral flap into the
anterior chamber, such that aqueous humor is drained onto the
surface of the eye or into the tissues located within the lateral
wall of the eye. These surgical operations are major procedures
with significant ocular morbidity. When trabeculectomy, VC, and NPT
are thought to have a low chance for success, a number of
implantable drainage devices have been used to ensure that the
desired filtration and outflow of aqueous humor through the
surgical opening will continue. The risk of placing a glaucoma
drainage device also includes hemorrhage, infection, and diplopia
(double vision).
[0017] Examples of implantable shunts and surgical methods for
maintaining an opening for the release of aqueous humor from the
anterior chamber of the eye to the sclera or space beneath the
conjunctiva have been disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,059,772 to Hsia et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,970 to
Baerveldt.
[0018] All of the above embodiments and variations thereof have
numerous disadvantages and moderate success rates. They involve
substantial trauma to the eye and require great surgical skill in
creating a hole through the full thickness of the sclera into the
subconjunctival space. The procedures are generally performed in an
operating room and have a prolonged recovery time for vision.
[0019] The complications of existing filtration surgery have
prompted ophthalmic surgeons to find other approaches to lowering
intraocular pressure.
[0020] The trabecular meshwork and juxtacanilicular tissue together
provide the majority of resistance to the outflow of aqueous and,
as such, are logical targets for surgical removal in the treatment
of open-angle glaucoma. In addition, minimal amounts of tissue are
altered and existing physiologic outflow pathways are utilized.
[0021] As reported in Arch. Ophthalm. (2000) 118:412, glaucoma
remains a leading cause of blindness, and filtration surgery
remains an effective, important option in controlling the disease.
However, modifying existing filtering surgery techniques in any
profound way to increase their effectiveness appears to have
reached a dead end. The article further states that the time has
come to search for new surgical approaches that may provide better
and safer care for patients with glaucoma.
[0022] Therefore, there is a great clinical need for the treatment
of glaucoma by a method that is faster, safer, and less expensive
than currently available modalities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Glaucoma surgical morbidity would greatly decrease if one
were to bypass the focal resistance to outflow of aqueous only at
the point of resistance, and to utilize remaining, healthy aqueous
outflow mechanisms. This is in part because episcleral aqueous
humor exerts a backpressure that prevents intraocular pressure from
going too low, and one could thereby avoid hypotony. Thus, such a
surgery would virtually eliminate the risk of hypotony-related
maculopathy and choroidal hemorrhage. Furthermore, visual recovery
would be very rapid, and the risk of infection would be very small,
reflecting a reduction in incidence from 2-5% to about 0.05%.
[0024] Techniques performed in accordance with the aspects of the
invention may be referred to generally as "trabecular bypass
surgery." Advantages of this surgery include lowering intraocular
pressure in a manner which is simple, effective, disease
site-specific, and can potentially be performed on an outpatient
basis.
[0025] Trabecular bypass surgery (TBS) creates an opening, a slit,
or a hole through trabecular meshwork with minor microsurgery. TBS
has the advantage of a much lower risk of choroidal hemorrhage and
infection than prior techniques, and it uses existing physiologic
outflow mechanisms. In some aspects, this surgery can potentially
be performed under topical or local anesthesia on an outpatient
basis with rapid visual recovery. To prevent "filling in" of the
hole, a biocompatible elongated device is placed within the hole
and serves as a stent. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/549,350,
filed Apr. 14, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference, discloses trabecular bypass surgery.
[0026] In accordance with some embodiments, a trabecular shunt for
transporting aqueous humor is provided. The trabecular shunt
includes a hollow, elongate tubular element, having an inlet
section and an outlet section. The outlet section includes two
bifurcatable segments or elements, adapted to be positioned and
stabilized inside Schlemm's canal.
[0027] In one aspect, the trabecular shunt is placed inside a
delivery apparatus. When the trabecular shunt is deployed from the
delivery apparatus into the eye, the two bifurcatable elements of
the outlet section bifurcate in substantially opposite directions.
In one embodiment, a deployment mechanism within the delivery
apparatus includes a push-pull type plunger.
[0028] In another aspect, a delivery applicator may be placed
inside a lumen of the hollow, elongate tube of the trabecular
shunt. The delivery applicator may include a deployment mechanism
for causing the two bifurcatable elements of the outlet section to
bifurcate. In some embodiments, the delivery applicator may be a
guidewire, an expandable basket, an inflatable balloon, or the
like.
[0029] In accordance with another feature, at least one of the two
bifurcatable elements is made of a shape-memory material, such as
Nitinol or a shape-memory plastic. The shape-memory material has a
preshape and a shape-transition temperature, such that the
shape-memory trabecular shunt bifurcates to its preshape when it is
heated to above the shape-transition temperature. The preshape of
the two bifurcatable elements material may be at an angle with
respect to the inlet section, preferably between about 70 degrees
and about 110 degrees. An external heat source may be provided,
which is adapted for heating the shape-memory material to above the
shape-transition temperature of the shape-memory material.
[0030] In some aspects, the trabecular shunt may be made of one or
more of the following materials: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
pyrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen,
polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,
fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica,
polyolefin, polyester, polyimide, polysilison, silicone,
polyurethane, Nylon.TM., polypropylene, hydroxyapetite, precious
metal, Nitinol, stainless steel, biodegradable materials, and
biocompatible materials. Further, the outlet section of the
trabecular shunt may be configured as a coil, mesh, spiral, or
other appropriate configuration as will apparent to those of skill
in the art. Further, the outlet section of the trabecular shunt may
be porous, semi-permeable, fishbone, and/or of a continuous, solid
form. The outlet section of the trabecular shunt may have a
cross-sectional shape that is elliptical (e.g., oval), round,
circular, D-shape, semi-circular, or irregular (asymmetrical)
shape.
[0031] In one embodiment, at least one of the two bifurcatable
elements has a tapered distal end, adapted for insertion ease. The
trabecular shunt may have its surface coated with a coating
material selected from one or more of the following:
polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon.TM.), polyimide, hydrogel,
heparin, hydrophilic compound, anti-angiogenic factor,
anti-proliferative factor, therapeutic drugs, and the like. The
surface coating material may also provide a mechanism for
site-specific therapies.
[0032] In one embodiment, the device may include a flow-restricting
member for restricting at least one component in fluid. The
flow-restricting member may be a filter comprising one or more
filtration materials selected from the following: expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose, ceramic, glass, Nylon, plastic,
fluorinated material, or the like. The flow-restricting member may
advantageously be a filter selected from the following group of
filter types: hydrophobic, hydrophilic, membrane, microporous, and
non-woven. The flow-restricting member acts to limit or prevent the
reflux of any undesired component or contaminant of blood, such as
red blood cells or serum protein, from the aqueous veins into the
anterior chamber. It is useful to restrict one or more of the
following components or contaminants: platelets, red blood cells,
white blood cells, viruses, bacteria, antigens, and toxins.
[0033] The trabecular shunt may include a pressure sensor for
measuring the pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye of a
patient. The pressure sensor may further include an electromagnetic
(e.g., radiofrequency) transmitter, for wirelessly transmitting
pressure measurements to a pressure receiver outside the patient's
body.
[0034] Among the advantages of trabecular bypass surgery is its
simplicity. The microsurgery may potentially be performed on an
outpatient basis with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased
morbidity. There is a lower risk of infection and choroidal
hemorrhage, and there is a faster recovery, than with previous
techniques.
[0035] Further features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the Detailed
Description that follows, when considered together with the
attached drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a sagittal sectional view of an eye.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the anterior chamber of
an eye.
[0038] FIG. 3A is an side elevational view of a glaucoma
device.
[0039] FIG. 3B is an end cross-sectional view through plane 1-1 of
FIG. 3A.
[0040] FIG. 4A illustrates the trabecular shunt of FIG. 3A at a
semi-deployment state.
[0041] FIG. 4B is an end cross-sectional view of section 2-2 of
FIG. 4A.
[0042] FIG. 5A illustrates the trabecular shunt of FIG. 3A in a
deployed state.
[0043] FIG. 5B is an end cross-sectional view of the trabecular
shunt, section 3-3 of FIG. 5A.
[0044] FIG. 5C is an end cross-sectional view of a bifurcatable
segment, section 4-4 of FIG. 5A.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the trabecular
shunt.
[0046] FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the trabecular shunt.
[0047] FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the trabecular
shunt of FIG. 7A in a partially deployed state.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trabecular shunt placed
inside Schlemm's canal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0049] FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate an apparatus for the treatment of
glaucoma by trabecular bypass surgery.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a sagittal sectional view of an eye 10, while FIG.
2 is a close-up view, showing the relative anatomical locations of
trabecular meshwork 21, the anterior chamber 20, and Schlemm's
canal 22. Thick collagenous tissue known as sclera 11 covers the
entire eye 10 except that portion covered by the cornea 12. The
cornea 12 is a thin transparent tissue that focuses and transmits
light into the eye and through the pupil 14, which is the circular
hole in the center of the iris 13 (colored portion of the eye). The
cornea 12 merges into the sclera 11 at a juncture referred to as
the limbus 15. The ciliary body 16 extends along the interior of
the sclera 11 and is coextensive with the choroid 17. The choroid
17 is a vascular layer of the eye 10, located between the sclera 11
and retina 18. The optic nerve 19 transmits visual information to
the brain and is the anatomic structure that is progressively
destroyed by glaucoma.
[0051] The anterior chamber 20 of the eye 10, which is bound
anteriorly by the cornea 12 and posteriorly by the iris 13 and lens
26, is filled with aqueous humor ("aqueous"). Aqueous is produced
primarily by the ciliary body 16, then moves anteriorly through the
pupil 14 and reaches the anterior chamber angle 25, formed between
the iris 13 and the cornea 12. In a normal eye, the aqueous is
removed from the anterior chamber 20 through the trabecular
meshwork 21. Aqueous passes through trabecular meshwork 21 into
Schlemm's canal 22 and thereafter through the aqueous veins 23,
which merge with blood-carrying veins and into the systemic venous
circulation. Intraocular pressure is maintained by the intricate
balance between secretion and outflow of the aqueous in the manner
described above. Glaucoma is, in most cases, characterized by the
excessive buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber 20,
which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure. Fluids are
relatively incompressible, and pressure is directed relatively
equally throughout the eye.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the trabecular meshwork 21 is adjacent a
small portion of the sclera 11. Traditional procedures that create
a hole or opening for implanting a device through the tissues of
the conjunctiva 24 and sclera 11 involve extensive surgery, as
compared to surgery for implanting a device which ultimately
resides entirely within the confines of the sclera 11 and cornea
12, as is performed in accordance with one aspect. A device 31 for
establishing an outflow pathway, positioned through the trabecular
meshwork 21, is illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0053] In one embodiment, a method of placing a trabecular shunt
into an opening through trabecular meshwork, the method comprises
advancing and positioning a trabecular shunt having two distal
bifurcatable elements through the opening. In a further embodiment,
a method of placing a trabecular shunt into an opening through
diseased trabecular meshwork for transporting aqueous humor at the
level of the trabecular meshwork and using an existing outflow
pathway, the method comprises advancing and positioning a
trabecular shunt having a pressure sensor for measuring the
pressure of the anterior chamber of the eye through the opening. In
one embodiment, the method may further comprise transmitting the
measured pressure to a pressure receiver outside the body of the
patient.
[0054] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of the trabecular shunt 31. The
trabecular shunt may comprise a biocompatible material, such as
medical grade silicone, trade name Silastic, available from Dow
Corning Corporation of Midland, Mich.; or polyurethane, trade name
Pellethane, also available from Dow Corning Corporation. In some
embodiments, other biocompatible materials (biomaterials) may be
used, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrolidone, collagen,
heparinized collagen, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polymer, fluorinated
elastomer, flexible fused silica, polyolefin, polyester, polyimide,
polysilison, silicone, polyurethane, Nylon, polypropylene,
hydroxyapetite, precious metal, Nitinol, stainless steel, or any
mixture of these or other biocompatible materials. In a further
embodiment, the trabecular shunt may comprise a composite
biocompatible material, with a surface made of one or more of the
above-mentioned biomaterials, and the surface is coated by a
material selected from Teflon, polyimide, hydrogel, heparin,
hydrophilic compound, anti-angiogenic factor, anti-proliferative
factor, therapeutic drugs, and the like. Suitable anti-angiogenic
or anti-proliferative factors may be selected from, for example,
protamine, heparin, steroids, anti-invasive factor, retinoic acids
and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel or its analogues or
derivatives thereof.
[0055] The main purpose of the trabecular shunt is for transporting
aqueous humor at the level of the trabecular meshwork and partially
using existing the outflow pathway for aqueous humor, i.e.,
utilizing the entire outflow pathway except for the trabecular
meshwork, which is bypassed by the trabecular shunt 31. In this
manner, aqueous humor is transported into Schlemm's canal and
subsequently into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so
that the intraocular pressure is properly maintained within a
therapeutic range.
[0056] In one embodiment, the trabecular shunt 31 comprises a
hollow, elongated tubular element having an inlet section 32 and an
outlet section 33, wherein the outlet section 33 may comprise two
bifurcatable elements 34, 35 that are adapted to be bifurcated,
positioned, and stabilized inside Schlemm's canal. The hollow
elongated tubular element may comprise at least one lumen 36 for
transporting aqueous from the anterior chamber 20 of an eye to the
Schlemm's canal 22. A "bifurcatable" segment is defined as a
segment, or components thereof, that can change direction away or
evert from a reference axis. The "bifurcating" operation may be
achieved by mechanical forces and/or through the shape-memory
property of a material.
[0057] For stabilization purposes, the outer surface of the outlet
section 33 may comprise a stubbed surface, ribbed surface, surface
with pillars, textured surface, or the like. The outer surface of
the trabecular shunt 31 is biocompatible and tissue-compatible so
that the interaction between the outer surface of the shunt and the
surrounding tissue of Schlemm's canal is minimal, and inflammation
is reduced. FIG. 3B shows an end cross-sectional view of section
1-1 of FIG. 3A. Each bifurcatable segment 34, 35 has its own end
configuration. At least one of the two bifurcatable elements has a
tapered distal end adapted for insertion ease. The two bifurcatable
elements 34, 35 are secured to the inlet section 32 at a joint 37.
In an alternate embodiment, at least a slit 38, or scalloping,
within the two bifurcatable elements 34, 35 may be located near the
joint 37 for stress release when the two bifurcatable elements are
bifurcated in two substantially opposite directions. Other
stress-releasing mechanisms may also be utilized so as to make the
bifurcation operation of the bifurcatable elements safe and
effective. The outlet section 33 of the trabecular shunt 31 may
possess a cross-sectional shape selected from the following: oval
shape, round shape, circular shape, D-shape, semi-circular shape,
irregular shape, or random shape.
[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the trabecular shunt 31 may
comprise a flow-restricting element for restricting at least one
component in fluid, wherein the flow-restricting element may be a
filter selected from a group of filtration materials comprising
expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose, ceramic, glass, Nylon,
plastic, and fluorinated material. Furthermore, the
flow-restricting element may be a filter selected from a group of
filter types comprising a hydrophobic filter, hydrophilic filter,
membrane filter, microporous filter, non-woven filter, and the
like. Components in blood that may be restricted by the
flow-restricting element can include the following: platelet, red
blood cell, white blood cell, virus, antigen, serum protein, and
toxin. The flow-restricting element may also be in the form of, for
example, a check valve, a slit valve, a micropump, a semi-permeable
membrane, and the like. The purpose of the flow-restricting element
is to keep an undesired foreign material from back flowing into the
anterior chamber.
[0059] FIG. 4A shows the trabecular shunt of FIG. 3A in a
semi-deployed state, while FIG. 4B shows an end cross-sectional
view of section 2-2 of FIG. 4A. In one embodiment for shunt
delivery, the trabecular shunt 31 is placed inside a hollow
delivery apparatus 45. A delivery apparatus 45 comprises a distal
end 47, wherein the two bifurcatable elements 34, 35 of the outlet
section are self-bifurcatable in substantially two opposite
directions when the trabecular shunt 31 is deployed out of the
delivery apparatus 45. The slit 38 at the two bifurcatable elements
34, 35 comprises the separating regions 43A and 43B. The delivery
apparatus 45 may comprise a deployment mechanism for deploying the
trabecular shunt out of the delivery apparatus. In one embodiment,
the deployment mechanism is a plunger. The delivery mechanism may
be located at the handle of the delivery apparatus for deploying
the trabecular shunt.
[0060] FIG. 5A shows the trabecular shunt of FIG. 3A at a deployed
state. As the plunger is continuously pushed ahead, and the distal
end 47 of the delivery apparatus 45 retreats, the two bifurcatable
elements 34, 35 continue to deploy in two substantially opposite
directions. This may be accomplished by precontracting the two
bifurcatable elements within the delivery apparatus before the
delivery state. When the distal end of the delivery apparatus
withdraws beyond the joint point 37 located between the inlet
section 32 and the outlet section, the two bifurcatable elements
are fully deployed with their separating regions 43A, 43B apart
from each other. The outlet section of the preferred trabecular
shunts may be made of a material form selected from a group
comprising coil form, mesh form, spiral form, porous form,
semi-permeable form, fishbone form (i.e., having interlocking
splines and/or fenestrations in a side wall, as illustrated in FIG.
7A), continuous solid form, or may be made from any form that is
effective and appropriate to evert the bifurcatable elements to be
at one or more angles with respect to a reference axis of the inlet
section.
[0061] FIG. 5B shows an end cross-sectional view of the trabecular
shunt, section 3-3 of FIG. 5A, while FIG. 5C shows an end
cross-sectional view of a bifurcatable segment, section 4-4 of FIG.
5A. The original outer contour of the trabecular shunt 31 is
illustrated by a dashed line 49 in FIG. 5B. The lumen 36 of the
hollow elongated tubular element is for aqueous to flow through the
trabecular shunt. The shape of the end cross-section 35 is to
provide a stenting capability when the elements are placed inside
Schlemm's canal. The semicircular end cross-section of the
bifurcatable elements 34, 35 allows aqueous to freely flow into
aqueous collector channels in the external wall of Schlemm's
canal.
[0062] FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the trabecular
shunt. A delivery applicator 52 may be placed inside a lumen of the
hollow elongated tubular element, wherein the delivery applicator
comprises a deployment mechanism for causing the two bifurcatable
elements 34, 35 of the outlet section to move part from each other.
The delivery applicator may be selected from a group consisting of
a guidewire, an expandable basket, an inflatable balloon, or other
expanding mechanism. In one embodiment, a delivery applicator 52
with an expandable basket comprises a plurality of expandable
members 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D that all securely joined at a proximal
joint 55A and at a distal joint point 55B. A distal end of a
push-pull type wire 51 is also joined at the distal joint point
55B. The proximal joint 55A is located at the distal end of a
compact guidewire 53 of the delivery applicator. Therefore, by
pulling the push-pull wire 51 of the delivery applicator toward the
operator, each of the expandable members 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D expand
radially outwardly so as to effect the outward pushing action for
the bifurcatable elements 34, 35.
[0063] U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,298 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/452,963, filed Dec. 2, 1999, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety, disclose a medical device
made of shape-memory Nitinol having a shape-transition temperature.
In a further embodiment, a trabecular shunt comprises a hollow
elongated tubular element having an inlet section and an outlet
section, wherein the outlet section comprises two bifurcatable
elements adapted to be positioned and stabilized inside Schlemm's
canal. At least one of the two bifurcatable elements may be made of
a shape-memory material such as shape-memory Nitinol or
shape-memory plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the
shape-memory Nitinol has a preshape and a shape-transition
temperature, wherein the shape-memory Nitinol bifurcates to its
preshape when the shape-memory Nitinol is heated to above the
shape-transition temperature, the preshape of the shape-memory
Nitinol being at an angle with respect to the inlet section.
[0064] The shape-transition temperature for the shape-memory
Nitinol is preferably between about 39.degree. C. and about
90.degree. C. The shape-transition temperature is more preferred
between about 39.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. so as to minimize
tissue damage. The angle is preferably between about 70 degrees and
about 110 degrees so as to conform to the contour of Schlemm's
canal. An external heat source may be provided and adapted for
heating the shape-memory Nitinol to above the shape-transition
temperature of the shape-memory Nitinol. Examples of such external
heat sources include a heating pad, a warm cloth, a bag of warm
water, remotely deliverable heat, electromagnetic field, and the
like. In another embodiment, the shape-memory Nitinol may be
embedded within a biocompatible material selected from, for
example, silicone, polyurethane, porous material, expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene, semi-permeable membrane, elastomer, and
mixture of the biocompatible material thereof. In general, the
bifurcatable elements are relatively flexible and soft so that they
do not impart undesired force or pressure onto the surrounding
tissue during and after the deployment state.
[0065] For illustration purposes, a fishbone-type outlet section is
shown to render the bifurcatable elements flexible and soft during
the deployment state. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the trabecular
shunt. The trabecular shunt comprises a plurality of fishbones and
their intermediate spacing, such as the fishbones 61A, 61B with a
spacing 62A and the fishbones 61C, 61D with a spacing 62B. A
delivery apparatus 45 may be used to deliver the self-bifurcatable
elements 34, 35 having fishbones configuration.
[0066] FIG. 7B shows the trabecular shunt of FIG. 7A in a
semi-deployed state. As the distal end 47 of the delivery apparatus
45 is pulled away from the distal end 39 of the shunt 31, the
self-bifurcatable elements 34, 35 tend to deploy to two opposite
directions. In the meantime, the spacing 62B between the two
fishbones 61C and 61D starts to expand and enlarge so that minimal
stress is exerted on the deployed bifurcated portion of the
bifurcatable elements 34, 35.
[0067] The trabecular shunt may have a length between about 0.5 mm
to over a few millimeters. The outside diameter of the trabecular
shunt may range from about 30 .mu.m to about 500 .mu.m or more. The
lumen diameter is preferably in the range of about 20 .mu.m to
about 150 .mu.m, or larger. The trabecular shunt may have a
plurality of lumens to facilitate multiple-channel flow. The outlet
section may be curved or angled at an angle between about 30
degrees to about 150 degrees, and preferably at about 70 degrees to
about 110 degrees, with reference to the inlet section 32.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the device 31
positioned within the tissue of an eye 10. A hole or opening is
created through the diseased trabecular meshwork 21. The outlet
section of the device 31 is inserted into the hole, wherein the
inlet section is exposed to the anterior chamber 20 while the
outlet section is positioned at about an exterior surface 3 of the
diseased trabecular meshwork 21. In a further embodiment, the
outlet section may enter into Schlemm's canal or other existing
outflow pathways. A device as shown in FIG. 3 may be successfully
used to maintain the opening through diseased trabecular
meshwork.
[0069] In one embodiment, means for forming a hole/opening in the
trabecular mesh 21 may comprise using a microknife, a pointed
guidewire, a sharpened applicator, a screw shaped applicator, an
irrigating applicator, or a barbed applicator. Alternatively, the
trabecular meshwork may be dissected off with an instrument similar
to a retinal pick or microcurrette. The opening may alternately be
created by retrograde fiberoptic laser ablation.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the trabecular meshwork
surgery, the patient is placed in the supine position, prepped,
draped and anesthesia obtained. In one embodiment, a small
(generally less than 1-mm) self-sealing incision is made. Through
the cornea opposite the shunt placement site, an incision is made
in the trabecular meshwork with an irrigating knife. The shunt is
then advanced through the corneal incision across the anterior
chamber held in a delivery apparatus or delivery applicator under
gonioscopic (lens) or endoscopic guidance. The apparatus or
applicator is withdrawn from the patient and the surgery is
concluded. The delivery apparatus or applicator may be within a
size range of 20 to 40 gauge, and preferably about 30 gauge.
[0071] In a further embodiment, a method for increasing aqueous
humor outflow in an eye of a patient to reduce intraocular pressure
therein, the method comprises: (a) creating an opening in
trabecular meshwork using a knife or laser, etc; (b) inserting a
trabecular shunt into the opening, such as by using a delivery
device, wherein the trabecular shunt comprises a hollow elongated
tubular element having an inlet section and an outlet section, and
wherein the outlet section comprises two bifurcatable elements
adapted to be positioned and stabilized inside Schlemm's canal; and
(c) bifurcating the two bifurcatable elements to two opposing
directions.
[0072] The method may further comprise placing the trabecular shunt
inside a delivery apparatus, wherein the two bifurcatable elements
are self-bifurcatable in two opposing directions when the
trabecular shunt is deployed from the delivery apparatus. The
method may further comprise placing a delivery applicator inside a
lumen of a hollow elongated tubular element, wherein the delivery
applicator comprises a deployment mechanism for causing the two
bifurcatable elements to move in two opposing directions.
[0073] The method may further comprise measuring and transmitting
pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye, wherein the trabecular
shunt comprises a pressure sensor for measuring and transmitting
pressure. The means for measuring and transmitting pressure of an
anterior chamber of an eye to an external receiver may be
incorporated within a device that is placed inside the anterior
chamber for sensing and transmitting the intraocular pressure. Any
suitable micro pressure sensor or pressure sensor chip known to
those of skill in the art may be utilized.
[0074] From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated
that a novel device and methods for the surgical treatment of
glaucoma have been disclosed for reducing intraocular pressure.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific
embodiments, the description is illustrative and is not to be
construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and
applications of the invention may occur to those who are skilled in
the art, without departing from the true spirit or scope of the
invention. The breadth and scope of the invention should be defined
only in accordance with the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *