U.S. patent application number 14/537782 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment.
The applicant listed for this patent is GLAUKOS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Thomas W. Burns, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Gregory T. Smedley, Hosheng Tu.
Application Number | 20150223981 14/537782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38054493 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150223981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smedley; Gregory T. ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
COMBINED TREATMENT FOR CATARACT AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT
Abstract
A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination
with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular
pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber
of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent
is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an
eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the
anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the
trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment
contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with
the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
Inventors: |
Smedley; Gregory T.; (Aliso
Viejo, CA) ; Haffner; David; (Mission Viejo, CA)
; Niksch; Barbara; (Laguna Niguel, CA) ; Tu;
Hosheng; (Newport Coast, CA) ; Burns; Thomas W.;
(Laguna Niguel, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GLAUKOS CORPORATION |
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Family ID: |
38054493 |
Appl. No.: |
14/537782 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13118338 |
May 27, 2011 |
8882781 |
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14537782 |
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11653815 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
7951155 |
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13118338 |
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10165616 |
Jun 7, 2002 |
7163543 |
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11653815 |
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60364988 |
Mar 15, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 9/0017 20130101;
A61F 9/00736 20130101; A61F 9/00754 20130101; A61F 9/00781
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/007 20060101
A61F009/007; A61F 9/00 20060101 A61F009/00 |
Claims
1. A method of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of
an eye, comprising: providing an opening into an anterior chamber
of the eye; inserting a first instrument into the anterior chamber
through said opening; using said first instrument to perform a
surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure;
removing said first instrument from the anterior chamber; inserting
a second instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said second instrument to perform a surgical procedure for
lowering intraocular pressure or measuring intraocular pressure;
and removing said second instrument from the anterior chamber.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical procedure other than
for lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to the
surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical procedure for
lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to the surgical
procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical procedure other than
for lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat a
cataract.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the surgery to treat a cataract
comprises phacoemulsification of a lens of the eye.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical procedure for
lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat glaucoma.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the surgery to treat glaucoma
comprises making an incision in a trabecular meshwork of the eye to
provide outflow of intraocular liquid.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising closing said opening
after said first and second instruments have been removed from the
anterior chamber.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said first instrument comprises
an ultrasonic instrument.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said second instrument comprises
an applicator.
11. A method of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of
an eye, comprising: providing an opening into an anterior chamber
of the eye; inserting a first instrument into the anterior chamber
through said opening; using said first instrument to perform a
surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure;
removing said first instrument from the anterior chamber; inserting
a second instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said second instrument to implant a seton in a trabecular
meshwork of the eye such that the seton conducts fluid from the
anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal of the eye to lower intraocular
pressure; and removing said second instrument from the anterior
chamber without removing said seton from the trabecular
meshwork.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the surgical procedure other
than for lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to using
said second instrument to implant said seton.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein using said second instrument to
implant said seton is performed prior to the surgical procedure
other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the surgical procedure other
than for lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat a
cataract.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the surgery to treat a cataract
comprises phacoemulsification of a lens of the eye.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the lowering of intraocular
pressure is a treatment for glaucoma.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising making an incision
in the trabecular meshwork for receiving said seton.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising closing said opening
after said first and second instruments have been removed from the
anterior chamber.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein said seton comprises a
tube.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein said seton comprises a cutting
tip for making an incision in the trabecular meshwork.
21. The method of claim 11, wherein said seton has a first end
disposed in Schlemm's canal.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said seton has a second end
disposed in the anterior chamber.
23. The method of claim 11, wherein said first instrument comprises
an ultrasonic instrument.
24. The method of claim 11, wherein said second instrument
comprises an applicator.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said applicator comprises an
actuator to release said seton from said applicator.
26. The method of claim 11, wherein the intraocular pressure is
maintained between about 10 mm Hg to about 21 mm Hg.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/118,338, filed May 27, 2011 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/653,815, filed
Jan. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,155 B2, issued May 31, 2011,
entitled "Combined Treatment for Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment,"
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/165,616, filed Jun. 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,543 B2,
issued Jan. 16, 2007, entitled "Combined Treatment for Cataract and
Glaucoma Treatment," which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/364,988, filed Mar. 15, 2002,
entitled "Methods for Treating Combined Glaucoma and Cataract," the
entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to surgical procedures for
treating cataract. More particularly, it relates to a treatment of
cataract in combination with an ab interno procedure for
maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting intraocular
liquid to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a
surgically stented pathway.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] As is well known in the art, a human eye is a specialized
sensory organ capable of light reception and is able to receive
visual images. Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid that fills the
region between the cornea, at the front of the eye, and the lens. A
trabecular meshwork, located in an anterior chamber angle formed
between the iris and the cornea, serves as a drainage channel for
intraocular liquid from the anterior chamber, which maintains a
balanced pressure within the anterior chamber of the eye.
[0006] Artificial intraocular lenses are widely used to replace the
human crystalline lens of the eye. The human crystalline lens is a
living transparent structure composed primarily of protein having a
thickness of about five millimeters and a diameter of about nine
millimeters. The lens is suspended behind the iris by zonula fibers
that connect the lens to the ciliary body. A lens capsule surrounds
the lens; the front portion of the capsule is generally referred to
as the anterior capsule and the back portion is generally referred
to as the posterior capsule.
[0007] The term "cataract" refers to the opacity of the lens of the
eye. There are a variety of types of cataracts and for most
cataracts, surgical intervention is required to remove and replace
the lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
[0008] There are a number of procedures and devices that have been
developed for the removal of the natural lens followed by the
insertion of an artificial lens. The extraction procedure can
generally be categorized as intracapsular (i.e., where the lens is
removed together with the lens capsule) or extracapsular (such as
where a portion of the anterior capsule is circularly removed
(capsulorhexis) and the posterior capsule is left intact).
[0009] Presently, phacoemulsification is a widely used method for
the removal of diseased or damaged natural lens tissue. The
phacoemulsification process generally employs a small incision
typically of about 2 millimeters (mm) to about 4 mm in length
through the cornea and a probe is used to ultrasonically break
apart and remove the crystalline lens through the
capsulorhexis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] During the cataract surgical procedure and immediately after
the procedure, it is important to maintain the intraocular pressure
at a desired level. This is particularly important to a subset of
cataract patients that also has glaucoma. Therefore, there remains
a clinical need for maintaining the intraocular pressure for
cataract surgical treatment by allowing drainage of intraocular
liquid or fluid through a hollow stented pathway bypassing the
trabecular meshwork. The term "intraocular liquid (or fluid)" is
herein intended to mean the aqueous humor, the viscoelastic fluid,
the normal physiological saline or the like that stays in the eye
at one time or the other.
[0011] Historically, about two percent of people in the United
States have glaucoma. Glaucoma is a separate disease from cataract;
however, some patients have both glaucoma and cataract so that is
reasonable to treat both in a combined procedure. 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.
[0012] 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 (herein also referred to as
"aqueous" and is one component of the "intraocular liquid (or
fluid)" referred to herein) 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.
[0013] Aqueous is continuously secreted by a ciliary body around
the lens, so there is a constant flow of aqueous from the ciliary
body to the anterior chamber of the eye. Pressure within the eye is
determined by a balance between the production of aqueous and its
exit through the trabecular meshwork (major route) and uveal
scleral outflow (minor route). The portion of the trabecular
meshwork adjacent to Schlemm's canal (the juxtacanalicular
meshwork) causes most of the resistance to aqueous outflow.
[0014] Because the trabecular meshwork and juxtacanalicular tissue
together provide the majority of resistance to the outflow of
aqueous, they are logical targets for surgical channeling with a
stented pathway during and after cataract surgery for maintaining
balanced intraocular pressure. Various embodiments of glaucoma
shunts are disclosed herein for aqueous to exit through the
trabecular meshwork (major route) or uveal scleral outflow (minor
route) or other route effective to reduce intraocular pressure
(IOP). In some glaucoma patients, this surgical channeling may
become the only viable alternative for lowering the intraocular
pressure because of the patient's intolerance to glaucoma medicine
immediately after cataract surgery.
[0015] What is desirable, therefore, is a combined procedure of ab
interno trabecular stenting followed by a cataract treatment. The
stenting advantageously provides for aqueous drainage to maintain
substantially balanced intraocular pressure during and after the
procedure. Moreover, and advantageously, the combined procedure is
fast, safe, and less expensive than currently available
two-procedure modalities.
[0016] Advantageously, the accompanying glaucoma (or lowering IOP)
procedure provides the eye with a balanced intraocular pressure
post-operatively without the need of an IOP-lowering drug that may
complicate the surgical success of the intended cataract procedure.
Another advantage is that, a single incision in the cornea or
sclera may be used to perform both surgical procedures. Moreover,
and desirably, the glaucoma (or elevated IOP) and cataract may be
treated in a single visit operation that may be performed as an
outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly
decreased morbidity.
[0017] In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for
treating cataract of an eye while maintaining normal physiological
intraocular pressure. The method comprising combination steps of
establishing an opening through trabecular meshwork (also referred
herein as "trabecular opening") for maintaining normal
physiological intraocular pressure, removing the cataract, and
inserting an intraocular lens.
[0018] One aspect of the invention provides a trabecular stent
having a lumen therein for inserting within the opening through
trabecular meshwork. The step of establishing the opening through
trabecular meshwork is by an ab interno procedure, wherein the ab
interno procedure comprises delivering the trabecular stent through
an incision on a cornea of the eye remote from the trabecular
opening. The incision may be self-sealing.
[0019] The trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within a
trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows
controllably from an anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's
canal. The trabecular stent may comprise a quantity of
pharmaceuticals effective in treating glaucoma and/or cataract,
which are controllably released from the device into cells of the
trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. Depending upon the
specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in
conjunction with the trabecular stent such that liquid or aqueous
flow either increases or decreases as desired. Placement of the
trabecular stent within the eye and incorporation, and eventual
release, of a proven pharmaceutical glaucoma therapy will reduce,
inhibit or slow the effects of glaucoma and/or heal the injury from
cataract procedure.
[0020] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of
treating glaucoma or eye diseases around trabecular meshwork. The
method comprises providing at least one pharmaceutical substance
incorporated into a trabecular stent, implanting the trabecular
stent within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that a first end
of the trabecular stent is positioned in an anterior chamber of the
eye while a second end is positioned in a Schlemm's canal, and
allowing the stent to release a quantity of the pharmaceutical
substance into the eye or eye tissue. The first and second ends of
the trabecular stent establish a fluid communication between the
anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal to assist maintaining a normal
physiological intraocular pressure during or after the cataract
procedure. The normal physiological intraocular pressure is
maintained between about 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a method of regulating
aqueous humor outflow within an eye is provided. The method
comprises creating an incision in a trabecular meshwork of the eye,
wherein the incision is substantially parallel with a circumference
of a limbus of the eye, inserting an outlet section of a trabecular
stent through the incision into Schlemm's canal such that the
outlet section resides within Schlemm's canal while an inlet
section of the trabecular stent resides in the anterior chamber,
initiating an outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber
through the trabecular stent into Schlemm's canal, and continuously
maintaining the outflow of aqueous humor during and after the
cataract procedure so as to maintain a normal physiological
intraocular pressure during or after the cataract procedure.
[0022] Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of
regulating intraocular pressure within an eye. The method comprises
making an incision passing into a trabecular meshwork of the eye,
wherein the incision is oriented lengthwise substantially parallel
with a circumference of a limbus. The incision establishes a fluid
communication between an anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal of
the eye. The method further comprises implanting a hollow
trabecular stent through the incision such that an outlet section
of the trabecular stent resides within Schlemm's canal and an inlet
section of the trabecular stent resides within the anterior
chamber. The method still further comprises establishing a fluid
transfer from the anterior chamber through the trabecular stent
into Schlemm's canal.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of
implanting a trabecular stent within an eye. The method known as an
ab interno procedure herein comprises creating a first incision in
a cornea on a first side of the eye, wherein the first incision
passes through the cornea into an anterior chamber of the eye. The
method further comprises passing (across or U-turnedly) an incising
device through the first incision and moving a distal end of the
incising device passing the anterior chamber to a trabecular
meshwork residing on a second side of the eye, and using the
incising device to create a second incision. The second incision is
in the trabecular meshwork, passing from the anterior chamber
through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal. In one
alternate embodiment, the first incision in the cornea may be a
very short distance from the second incision in the trabecular
meshwork. The method further comprises inserting the trabecular
stent into a distal space of a delivery applicator. The delivery
applicator comprises a cannula portion having a distal end and a
proximal end attached to a syringe portion. The cannula portion has
at least one lumen and at least one irrigating hole disposed
between proximal and distal ends of the cannula portion. The
irrigating hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. The
distal space comprises a holder that holds the trabecular stent
device during delivery and releases the trabecular stent when a
practitioner activates deployment mechanism of the stent device.
The method further comprises advancing the cannula portion and the
trabecular stent through the first incision, across or U-turnedly
passing the anterior chamber and into the second incision, wherein
an outlet section of the trabecular stent is implanted into
Schlemm's canal while an inlet section of the trabecular stent
remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber. The
method still further comprises releasing the trabecular stent from
the holder of the delivery applicator.
[0024] In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided
for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure
while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to
flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically
stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation
within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular
liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to
Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon
the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be
utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling
post-cataract healing processes.
[0025] The trabecular shunt may include a pressure sensor 40 for
measuring the pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye of a
patient. The pressure sensor 40 may further include an
electromagnetic (e.g., radiofrequency) transmitter 41 for
wirelessly transmitting pressure measurements to a pressure
receiver 42 outside the patient's body.
[0026] In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided of
performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye. The
method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior
chamber of the eye. A first instrument is inserted into the
anterior chamber through the opening. The first instrument is used
to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular
pressure. The first instrument is removed from the anterior
chamber. A second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber
through the opening. The second instrument is used to perform a
surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure. The second
instrument is removed from the anterior chamber.
[0027] In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided
of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye. The
method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior
chamber of the eye. A first instrument is inserted into the
anterior chamber through the opening. The first instrument is used
to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular
pressure. The first instrument is removed from the anterior
chamber. A second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber
through the opening. The second instrument is used to implant a
seton in a trabecular meshwork of the eye such that the seton
conducts fluid from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal of the
eye to lower intraocular pressure. The second instrument is removed
from the anterior chamber without removing the seton from the
trabecular meshwork.
[0028] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,
advantages and novel features of the invention have been described
herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not
necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with
any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may
be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes
one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein
without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0029] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s)
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention
and some of its features and advantages, certain preferred
embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having
reference to the figures that follow, of which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a coronal, cross-sectional view of an eye;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an anterior
chamber angle of the eye of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent
device having features and advantages in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent
device having features and advantages in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a close-up, cut-away view of an inlet section of
the trabecular stent device of FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating a
flow-restricting member retained within a lumen of the trabecular
stent device and having features and advantages in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the
placement of one end of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3
through a trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an oblique elevation view of a preferred
implantation of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 through a
trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 8 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the
placement of one end of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3
through a trabecular meshwork, wherein the trabecular stent device
is passed over a guidewire, in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a preferred
method of implanting the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 within
an eye and having features and advantages in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anterior chamber angle
of an eye, illustrating the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3
positioned within a trabecular meshwork and having features and
advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic view of a lens of an
eye;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one embodiment of an anterior
chamber intraocular lens;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a side view of the intraocular lens of FIG.
12;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a posterior
chamber intraocular lens;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a side view of the intraocular lens of FIG.
14;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a simplified graphical representation of the
intraocular pressure (IOP) during and after cataract surgery and
illustrating the benefits of a preferred pressure control scheme in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic view of a capsule of an
eye after an extracapsular cataract extraction procedure; and
[0048] FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic block diagram illustrating
steps of a combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment
having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein
relate particularly to a surgical treatment of cataract in
combination with a surgical and therapeutic treatment of glaucoma
through maintaining normal intraocular pressure. While the
description sets forth various embodiment specific details, it will
be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should
not be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore,
various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto,
which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also
encompassed by the general concepts described herein and below.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an eye 10, while FIG. 2
is a close-up view showing the relative anatomical locations of a
trabecular meshwork 21, an anterior chamber 20, and a Schlemm's
canal 22. A sclera 11 is a thick collagenous tissue which covers
the entire eye 10 except a portion which is covered by a cornea 12.
The cornea 12 is a thin transparent tissue that focuses and
transmits light into the eye and through a pupil 14, which is a
circular hole in the center of an iris 13 (colored portion of the
eye). The cornea 12 merges into the sclera 11 at a juncture
referred to as a limbus 15. A ciliary body 16 extends along the
interior of the sclera 11 and is coextensive with a choroid 17. The
choroid 17 is a vascular layer of the eye 10, located between the
sclera 11 and a retina 18. An 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 (FIGS. 1 and 2), which
is bound anteriorly by the cornea 12 and posteriorly by the iris 13
and a lens 26, is filled with aqueous humor (also herein referred
to as "aqueous"). Aqueous is produced primarily by the ciliary body
16, then moves anteriorly through the pupil 14 and reaches an
anterior chamber angle 25, formed between the iris 13 and the
cornea 12.
[0052] Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a normal eye,
aqueous is removed from the anterior chamber 20 through the
trabecular meshwork 21. Aqueous passes through the trabecular
meshwork 21 into Schlemm's canal 22 and thereafter through a
plurality of aqueous veins 23, which merge with blood-carrying
veins, and into systemic venous circulation. Intraocular pressure
(IOP) is maintained by an intricate balance between secretion and
outflow of aqueous in the manner described above. Glaucoma is, in
most cases, characterized by an excessive buildup of aqueous in the
anterior chamber 20 which leads to an increase in intraocular
pressure. Fluids are relatively incompressible, and thus
intraocular pressure is distributed relatively uniformly throughout
the eye 10.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the trabecular meshwork 21 is adjacent a
small portion of the sclera 11. Exterior to the sclera 11 is a
conjunctiva 24. 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, as described herein, which
ultimately resides entirely within the confines of the sclera 11
and cornea 12. As discussed in greater detail below, in accordance
with some embodiments, a trabecular stenting device is utilized for
establishing an outflow pathway, passing through the trabecular
meshwork 21.
Trabecular Stenting Device for Reducing Intraocular Pressure
(IOP)
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a trabecular
stenting device 31 which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from
the anterior chamber 20 into Schlemm's canal 22, and subsequently
into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that
intraocular pressure (IOP) is reduced. In the illustrated
embodiment, the trabecular stenting device 31 comprises an inlet
section 2, having a lumen 3'' with an inlet opening 3, a middle
section 4, and an outlet section 9.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the middle section 4 may be an
extension of, or may be coextensive with, the inlet section 2. The
outlet section 9 is preferably somewhat flexible to facilitate
positioning of the outlet section 9 within an outflow pathway of
the eye 10. The outlet section 9 is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the middle section 4. "Substantially
perpendicular," as used herein, is generally defined as subtending
an angle between longitudinal axes of the sections 4, 9 ranging
between about 30.degree. (degrees) and about 150.degree. (degrees).
The device 31 further comprises at least one lumen 7 within
sections 4 and 9 which is in fluid communication with the inlet
opening 3 (and/or lumen 3'') of section 2, thereby facilitating
transfer of aqueous through the device 31.
[0056] The trabecular stenting device 31 (FIG. 3) of the preferred
embodiments may be made of a biocompatible titanium material or
titanium-containing alloy, such as Nitinol. In accordance with one
aspect, the trabecular stent is coated with a compound having
properties of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antifibrin and
antithrombus that is selected from a group consisting of heparin,
warfarin, hirudin, heparinoid, argatroban, forskolin, vapiprost,
prostacyclin, dextran, dipyridamole, thrombin inhibitor, and
combinations thereof.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet section 9 preferably has a
first outlet end 6 and a second, opposite outlet end 5. The lumen 7
within the outlet section 9 opens to at least one of the outlet
ends 5,6. Furthermore, the outlet section 9 may have a plurality of
side openings 77, each of which is in fluid communication with the
lumen 7, for transmission of aqueous. The middle section 4 is
connected to or coextensive with the outlet section 9 and is
disposed between the first outlet end 6 and the second outlet end
5.
[0058] In one preferred embodiment, the outlet section 9 (FIG. 3)
is curved around a point, or curve center, and the middle section 4
extends substantially along a plane that contains the curve center.
In this embodiment, the outlet section 9 has a radius of curvature
ranging between about 4 millimeters (mm) and about 10 mm.
[0059] Referring in particular to FIG. 3, as will be apparent to a
person skilled in the art, the lumen 7 and the remaining body of
the outlet section 9 may have a cross-sectional shape that is oval,
circular, or other appropriate shape. The cross-sectional shapes of
the lumen 7 and the outlet section 9 preferably conform to the
shape of the outflow pathway into which the outlet section 9 is
placed. The opening of the lumen 7 of the outlet ends 5,6 may be
ovoid in shape to match the contour of Schlemm's canal 22. Further,
an outer contour of the outlet section 9 may be elliptical (e.g.,
ovoid) in shape to match the contour of Schlemm's canal 22. This
serves to minimize rotational movement of the outlet section 9
within Schlemm's canal 22, and thereby stabilizes the inlet section
2 with respect to the iris and cornea.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, a circumferential
ridge 8 is provided at the junction of the inlet section 2 and the
middle section 4 to facilitate stabilization of the device 31 once
implanted within the eye 10. Preferably, the middle section 4 has a
length (between the ridge 8 and the outlet section 9) that is
roughly equal to a thickness of the trabecular meshwork 21, which
typically ranges between about 100 microns or micrometers (.mu.m)
and about 300 .mu.m. In addition, the outlet section 9 may
advantageously be formed with a protuberance or spur projecting
therefrom so as to further stabilize the device 31 within the eye
10 without undue suturing.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a modified embodiment of a trabecular
stent 31A which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from the
anterior chamber 20 into Schlemm's canal 22, and subsequently into
the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that intraocular
pressure is reduced. The device 31A comprises an inlet section 2A,
a middle section 4A, and an outlet section 9A. The device 31A
further comprises at least one lumen 3A traversing the sections 2A,
4A, 9A and providing fluid communication therebetween. The lumen 3A
facilitates the transfer of aqueous from the inlet section 2A
through the device 31A.
[0062] Referring in particular to FIG. 4, the outlet section 9A has
opposed ends 5A, 6A. The outlet section 9A is preferably curved,
and may also be somewhat flexible, to facilitate positioning of the
outlet section 9A within an existing outflow pathway of the eye 10.
The outlet section 9A further comprises an elongate trough 7A for
transmitting, or venting, aqueous. The elongate trough 7A is
connected to and in fluid communication with the lumen 3A within
the trabecular stenting device 31A.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, a circumferential
ridge 8A is provided at the junction of the inlet section 2A and
the middle section 4A to facilitate stabilization of the device 31A
once implanted within the eye 10. Preferably, the middle section 4A
has a length (between the ridge 8A and the outlet section 9A) that
is roughly equal to the thickness of the trabecular meshwork 21,
which typically ranges between about 100 .mu.m and about 300 .mu.m.
In addition, the outlet section 9A may advantageously be formed
with a protuberance or barb projecting therefrom so as to further
stabilize the device 31A within the eye 10 without undue
suturing.
[0064] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the devices 31 (FIG. 3) and 31A (FIG. 4) may advantageously be
practiced with a variety of sizes and shapes without departing from
the scope of the invention. Depending upon the distance between the
anterior chamber 20 and the drainage vessel (e.g., a vein)
contemplated, the devices 31, 31A may have a length ranging from
about 0.05 centimeters (cm) to over 10 centimeters (cm).
Preferably, the devices 31 and 31A have an outside diameter ranging
between about 30 .mu.m and about 500 .mu.m, with the lumens 7, 3A
having diameters ranging between about 20 .mu.m and about 250
.mu.m, respectively. In addition, the devices 31, 31A may have a
plurality of lumens to facilitate transmission of multiple flows of
aqueous.
[0065] Still referring in particular to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inlet
sections 2, 2A have longitudinal axes that form an angle .theta.
ranging between about 20.degree. (degrees) and about 150.degree.
(degrees) relative to the longitudinal axes of the middle sections
4, 4A, respectively. More preferably, the angles .theta. between
the longitudinal axes of the inlet sections 2, 2A and the middle
sections 4, 4A range between about 30.degree. (degrees) and about
60.degree. (degrees), respectively.
[0066] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the inlet section 2 and/or 2A
of the trabecular stenting device 31 and/or 31A, illustrating a
flow-restricting member 72 which is tightly retained within a lumen
78 (or 3''). In the illustrated embodiment, the flow-restricting
member 72 is shown located close to an inlet side 71 of the inlet
section 2 and/or 2A. The flow-restricting member 72 serves to
selectively restrict at least one component in blood from moving
retrograde, i.e., from the outlet section 9 (FIG. 3) and/or 9A
(FIG. 4) into the anterior chamber 20 of the eye 10.
[0067] In modified embodiments, the flow-restricting member 72
(FIG. 5) may be situated in any location within the device 31
and/or 31A such that blood flow is restricted from retrograde
motion. More than one flow-restricting member 72 may also be
efficaciously used, as needed or desired. The flow-restricting
member 72 may, in some embodiments, be a filter made of a material
selected from the following filter materials: expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose, ceramic, glass, Nylon, plastic,
and fluorinated material such as polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF")
(trade name: Kynar, by DuPont), and combinations thereof.
[0068] The trabecular stenting devices 31 (FIG. 3) and/or 31A (FIG.
4) may be made by molding, thermo-forming, or other micro-machining
techniques, among other techniques. The trabecular stenting devices
31, 31A preferably comprise a biocompatible material such that
inflammation arising due to irritation between the outer surface of
the device 31, 31A and the surrounding tissue is minimized.
[0069] Biocompatible materials which may be used for the devices 31
(FIG. 3) and/or 31A (FIG. 4) preferably include, but are not
limited to, titanium, medical grade silicone, e.g., Silastic.TM.,
available from Dow Coming Corporation of Midland, Mich.; and
polyurethane, e.g., Pellethane.TM., also available from Dow Corning
Corporation.
[0070] In other embodiments, the devices 31 (FIG. 3) and/or 31A
(FIG. 4) may comprise other types of biocompatible material, such
as, by way of example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen,
polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,
fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica,
polyolefin, polyester, polysilicon, and/or a mixture of the
aforementioned biocompatible materials, and the like. In still
other embodiments, composite biocompatible material may be used,
wherein a surface material may be used in addition to one or more
of the aforementioned materials. For example, such a surface
material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (such as
Teflon.TM.), polyimide, hydrogel, heparin, therapeutic drugs (such
as beta-adrenergic antagonists and other anti-glaucoma drugs, or
antibiotics), and the like.
[0071] The polymer in accordance with the preferred embodiments
should be biocompatible, for example a polymeric material which, in
the amounts employed, is non-toxic and chemically inert as well as
substantially non-immunogenic and non-inflammatory. Suitable
polymeric materials can include, but are not limited to,
polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-D,L-lactic acid (DL-PLA),
poly-L-lactic acid (L-PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide),
poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate),
polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid),
poly(glycolic acid-cotrimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester,
polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acids), cyanoacrylates,
poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(iminocarbonate),
copoly(ether-esters), polyalkylene oxalates, polyphosphazenes,
polyiminocarbonates, and aliphatic polycarbonates, fibrin,
fibrinogen, cellulose, starch, collagen, polyurethane,
polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate,
ethylene vinyl alcohol, silicone, polyethylene oxide, polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT)-co-PEG, PCL-co-PEG, PLA-co-PEG, polyacrylates,
polyoxaesters, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylamide (PAAm),
and combinations thereof.
[0072] As is well known in the art, a device coated or loaded with
a slow-release substance can have prolonged effects on local tissue
surrounding the device. The slow-release delivery can be designed
such that an effective amount of substance is released over a
desired duration. "Substance," as used herein, is generally defined
as any therapeutic or active drug that can stop, mitigate,
slow-down or reverse undesired disease processes.
[0073] In one embodiment, the stent devices 31 (FIG. 3) and/or 31A
(FIG. 4) may be made of a biodegradable (also including
bioerodible) material admixed with a substance for substance
slow-release into ocular tissues. In another embodiment, polymer
films may function as substance containing release devices whereby
the polymer films may be coupled or secured to the devices 31
and/or 31A. The polymer films may be designed to permit the
controlled release of the substance at a chosen rate and for a
selected duration, which may also be episodic or periodic. Such
polymer films may be synthesized such that the substance is bound
to the surface or resides within a pore in the film so that the
substance is relatively protected from enzymatic attack. The
polymer films may also be modified to alter their hydrophilicity,
hydrophobicity and vulnerability to platelet adhesion and enzymatic
attack.
[0074] Furthermore, the film may be coupled (locally or remotely)
to a power source such that when substance delivery is desired, a
brief pulse of current is provided to alter the potential on the
film to cause the release of a particular amount of the substance
for a chosen duration. Application of current causes release of a
substance from the surface of the film or from an interior location
in the film such as within a pore. The rate of substance delivery
is altered depending on the degree of substance loading on the
film, the voltage applied to the film, and by modifying the
chemical synthesis of substance delivery polymer film.
[0075] The power-activated substance delivery polymer film may be
designed to be activated by an electromagnetic field, such as, by
way of example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), or short range Radio Frequency (RF)
transmission (such as Bluetooth). In addition, ultrasound can be
used to cause a release of a particular amount of substance for a
chosen duration. This is particularly applicable to a substance
coated device or a device made of a substrate containing the
desired substance.
Exemplary Drug Therapies
[0076] The stent devices 31 (FIG. 3) and/or 31A (FIG. 4) may be
used for a direct release of pharmaceutical preparations into
ocular tissues. As discussed above, the pharmaceuticals may be
compounded within the devices 31 and/or 31A or form a coating on
the devices 31 and/or 31A. Any known drug therapy for glaucoma may
be utilized, including but not limited to, the following.
[0077] U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,138 B1, issued Aug. 14, 2001, to Bandman
et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,853 B1, issued May 15, 2001, to
Hillman et al., the entire contents of each one of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein, disclose the function of
mitochondria and toxic substances synthesized as a metabolic
byproduct within mitochondria of cells. Perry and associates (Perry
H D et al. "Topical cyclosporin A in the management of
postkeratoplasty glaucoma" Cornea 16:284-288, 1997, hereby
incorporated by reference herein) report that topical cyclosporin-A
has been shown to reduce post-surgical increases in intraocular
pressure. It is proposed that such compounds with known effects on
mitochondrial stability might be effective in treating trabecular
meshwork. An antagonistic drug to neutralize the toxic byproduct or
a stabilizing drug to effect mitochondrial stability is believed
able to restore the mitochondria function and subsequently mitigate
the dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork.
[0078] Many types of open angle glaucoma exist; therefore, a number
of potential therapeutic mitochondrial interventions may be
possible. It is one aspect of the invention to provide a method for
stimulating mitochondrial survival/function to prevent demise and
secondary apoptosis (that is, programmed cell death). In primary
open angle glaucoma, the intraocular pressure increases in response
to a decrease in the outflow of aqueous. Research has shown that
the number of juxtacanalicular endothelial cells in Schlemm's canal
is lower in individuals with glaucoma compared to normals (Grierson
I et al., "Age-related changes in the canal of Schlemm" Exp Eye
Res, 1984; 39(4):505-512, hereby incorporated by reference herein).
Since these cells are involved in the energy-dependent egress of
aqueous, their demise results in elevated intraocular pressure.
Therefore, the mitochondrial treatment objectives for glaucoma
preferably include not only the prevention of further endothelial
cell death, but also the restoration or boosting of mitochondrial
function in the remaining cells. The cells may be made more
resilient to elevated intraocular pressure with mitochondrial
stimulating therapy by drug slow release. A monoamine oxidase
inhibitor, deprenyl, that has been used in the treatment of
Parkinson's disease may play a role in reducing neuronal apoptosis
in glaucoma; Tatton in U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,598, issued Nov. 9,
1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, states that the primary metabolite of deprenyl,
desmethyldeprenyl (DES) is involved in the maintenance of the
mitochondrial membrane and prevents apoptotic degradation. It is
one aspect of the invention to provide a method for prevention or
slowing of apoptotic degradation of optic nerve cells or other
cells in trabecular meshwork by administering an effective amount
of compounds that energize the mitochondria in the neurons aids the
cells by enabling them to better remove compounds that lead to
their apoptotic degradation.
[0079] U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,001 B1, issued Mar. 13, 2001, to Wang et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses Imidazole antiproliferative agents
useful for neovascular glaucoma.
[0080] U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,873 B1, issued May 8, 2001, to Brandt et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a new class of compounds that inhibit
function of sodium chloride transport in the thick ascending limb
of the loop of Henle, wherein the preferred compounds that are
useful are furosemide, piretanide, benzmetanide, bumetanide,
torsemide and derivatives thereof.
[0081] U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,415 B1, issued Feb. 27, 2001, to Wheeler
et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a method of using quinoxalines
(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino) in treating neural injuries (e.g.
glaucomatous nerve damage).
[0082] U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,463, issued May 9, 2000, to Freeman and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,468, issued Feb. 9, 1999, to Freeman, the
entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, disclose treatment of conditions of abnormally
increased intraocular pressure by administration of
phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleotide analogs and related nucleotide
analogs.
[0083] U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,342, issued Jul. 20, 1999, to Adorante
et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a method for reducing intraocular
pressure by administration of potassium channel blockers.
[0084] U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,620, issued Sep. 29, 1998, to Robinson
et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a method of reducing neovascularization
and of treating various disorders associated with
neovascularization. These methods include administering to a tissue
or subject a synthetic oligonucleotide.
[0085] U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,079, issued Jun. 16, 1998, to Glaser et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a method for treatment of ophthalmic
disorders by applying an effective amount of Transforming Growth
Factor-Beta (TGF-beta or TGF-.beta.) to the affected region.
[0086] U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,205, issued Sep. 2, 1997, to Ogawa et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses a pharmaceutical composition for use in
glaucoma treatment which contains an active ingredient
5-[1-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxyl)ethylamino]ethyl]-2-methylbenzenesul-
fonamide. This agent is free from side effects, and stable and has
an excellent intraocular pressure reducing activity at its low
concentrations, thus being useful as a pharmaceutical composition
for use in glaucoma treatment.
[0087] U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,236, issued Jul. 29, 1997, to Krauss,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein, discloses pharmaceutical compositions and a method for
treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye
by administering thereto a pharmaceutical composition which
contains as the active ingredient one or more compounds having
guanylate cyclase inhibition activity. Examples of guanylate
cyclase inhibitors utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and
method of treatment are methylene blue, butylated hydroxyanisole
and N-methylhydroxylamine.
[0088] U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,993, issued Aug. 20, 1996, to Miki, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein, discloses that 2-(4-methylaminobutoxy)diphenylmethane or a
hydrate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof have been found
useful for treating glaucoma.
[0089] U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,052, issued Mar. 26, 1996, to DeSantis,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein, discloses use of a combination of apraclonidine and timolol
to control intraocular pressure. The compositions contain a
combination of an alpha-2 agonist (e.g., para-amino clonidine) and
a beta blocker (e.g., betaxolol).
[0090] U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,250 B1, issued Feb. 6, 2001, to Klimko
et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol
analogues to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The method
comprises topically administering to an affected eye a composition
comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a
first compound selected from the group consisting of beta-blockers,
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, adrenergic agonists, and cholinergic
agonists; together with a second compound.
[0091] U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,458, issued Dec. 12, 2000, to Bowman et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses an ophthalmic composition that provides
sustained release of a water soluble medicament formed by
comprising a crosslinked carboxy-containing polymer, a medicament,
a sugar and water.
[0092] U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,912, issued Aug. 29, 2000, to Kaufman et
al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses methods for the treatment of glaucoma
by administering an ophthalmic preparation comprising an effective
amount of a non-corneotoxic serine-threonine kinase inhibitor,
thereby enhancing aqueous outflow in the eye and treatment of the
glaucoma. In some embodiments, the method of administration is
topical, whereas it is intracameral in other embodiments. In still
further embodiments, the method of administration is
intracanalicular.
[0093] U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,427 B1, issued Jan. 23, 2001, to Clark
et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses compositions of non-steroidal
glucocorticoid antagonists for treating glaucoma or ocular
hypertension.
[0094] U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,378, issued Sep. 14, 1999, to
Stjernschantz et al., the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein, discloses the use of
prostaglandins for enhancing the delivery of drugs through the
uveoscleral route to the optic nerve head for treatment of glaucoma
or other diseases of the optic nerve as well as surrounding tissue.
The method for enhancing the delivery to the optic nerve head
comprises contacting a therapeutically effective amount of a
composition containing one or more prostaglandins and one or more
drug substances with the eye at certain intervals.
Trabecular Device Use and Operation
[0095] One preferred method for increasing aqueous outflow in the
eye 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of a patient, to reduce intraocular pressure
therein, comprises bypassing the trabecular meshwork 21. Though
much of the discussion below refers to the device 31 of FIG. 3, the
skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the device 31A of FIG.
4 may be efficaciously utilized in a substantially similar
manner.
[0096] In operation, the middle section 4 of the device 31 (FIG. 3)
is advantageously placed across the trabecular meshwork 21 through
a slit or opening. This opening can be created by using a laser, a
knife, or other suitable surgical cutting instrument. The opening
may advantageously be substantially horizontal, i.e., extending
longitudinally in the same direction as the circumference of the
limbus 15 (FIG. 2). Other opening directions may also be
efficaciously used, as needed or desired. The opening may
advantageously be oriented at any angle, relative to the
circumference of the limbus 15, that is appropriate for inserting
the device 31 through the trabecular meshwork 21 and into Schlemm's
canal 22 or other outflow pathway, as will be apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0097] Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the middle section 4 may
be semi-flexible and/or adjustable in position relative to the
inlet section 2 and/or the outlet section 9, further adapting the
device 31 for simple and safe glaucoma implantation. Furthermore,
the outlet section 9 may be positioned into fluid collection
channels of the natural outflow pathways. Such natural outflow
pathways include Schlemm's canal 22, aqueous collector channels,
aqueous veins, and episcleral veins. The outlet section 9 may be
positioned into fluid collection channels up to at least the level
of the aqueous veins, with the device inserted in a retrograde or
antegrade fashion.
[0098] FIG. 6 generally illustrates one step in the implantation of
the trabecular stenting device 31 through the trabecular meshwork
21. The outlet section 9 of the device 31 is inserted into an
opening 61 in the trabecular meshwork 21. A practitioner or surgeon
may create the opening 61 "ab intern" from the interior surface 65
of the trabecular meshwork 21. The practitioner then advances the
first outlet end 6 of the outlet section 9 through the opening 61
into a first side of Schlemm's canal 22 or other suitable outflow
pathway within the eye 10. Next, the practitioner advances the
second outlet end 5 through the opening 61 and into a second side
of Schlemm's canal 22. The advancing of the second outlet end 5 may
be facilitated by slightly pushing the second outlet end 5 through
the opening 61.
[0099] FIG. 7 generally illustrates a further stage in deployment
of the device 31, wherein the entire outlet section 9 of the device
31 is implanted within Schlemm's canal 22, beneath the trabecular
meshwork 21. At this stage, the lumen 3'' (or inlet opening 3) of
the implanted device 31 provides an enhanced fluid communication
through the trabecular meshwork 21 and between the anterior chamber
20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and Schlemm's canal 22.
[0100] FIG. 8 shows an additional and/or modified step in the
implantation of the trabecular stenting device 31 through the
trabecular meshwork 21. The practitioner inserts a distal end 63 of
a guidewire 64 through the opening 61 into the first side Schlemm's
canal 22. The practitioner then advances the first outlet end 6 of
the outlet section 9 into Schlemm's canal 22 by "riding," or
advancing, the trabecular stenting device 31 on the guidewire 64.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the guidewire 64
will have a shape and size conforming to the shape and size of the
lumen 7; and as such, may have an elliptical (e.g., oval) shape, a
D-shape, a round shape, or an irregular (asymmetric) shape which is
adapted for nonrotatory engagement with or for the device 31.
[0101] One method for increasing aqueous outflow within the eye 10
of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein,
comprises: (a) creating an opening in the trabecular meshwork 21,
wherein the trabecular meshwork 21 includes a deep side and a
superficial side; (b) inserting the trabecular stenting device 31
into the opening; and (c) transmitting aqueous or intraocular
liquid through the device 31, to bypass the trabecular meshwork 21,
from the deep side to the superficial side of the trabecular
meshwork 21. This "transmitting" of aqueous or intraocular liquid
is preferably passive, i.e., aqueous or intraocular liquid flows
out of the anterior chamber 20 due to a pressure gradient between
the anterior chamber 20 and the aqueous venous system 23.
[0102] Another method for increasing aqueous outflow within the eye
10 of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein,
comprises a) providing at least one pharmaceutical substance
incorporated into a trabecular stenting device at about the middle
section of the device; b) implanting the trabecular stenting device
within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that the middle section
is configured substantially within the trabecular meshwork, the
stenting device having a first end positioned in an anterior
chamber of the eye while a second end is positioned inside a
Schlemm's canal, wherein the first and the second ends of the
trabecular stenting device establish a fluid communication between
the anterior chamber and the Schlemm's canal; and c) allowing the
middle section of the trabecular stenting device to release a
quantity of said pharmaceutical substance into the trabecular
meshwork.
[0103] It should be understood that the devices 31 (FIG. 3) and 31A
(FIG. 4) are not limited to implantation within only Schlemm's
canal 22, as generally depicted by the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8.
Rather, the devices 31 and 31A may advantageously be implanted
within and/or used in conjunction with a variety of other natural
outflow pathways, or biological tubular structures, as mentioned
above. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
the devices 31 and 31A may advantageously be used in conjunction
with substantially any biological tubular structure without
detracting from or limiting the scope of the invention.
[0104] FIG. 9 generally illustrates a preferred method by which the
trabecular stenting device 31 is implanted within the eye 10. In
the illustrated method, a delivery applicator 51 is provided, which
preferably comprises a syringe portion 54 and a cannula portion 55
which contains at least one lumen (not shown). The cannula portion
55 preferably has a size of about 30 gauge. However, in other
embodiments, the cannula portion 55 may have a size ranging between
about 16 gauge and about 40 gauge. A distal section of the cannula
portion 55 has at least one irrigating hole 53 in fluid
communication with the lumen.
[0105] Still referring in particular to FIG. 9, a holder for
holding the device 31 comprises a lumen 56 having a proximal end
57. In other embodiments, the holder may advantageously comprise a
lumen, a sheath, a clamp, tongs, a space, and the like. The
proximal end 57 of the lumen 56 is preferably sealed off from the
remaining lumen of the cannula portion 55 and the irrigating hole
53 of the cannula portion 55. As will be recognized by those
skilled in the art, however, in other embodiments of the cannula
portion 55, the lumen 56 may advantageously be placed in fluid
communication with the lumen and irrigating hole 53 of the cannula
portion 55 without detracting from or limiting the scope of the
invention.
[0106] In the method illustrated in FIG. 9, the device 31 is placed
into the lumen 56 of the delivery applicator 51 and then advanced
to a desired implantation site within the eye 10. The delivery
applicator 51 holds the device 31 securely during delivery and
releases it when the practitioner initiates deployment of the
device 31.
[0107] In one preferred embodiment of trabecular meshwork surgery,
a patient is placed in a supine position, prepped, draped, and
appropriately anesthetized. A small incision 52 (FIG. 9) is then
made through the cornea 12. In one embodiment, the incision 52 is
made through the cornea 12 near or proximate to the limbus 15 (FIG.
2). In another embodiment, the incision 52 is made substantially at
the limbus 15.
[0108] The incision 52 (FIG. 9) preferably has a surface length
less than about 1.0 millimeters (mm) in length and may
advantageously be self-sealing. Through the incision 52, the
trabecular meshwork 21 is accessed, wherein an incision is made
with an irrigating knife (not shown). The device 31 is then
advanced through the corneal incision 52 and across the anterior
chamber 20, while the device 31 is held in the delivery applicator
51, under gonioscopic, microscopic, or endoscopic guidance. After
the device 31 is appropriately implanted, the applicator 51 is
withdrawn and the trabecular meshwork surgery is concluded.
[0109] FIG. 10 generally illustrates the use of the trabecular
stenting device 31 for establishing an outflow pathway, passing
from the anterior chamber 20 through the trabecular meshwork 21 to
Schlemm's canal 22. As illustrated, an opening has been created in
the trabecular meshwork 21. As will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art, such an opening in the trabecular
meshwork 21 may comprise an incision made with a microknife, a
pointed guidewire, a sharpened applicator, a screw-shaped
applicator, an irrigating applicator, a barbed applicator, and the
like. In modified embodiments, the trabecular meshwork 21 may
advantageously be dissected with an instrument similar to a retinal
pick or microcurette. Furthermore, the opening may advantageously
be created by fiber optic laser ablation.
[0110] Referring again to FIG. 10, the outlet section 9 of the
device 31 has been inserted in its entirety into the opening in the
trabecular meshwork 21. The inlet section 2 is exposed to the
anterior chamber 20, while the outlet section 9 is positioned near
an interior surface 43 of Schlemm's canal 22. In other embodiments,
the outlet section 9 may advantageously be placed into fluid
communication with other natural outflow pathways, such as, but not
limited to, aqueous collector channels, aqueous veins, and
episcleral veins, as described above. A device such as the device
31A of FIG. 4, wherein the outflow section 9A has an open trough 7A
for stenting purposes, may be used to maintain an opening of one or
more of such natural outflows pathways. With the trabecular
stenting device 31 implanted as illustrated in FIG. 10, aqueous
flows from the anterior chamber 20 through the device 31 into
Schlemm's canal 22, bypassing the trabecular meshwork 21, thereby
reducing intraocular pressure within the eye 10.
[0111] A number of devices and methods for treating glaucoma and/or
reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) may be utilized in conjunction
with the preferred embodiments. For example, a seton generally
comprising a tubular member or tube with opposed open ends may be
used in trabecular meshwork surgery to provide an outflow pathway
for intraocular liquid to lower IOP. In cases, where temporary
lowering of IOP is desired, for example, during surgery other than
that for glaucoma or chronic high IOP, an incision or opening may
be created in the trabecular meshwork to provide an outflow pathway
for intraocular liquid to temporarily lower IOP during surgery.
This incision may then "fill in" over time to restore the
trabecular meshwork to its normal state.
[0112] The following co-pending patent applications disclose
devices and methods for treating glaucoma and/or reducing
intraocular pressure (IOP), among other things, the entire contents
of each one of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein:
[0113] U.S. application Ser. No. 09/549,350, filed Apr. 14, 2000,
entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING GLAUCOMA;
[0114] U.S. application Ser. No. 09/596,781, filed Jun. 19, 2000,
entitled STENTED TRABECULAR SHUNT AND METHODS THEREOF;
[0115] U.S. application Ser. No. 09/704,276, filed Nov. 1, 2000,
entitled GLAUCOMA TREATMENT DEVICE;
[0116] U.S. application Ser. No. 09/847,523, filed May 2, 2001,
entitled BIFURCATABLE TRABECULAR SHUNT FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
[0117] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/046,137, filed Nov. 8, 2001,
entitled DRUG RELEASING TRABECULAR IMPLANT FOR GLAUCOMA
TREATMENT;
[0118] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/101,548, filed Mar. 18, 2002,
entitled APPLICATOR AND METHODS FOR PLACING A TRABECULAR SHUNT FOR
GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
[0119] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/118,578, filed Apr. 8, 2002,
entitled GLAUCOMA STENT AND METHODS THEREOF FOR GLAUCOMA
TREATMENT;
[0120] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/137,117, filed May 1, 2002,
entitled GLAUCOMA DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF; and
[0121] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/139,800, filed May 3, 2002,
entitled MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE FOR GLAUCOMA
TREATMENT.
Cataract Surgery
[0122] Referring in particular to FIG. 11, the transparency of the
lens 26 of the eye 10 generally depends on the physiochemical state
of the lens proteins. These proteins, like the proteins of other
organs, are sensitive to changes in the properties of their
surrounding fluid. Changes in the concentration of dissolved salts,
in the osmotic pressure, in the pH or in the enzyme activity of the
surrounding fluid can alter the properties of the lens proteins.
Also, like other organs, changes to the proteins of the lens occur
with age. A common type of cataract that occurs in elderly people
is known as a senile cataract. This type of cataract has no known
etiology and none of the forms of cataract produced experimentally
to date closely resemble the senile cataract.
[0123] Still referring to FIG. 11, the lens 26 of the human eye 10
is a crystalline lens that generally comprises an outer capsule 112
with anterior and posterior surfaces 114, 116, the lens 26
containing a clear central matrix 118. This central matrix 118
often opacifies with age and for various other reasons (some of
which have been mentioned above) and thereby progressively blocks
the passage of light to the retina 18 of the eye 10. Eventually,
the central matrix 118 attains a degree of opacity which is
referred to as a cataract. This abnormal ocular condition is
corrected by removing the lens, which is a procedure known as
cataract extraction, and replacing the lens by an artificial lens
for focusing the light entering the eye 10 on the retina 18.
Intraocular lenses have gained widespread acceptance as
replacements for cataracted human lenses.
[0124] Artificial intraocular lenses generally comprise an optical
region and a support, or haptic, to facilitate positioning and
centering of the intraocular lens within the eye. Intraocular
lenses have been made from a number of different materials. For
example, hard lenses have been prepared from polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA) and optical glass while flexible lenses have been prepared
from silicone, polyHEMA (polyhydroxyethylmethylmethacrylate),
acrylics, collagen, and combinations thereof. Flexible lenses have
the advantage that they can be folded or otherwise deformed prior
to implantation to reduce the overall size of the lens during the
artificial lens implantation procedure through an incision in the
cornea or limbus. As discussed above and further below, this small
incision enables placement of a glaucoma stent passing the anterior
chamber into a trabecular meshwork opening.
[0125] Artificial intraocular lenses are generally categorized as
anterior chamber intraocular lenses and posterior chamber
intraocular lenses depending on the implant locations. For example,
Leiske in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,383, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses several
embodiments of an anterior chamber intraocular lens that can be
utilized in both primary and secondary implantations with either
intracapsular or extracapsular cataract extractions. The lens is
made of PMMA material that is low-mass, low-weight with reduced
possibility of reaction and internal stress due to eye movement or
sudden movement.
[0126] FIGS. 12 and 13 show different views of one embodiment of an
anterior chamber intraocular lens device 120. The lens 120
generally comprises a lens optic 122 and a pair of flexible
opposing loops 124, 126 secured into a side edge of the optic
122.
[0127] Further, for example, Faulkner in U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,582,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein, discloses several embodiments of a posterior chamber
intraocular lens. Faulkner's lens is provided with a structure for
engaging the anterior surface of the iris to retain the lens
against posterior displacement within the eye, even if the capsule
is missing or damaged.
[0128] FIGS. 14 and 15 show different views of one embodiment of a
posterior chamber intraocular lens device 130. The lens 130
generally comprises an optic 132, support elements 134 and
retaining elements 136.
[0129] Many other types of anterior chamber intraocular lens and
posterior chamber intraocular lens as known in the art and/or
commercially available may efficaciously be utilized in conjunction
with the surgical procedures taught or suggested herein. These
lenses may be implanted in the anterior chamber or posterior
chamber of the eye, as needed or desired.
[0130] During cataract surgery, typically the intraocular pressure
is generally maintained by injecting viscoelastic fluid or
physiological saline at a pre-specified pressure range (P.sub.N in
FIG. 16). However, the pressure frequently undesirably spikes (as
illustrated by line 140 in FIG. 16) to a high pressure or pressure
range P.sub.H after closing the incision in the cornea (or limbus)
because of "plugging" of the viscoelastic fluid. For a glaucoma
patient, the combination of the pressure spike 140 and the inherent
high intraocular pressure, possibly due to intolerance of glaucoma
drugs post-operatively, complicates recovery of the cataract
operations.
[0131] It is one aspect of the invention to provide a method of
treating cataract of an eye while maintaining normal physiological
intraocular pressure (P.sub.N in FIG. 16). The method generally
comprising combination steps of establishing an opening through
trabecular meshwork, removing the cataract, and inserting an
intraocular lens, wherein the opening through trabecular meshwork
comprises a trabecular stent having a lumen therein with optionally
drug slow-releasing capability. The normal physiological
intraocular pressure P.sub.N is preferably maintained between about
10 mm Hg (mercury) and 21 mm Hg, during and after the completion of
the surgical procedure.
[0132] The method may further comprise measuring and transmitting
pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye, wherein the trabecular
shunt comprises a pressure sensor 40 for measuring and transmitting
pressure. The means for measuring and transmitting pressure of an
anterior chamber of an eye to an external receiver 42 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.
[0133] One modern technique for removing the central opaque part of
the lens or cataract is a procedure called phacoemulsification.
Typically, the pupil is dilated to facilitate access to the
cataract. In the phacoemulsification procedure, a sophisticated
ultrasonic titanium tipped instrument is introduced into the eye
through an incision and passes through the anterior chamber. This
titanium tip is ultrasonically vibrated against the lens in a
manner which emulsifies the opaque central matrix of the lens.
[0134] The emulsified matrix is then aspirated (using the same or
different instrument) from the eye 10, and as best illustrated in
FIG. 17, leaving the original posterior capsule or surface 116 of
the lens intact with a small anterior capsular remnant or surface
114''. When the capsule 112 or part of the capsule 112 is thus left
inside the eye 10, the procedure is called extracapsular cataract
extraction.
[0135] As illustrated by FIG. 17, extracapsular extraction allows
the intraocular lens to be placed behind the iris 13 either in the
space known as a ciliary sulcus 150, that is the space immediately
behind the iris 13 and in front of the anterior capsule remnant
114'' or in a space known as the capsular bag 160, that is between
a posterior surface 162 of the anterior capsular flap 114'' and an
anterior surface 164 of the posterior capsule 116.
Overall Surgical Procedure
[0136] FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram illustrating steps of a
combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment which
advantageously controls or regulates the intraocular pressure (IOP)
within a predetermined range. In some embodiments, the intraocular
pressure is controlled during and after the surgical procedure. In
other embodiments, the intraocular pressure is controlled only
during a portion of the surgical procedure and after the surgical
procedure. In yet other embodiments, the intraocular pressure is
controlled only after the surgical procedure.
[0137] Preferably, an ab interno glaucoma procedure comprises one
of the pre-cataract procedures. Optionally, an ab externo procedure
may be utilized to lower IOP or treat glaucoma, as needed or
desired.
[0138] In other embodiments, other pre-cataract procedures may
include goniotomy, trabeculotomy, trabeculopuncture,
goniophotoablation, laser trabecular ablation and goniocurretage.
These embodiments and variations thereof can have numerous
disadvantages and sub-optimal success rates because of undesirable
tissue filling in.
[0139] As illustrated by FIG. 18, a stented ab interno glaucoma
procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be conducted as a
pre-cataract procedure in the cataract/glaucoma combination
procedure. In other embodiments, the glaucoma procedure (or
lowering IOP procedure) may be performed after the cataract surgery
or procedure. In yet other embodiments, the glaucoma procedure (or
lowering IOP procedure) may be combined with (before or after)
other types of eye surgeries or procedures, for example, retinal
surgery, vitrectomy, among others.
[0140] Referring in particular to FIG. 18, the accompanying ab
interno glaucoma procedure comprises a step 81 of creating an
incision on a sclera or cornea wall; a step 82 of delivering or
providing an applicator having a trabecular stent 82; a step 83 of
creating an opening through trabecular meshwork; and a step 84 of
placing a trabecular stent over or through the opening while
maintaining the intraocular pressure (IOP) peri-operatively. The
opening in the trabecular meshwork may be made by a self-trephining
stent, by the applicator itself or other cutting instrument as
discussed above which is introduced through the incision in the
cornea or sclera.
[0141] Still referring to FIG. 18, the main cataract procedure
comprises a step 85 of extracting the diseased cataract lens; step
86 of maintaining the intraocular pressure peri-operatively within
a specified range, step 87 of implanting an intraocular lens while
maintaining IOP; and step 88 of securing the incision on the sclera
or cornea wall while maintaining IOP. The step of extracting the
cataract includes inserting an instrument (as described above)
through the incision in the cornea or sclera. Advantageously, the
accompanying glaucoma procedure provides the eye with a balanced
intraocular pressure post-operatively in step 89 without the need
of a IOP-lowering drug that may complicate the surgical success of
the intended cataract procedure.
[0142] Advantageously, a single incision in the cornea or sclera
may be used to perform both (or multiple) surgical procedures.
Moreover, and desirably, the glaucoma and cataract may be treated
in a single visit operation that may be performed as an outpatient
procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased
morbidity.
[0143] It should be noted that even patients without high IOP (or
glaucoma) may develop temporary glaucoma or high IOP due to edema
or swelling caused by the cataract procedure or other eye surgery.
In such cases, the stent can lower the IOP or a temporary opening
may be created in the trabecular meshwork which fills in over time
but temporarily allows lowering of the IOP for a certain time
period.
[0144] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
a novel approach for the surgical treatment of glaucoma and
cataract in one single operation (or one visit) has been disclosed
for releasing excessive or elevated intraocular pressure and
correcting or treating cataract. While the components, techniques
and aspects of the invention have been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be
made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein
above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this
disclosure.
[0145] 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. It should be understood
that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth
herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be defined only
by a fair reading of the appended claims, including the full range
of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.
* * * * *