U.S. patent application number 17/136869 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for method for securing an intraocular device in an eye.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brockman-Hastings LLC. Invention is credited to Edward Britt Brockman, Jeffrey Todd Hastings, Carlos Andres Jarro, James L. Russell.
Application Number | 20210228155 17/136869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005390039 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210228155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brockman; Edward Britt ; et
al. |
July 29, 2021 |
METHOD FOR SECURING AN INTRAOCULAR DEVICE IN AN EYE
Abstract
A method for implanting an eye implant into an eye of an
individual or patient includes the steps of making a corneal
incision of the eye, inserting the eye implant into the eye through
the corneal incision and securing the eye implant so that the eye
implant is bounded by an edge of the pupil and an iridocorneal
angle of an anterior chamber of the eye.
Inventors: |
Brockman; Edward Britt;
(Louisville, KY) ; Hastings; Jeffrey Todd;
(Lexington, KY) ; Jarro; Carlos Andres;
(Lexington, KY) ; Russell; James L.; (Lexington,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brockman-Hastings LLC |
Lexington |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005390039 |
Appl. No.: |
17/136869 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62967187 |
Jan 29, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/03 20130101; A61B
5/14555 20130101; A61B 5/6821 20130101; A61B 5/4839 20130101; A61B
2562/0247 20130101; A61B 5/6883 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/1455 20060101 A61B005/1455; A61B 5/03 20060101
A61B005/03 |
Claims
1. A method of implanting an eye implant into an eye of an
individual, comprising: making a corneal incision of the eye;
inserting the eye implant into the eye through the corneal
incision; and securing the eye implant to an iris of the eye so
that the eye implant does not cross a pupil of the eye thereby
eliminating any need for an iridotomy or an iridectomy and not
interfering with vision.
2. The method of claim 1, including completing the securing of the
eye implant to the iris without making a second incision by
extending a tool though the corneal incision.
3. The method of claim 1, including connecting the eye implant to
the iris by enclavating iris tissue at two points.
4. The method of claim 3, including positioning the eye implant so
that the eye implant is bounded by an edge of the pupil and an
iridocorneal angle of an anterior chamber of the eye.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the corneal incision is a clear
corneal incision used for cataract surgery.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the corneal incision is a clear
corneal incision used for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
7. The method of claim 1, including positioning an intraocular
device in a receiver of the eye implant prior to the inserting of
the eye implant into the eye through the corneal incision.
8. The method of claim 7, including selecting the intraocular
device from a group of intraocular devices consisting of an
intraocular pressure sensor, a miniature camera, a drug delivery
system, an oxygen concentration sensor, an eye motion sensor, an
eye chemistry sensor, and combinations thereof.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the corneal incision does not
require suturing for closure.
10. A method of implanting an eye implant into an eye of an
individual, comprising: making a corneal incision of the eye;
inserting the eye implant into the eye through the corneal
incision; and securing the eye implant so that the eye implant is
bounded by an edge of the pupil and an iridocorneal angle of an
anterior chamber of the eye.
11. The method of claim 10, completing the securing of the eye
implant to the iris without making a second incision by extending a
tool though the corneal incision.
12. The method of claim 11, including connecting the eye implant to
the iris by enclavating iris tissue at two points.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the corneal incision is a clear
corneal incision used for cataract surgery.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the corneal incision is a clear
corneal incision used for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
15. The method of claim 10, including positioning an intraocular
device in a receiver of the eye implant prior to the inserting of
the eye implant into the eye through the corneal incision.
16. The method of claim 15, including selecting the intraocular
device from a group of intraocular devices consisting of an
intraocular pressure sensor, a miniature camera, a drug delivery
system, an oxygen concentration sensor, an eye motion sensor, an
eye chemistry sensor, and combinations thereof.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the corneal incision does not
require suturing for closure.
18. The method of claim 10, including connecting the eye implant to
the iris by enclavating iris tissue at two points.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/967,187 filed on Jan. 29, 2020 which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This document relates generally to eye implants and, more
particularly, to a new and improved eye implant adapted for
receiving an intraocular device and holding that intraocular device
at a desired position within the eye of a patient as well as to a
related implantation method.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various intraocular devices have been developed for in situ
placement in the eye in order to (a) monitor chemical and physical
characteristics in the eye related to eye diseases and medical
conditions and/or (b) treat those eye diseases and medical
conditions. Such intraocular devices include, but are not
necessarily limited to (1) physical sensors for monitoring force,
pressure, acceleration, etc., (2) chemical sensors for monitoring
oxygen, glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, antigens, antibodies,
etc., (3) miniature cameras, (4) drug delivery systems, (5) fluid
pumps and (6) combinations thereof.
[0004] Such eye diseases and medical conditions include, but are
not necessarily limited to glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes,
strabismus and macular degeneration.
[0005] This document relates to a new and improved eye implant
configured to receive and hold an intraocular device of the type
described above at a desired position within the eye of a patient
as well as to a related implantation method.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with the purposes and benefits described
herein, a new and improved eye implant is provided comprising a
curvilinear body. In one or more of the many possible embodiments
of the eye implant, that body further includes a receiver adapted
to receive and hold an intraocular device to be implanted in an
eye. The body may further include a first mounting clip. The body
may further include a second mounting clip. In one or more of the
many possible embodiments, the first mounting clip and the second
mounting clip may be provided at opposed ends of the body.
[0007] More specifically, the first mounting clip and the second
mounting clip may be centered upon a radius of curvature R.sub.1 of
between about 4.2 mm and about 5.0 mm. The receiver may also be
provided on the radius of curvature R.sub.1 between said first
mounting clip and said second mounting clip.
[0008] In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the eye
implant, the body includes a first edge having a radius of
curvature R.sub.2. Further, the body may include a second edge
having a radius of curvature R.sub.3. In such an embodiment of the
eye implant, R.sub.2<R.sub.1<R.sub.3. R.sub.2 may be between
about 4.0 mm and about 4.8 mm. R.sub.3 is between about 4.9 mm and
6.0 mm. Further, the body may have a transverse dimension between
the first edge and the second edge of about 1.2-1.5 mm. The body
may have a thickness T.sub.1 at the first mounting clip and the
second mounting clip and a thickness T.sub.2 at the receiver
wherein T.sub.1<T.sub.2. T.sub.1 may be between about 0.17 mm
0.23 mm, and T.sub.2 may be between about 0.30 mm and 0.52 mm.
[0009] In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the eye
implant, the receiver comprises a socket inset in the body. In one
or more of the many possible embodiments of the eye implant, the
first clip comprises a first set of cooperating arms and a first
clip gap between distal ends of the first set of cooperating arms.
In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the eye implant,
the second clip comprises a second set of cooperating arms and a
second clip gap between distal ends of the second set of
cooperating arms. The first mounting clip and the second mounting
clip may be separated by an arc of between about 75 degrees and 180
degrees.
[0010] The intraocular device held in the receiver may be selected
from a group consisting of a physical sensor (force, pressure,
acceleration, etc.), a chemical sensor (oxygen, glucose, amino
acids, electrolytes, antigens, antibodies, etc.), a miniature
camera, a drug delivery system, a transceiver (optical,
electromagnetic, ultrasonic, etc.), a fluid pump, and combinations
thereof.
[0011] In accordance with an additional aspect, an eye implant is
provided comprising a body including (a) a receiver adapted to
receive and hold an intraocular device to be implanted in an eye,
(b) a first mounting clip and (c) a second mounting clip, wherein
the receiver, the first mounting clip and the second mounting clip
extend along a common arc. That common arc may have a radius of
curvature of between about 4.2 and about 5.0 mm, whereby when the
eye implant is attached to an iris of the eye into which the eye
implant is implanted, the eye implant does not cross a pupil of the
eye.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect, an eye implant is
provided comprising a curvilinear body adapted to extend about an
optical axis of an eye into which the eye implant is implanted and
when fixed to an iris of the eye, edges of the body are bounded by
a pupil of the eye and an iridocorneal angle of an anterior chamber
of the eye.
[0013] Still further, a new and improved method of implanting an
eye implant into an eye of an individual, comprises: (a) making a
corneal incision of the eye, (b) inserting the eye implant into the
eye through the corneal incision and (c) securing the eye implant
to an iris of the eye so that the eye implant does not cross a
pupil of the eye thereby eliminating any need for an iridotomy or
an iridectomy and ensuring the device does not interfere with
vision.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, such a method also includes the
step of completing the securing of the eye implant to the iris
without making a second incision by extending a tool though the
corneal incision. In addition, the method may include connecting
the eye implant to the iris by enclavating iris tissue at two
points.
[0015] The method may also include the step of positioning the eye
implant so that the eye implant is bounded by an edge of the pupil
and an iridocorneal angle of an anterior chamber of the eye.
[0016] The corneal incision may be a clear corneal incision used
for cataract surgery. The corneal incision may be a clear corneal
incision used for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. In one or
more of the many possible embodiments of the method, the corneal
incision does not require suturing for closure.
[0017] In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the
method, the method may include the step of positioning an
intraocular device in a receiver of the eye implant prior to the
inserting of the eye implant into the eye through the corneal
incision. That intraocular device may be selected from a group of
intraocular devices consisting of an intraocular pressure sensor, a
miniature camera, a drug delivery system, an oxygen concentration
sensor, an eye motion sensor, an eye chemistry sensor, and
combinations thereof.
[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect, the method of
implanting an eye implant into an eye of an individual comprises
the steps of: (a) making a corneal incision of the eye, (b)
inserting the eye implant into the eye through the corneal
incision; and (c) securing the eye implant so that the eye implant
is bounded by an edge of the pupil and an iridocorneal angle of an
anterior chamber of the eye.
[0019] Such a method may include the step of completing the
securing of the eye implant to the iris without making a second
incision by extending a tool though the corneal incision.
[0020] Such a method may include the step of connecting the eye
implant to the iris by enclavating iris tissue at two points.
[0021] The corneal incision may be a clear corneal incision used
for cataract surgery. The corneal incision may be a clear corneal
incision used for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. In one or
more of the many possible embodiments of the method, the corneal
incision does not require suturing for closure.
[0022] In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the
method, the method may include the step of positioning an
intraocular device in a receiver of the eye implant prior to the
inserting of the eye implant into the eye through the corneal
incision. That intraocular device may be selected from a group of
intraocular devices consisting of an intraocular pressure sensor, a
miniature camera, a drug delivery system, an oxygen concentration
sensor, an eye motion sensor, an eye chemistry sensor, and
combinations thereof.
[0023] In the following description, there are shown and described
several preferred embodiments of the eye implant and the related
method of implanting an eye implant into the eye of an individual
or patient. As it should be realized, the eye implant and method
are capable of other, different embodiments and their several
details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all
without departing from eye implant and method as set forth and
described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and
descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0024] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and
forming a part of the patent specification, illustrate several
aspects of the method and together with the description serve to
explain certain principles thereof.
[0025] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the eye implant.
[0026] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the eye implant.
[0027] FIG. 1C is a cross sectional view of the eye implant
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B are two cross sectional views of the eye
implant of FIGS. 1A-1C implanted in the anterior chamber of an
eye.
[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates the eye implant of FIGS. 1A-1C being
implanted into the anterior chamber of an eye through a clear
corneal incision.
[0030] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view showing the eye implant
passing through the corneal incision.
[0031] FIG. 3C is yet another cross sectional view of the eye
implant illustrating iris enclavation using a tool inserted through
the same incision used to pass the eye implant into the anterior
chamber.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating how the implanted eye implant
can be almost completely obscured behind a relaxed eye lid.
[0033] FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective isometric and cross sectional
views of the implanted eye implant holding an intraocular device at
a desired angle with respect to the cornea.
[0034] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of the radius of
curvature of various structural features of the implant device as
related to the structure of the eye into which the eye implant is
implanted.
[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the eye implant and method, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C which illustrate the
new and improved eye implant 10 having a curvilinear body 12 made
from any appropriate biocompatible material. Such biocompatible
material may be a biocompatible plastic, metal, metal alloy,
plastic composite, ceramic or other material familiar to those
skilled in the art. In one possible embodiment, the biocompatible
material is a single piece of polymethylmethacrylate.
[0037] The body 12 includes a receiver 14 adapted or configured to
hold an intraocular device D to be implanted in the eye of an
individual or patient. More particularly, the receiver 14 may
comprise a cavity, pocket or socket 16 that is inset into the body
12. The socket 16 may have one closed end. The interocular device D
may comprise any of the various intraocular devices that have been
developed for in situ placement in the eye in order to (a) monitor
chemical and physical characteristics in the eye related to eye
diseases and medical conditions and/or (b) treat those eye diseases
and medical conditions. Such intraocular devices include, but are
not necessarily limited to (1) a physical sensor for monitoring
force, pressure, acceleration, etc., (2) a chemical sensor for
monitoring oxygen, glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, antigens,
antibodies, etc., (3) a miniature camera, (4) a drug delivery
system, (5) a fluid pump and (6) combinations thereof. Such
intraocular devices D include, but are not necessarily limited to
an intraocular pressure sensor, a miniature camera, a drug delivery
system, an oxygen concentration sensor, an eye motion sensor, an
eye chemistry sensor, and combinations thereof.
[0038] The intraocular device D may be held in the receiver 14 or
socket 16 by any appropriate means including, but not necessarily
limited to, biocompatible adhesive, friction fit, interference fit,
fasteners, bonding processes and combinations thereof.
[0039] The body 12 further includes a first mounting clip 18 and a
second mounting clip 20. As illustrated, the first and second
mounting clips 18, 20 are provided at opposed longitudinal ends of
the body 12. The first mounting clip 18 and the second mounting
clip 20 may be separated by an arc of between about 75 degrees to
about 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the first mounting clip 18
and the second mounting clip 20 are separated by an arc of between
about 75-150 degrees, between about 75-120 degrees, between about
90 and 150 degrees and between about 90 and 120 degrees.
[0040] More specifically, the first mounting clip 18 includes a
first set of cooperating arms 22, 24. A first gap 26 is provided
between the respective distal ends 28, 30 of the two arms 22, 24.
That first gap 26 has a width of between about 0.1-0.3 mm. The
second mounting clip 20 includes a second set of cooperating arms
32, 34. A second gap 36 is provided between the respective distal
ends 38, 40 of the two arms 32, 34. That second gap 36 also has a
width of between about 0.1-0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the first
and second gaps have a width of about 0.2 mm.
[0041] In one possible embodiment of the eye implant 10, the entire
body 12, including the arms 22, 24 and 32, 34 are manufactured as a
single piece of biocompatible material such as
polymethylmethacrylate. In other embodiments, the arms 22, 24 and
32, 34 are made from a different biocompatible material than the
remainder of the body 12 including the receiver 14.
[0042] As best appreciated from viewing FIG. 6A, the first mounting
clip 18 and the second mounting clip 20 are centered upon a radius
of curvature R.sub.1 of between about 4.2 mm and about 5.0 mm. The
radius of curvature R.sub.1 approximately corresponds to a
longitudinal midline L of the body 12. As also shown in FIG. 6A,
the receiver 114 or socket 16 is also on the radius of curvature
R.sub.1 between the first mounting clip 18 and the second mounting
clip 20. The receiver 14 or socket 16 may be slightly offset from
the longitudinal midline L as shown or centered on that midline if
desired. Thus, it should be appreciated that in multiple
embodiments of the eye implant 10, the first mounting clip 18, the
second mounting clip 20 and the receiver 14 all extend along a
common arc, R.sub.1.
[0043] The body 12 also includes a first edge 42 having a radius of
curvature R.sub.2 of between about 4.0-4.8 mm and a second edge 44
having a radius of curvature R.sub.3 of between about 4.9 mm and
6.0 mm. Thus, R.sub.2<R.sub.1<R.sub.3. As best illustrated in
FIG. 6A, the first, second and third radius of curvatures R.sub.1,
R.sub.2, R.sub.3 are concentric or approximately concentric with
R.sub.2 substantially corresponding to the inner radius of the iris
I or outer radius of the pupil P at full dilation and R.sub.3
substantially corresponding to or being slightly less than the
radius of the iridocorneal angle of the anterior chamber ANG.
[0044] The curvilinear body 12 is adapted to extend about the
optical axis OA of the eye E into which the eye implant 10 is
implanted and when fixed to the iris I of the eye, the edges 42, 44
of the body 12 are bounded by the pupil P of the eye and an
iridocorneal angle ANG of an anterior chamber AC of the eye (see
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 6A and 6B). As a result, the eye implant 10 does not
cross the pupil P of the eye E into which the eye implant is
implanted. In fact, when the eye implant 10 is properly implanted
and positioned in the eye E of an individual or patient, the center
point for measuring the radius of curvatures R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3 substantially corresponds to the optical axis OA of the
eye.
[0045] As best illustrated in FIG. 6A, the body 12 has a transverse
dimension TD between the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 of
about 1-2-1.5 mm. The body 12 also has a thickness T.sub.1 at the
first and second mounting clips 18, 20 and a thickness T.sub.2 at
the receiver 14 or socket 16 wherein T.sub.1<T.sub.2. In one
possible embodiment, T.sub.1 is between about 0.17-0.23 mm and
T.sub.2 is between about 0.3-0.52 mm.
[0046] As should be appreciated, the curvilinear shape and
dimensions of the body 12 are chosen such that the body does not
interfere with the pupil P and does not contact the cornea C when
properly implanted in an eye. The outer or second edge 44 may be
rounded to increase the clearance for the cornea C and prevent
damage to the inner surface of the cornea in case of contact.
[0047] The inner or first edge 42 is on a circle larger than the
diameter of the pupil P at full dilation. The dimensions of the
flexible arms 22, 24, and 32, 34 and the curvature of the body 12
are chosen to reduce contact with the iris I while still
stabilizing the device 10 against rotation that may otherwise lead
to cornea contact. It should be appreciated that the gaps 26, 36
are located on a circle centered on the pupil P and crossing
through the middle of the body 12. This placement of the gaps 26,
36 provides an equal stiffness for each arm 22, 24 and 32, 34 and
reduces tilting.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3C which illustrate the
new and improved method of implanting an eye implant 10 into an eye
E of an individual or patient. That method may be broadly described
as including the steps of making a corneal incision CI of the eye
E, inserting the eye implant 10 into the eye through the corneal
incision (see FIG. 3A and 3B) and securing the eye implant to the
iris I of the eye so that the eye implant does not cross the pupil
of the eye, thereby eliminating any need for an iridotomy or an
iridectomy and not interfering with vision.
[0049] The corneal incision CI may be a clear corneal incision of
the type used for cataract surgery or a clear corneal incision of
the type used for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
Advantageously, such a corneal incision CI does not require
suturing for closure. FIG. 3A illustrates the eye implant 10 being
implanted through the corneal incision CI into the anterior chamber
AC of the eye E.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3C, this securing can be done by
extending a tool T through the corneal incision CI. As a result,
the securing of the eye implant 10 to the iris I can be completed
without making a second incision. More specifically, FIG. 3C shows
the iris I being enclavated in the gap 26 using the tool T. In one
embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, the eye implant 10 is covered by
the eyelid EL when the eyelid is in the open and relaxed state.
However, implantation at other positions in the eye may be
preferable depending on the application and surgical
considerations.
[0051] More particularly, the securing may include connecting the
eye implant 10 to the iris I by enclavating iris tissue at two
points: that is in the first and second gaps 26 and 36 between the
respective first and second sets of cooperating arms 22,24 and
32,34 of the first and second mounting clips 18, 22. The points on
the iris I selected for enclaving do not move during dilation and
constriction of the pupil P.
[0052] The dimensions of the gaps 26, 36 are chosen to enclavate
sufficient iris tissue with the sufficient force to secure the eye
implant 10 without perforating the iris. The dimensions of the arms
22, 24 and 32, 34 are chosen to reduce contact with portions of the
iris I which move slightly during dilation and constriction.
[0053] It should be appreciated that the arms 22, 24 and 32, 34 are
sufficiently flexible to be manipulated with the tool T during
ocular surgery and sufficiently stiff to hold the iris tissue. This
balance is achieved by choosing an appropriate material for the
construction of the arms and adjusting the shape and dimensions of
the arms. In one possible embodiment, the arms 22, 24 and 32, 34
are made from polymethylmethacrylate and have square cross-sections
of 0.2.times.0.2 mm. Other materials and geometries may be used to
achieve the desired flexibility and folding force.
[0054] The method may also include the step of positioning the eye
implant 10 so that the eye implant is bounded by an edge of the
pupil P and an iridocorneal angle ANG of an anterior chamber AC of
the eye (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).
[0055] Of course, the method may also include the step of
positioning an intraocular device in the receiver 14 of the eye
implant device 10 prior to inserting the eye implant device into
the eye E through the corneal incision CI. Further, the method may
include selecting the intraocular device from a group of
intraocular devices consisting of (a) a physical sensor, a chemical
sensor, a miniature camera, a drug delivery system, a transceiver
(optical, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, etc.), a fluid pump, and
combinations thereof or (b) an intraocular pressure sensor, a
miniature camera, a drug delivery system, an oxygen concentration
sensor, an eye motion sensor, an eye chemistry sensor, and
combinations thereof.
[0056] The new and improved method may also be broadly described as
including the steps of: (a) making a corneal incision CI of the eye
E, (b) inserting the eye implant 10 into the eye through the
corneal incision; and (c) securing the eye implant so that the eye
implant is bounded by an edge of the pupil P and an iridocorneal
angle ANG of an anterior chamber AC of the eye. When properly
implanted, the body 12 of the eye implant 10 is delimited by two
concentric circles C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 centered on the center of
the pupil P (see FIG. 2B).
[0057] Such a method may include the step of completing the
securing of the eye implant 10 to the iris I without making a
second incision by extending a tool T though the corneal incision.
Such a method may include the step of connecting the eye implant 10
to the iris I by enclavating iris tissue at two points as described
above.
[0058] The corneal incision may be a clear corneal incision CI of
the type used for cataract surgery. The corneal incision CI may be
a clear corneal incision of the type used for minimally invasive
glaucoma surgery. In one or more of the many possible embodiments
of the method, the corneal incision CI does not require suturing
for closure.
[0059] In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the
method, the method may include the step of positioning an
intraocular device D in a receiver 14 of the eye implant 10 prior
to the inserting of the eye implant into the eye E through the
corneal incision CI. That intraocular device D may be selected from
a group of intraocular devices consisting of (a) a physical sensor
(force, pressure, acceleration, etc.), a chemical sensor (oxygen,
glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, antigens, antibodies, etc.), a
miniature camera, a drug delivery system, a transceiver (optical,
electromagnetic, ultrasonic, etc.), a fluid pump, and combinations
thereof or (b) an intraocular pressure sensor, a miniature camera,
a drug delivery system, an oxygen concentration sensor, an eye
motion sensor, an eye chemistry sensor, and combinations
thereof.
[0060] Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical
form: "a", "an", and the", as used herein, means "at least one", or
"one or more". Use of the phrase One or more" herein does not alter
this intended meaning of "a", "an", or "the". Accordingly, the
terms "a", "an", and "the", as used herein, may also refer to, and
encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless
otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or, unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases: "a
unit", "a device", "an assembly", "a mechanism", "a component, "an
element", and "a step or procedure", as used herein, may also refer
to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a
plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of
components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or
procedures, respectively.
[0061] Each of the following terms: "includes", "including", "has",
"having", "comprises", and "comprising", and, their
linguistic/grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as
used herein, means "including, but not limited to", and is to be
taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s),
characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does
not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s),
feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s),
or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in
meaning to the phrase "consisting essentially of". Each of the
phrases "consisting of and "consists of, as used herein, means
"including and limited to". The phrase "consisting essentially of
means that the stated entity or item (system, system unit, system
sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure,
component element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or
material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or
sub-procedure), which is an entirety or part of an exemplary
embodiment of the disclosed invention, or/and which is used for
implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention,
may include at least one additional feature or characteristic"
being a system unit system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly,
mechanism, structure, component or element or, peripheral equipment
utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or
sub-procedure), but only if each such additional feature or
characteristic" does not materially alter the basic novel and
inventive characteristics or special technical features, of the
claimed item.
[0062] The term "method", as used herein, refers to steps,
procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a
given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures,
manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily
developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and
techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the
disclosed invention.
[0063] Terms of approximation, such as the terms about,
substantially, approximately, etc., as used herein, refers to
.+-.10% of the stated numerical value. Use of the terms concentric,
parallel or perpendicular are meant to mean approximately meeting
this condition, unless otherwise specified.
[0064] It is to be fully understood that certain aspects,
characteristics, and features, of the eye implant and method, which
are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the
context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also
be illustratively described and presented in any suitable
combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single
embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and
features, of the eye implant and method which are illustratively
described and presented in combination or sub-combination in the
context or format of a single embodiment may also be illustratively
described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of
separate embodiments.
[0065] Although the eye implant and method of this disclosure have
been illustratively described and presented by way of specific
exemplary embodiments, and examples thereof, it is evident that
many alternatives, modifications, or/and variations, thereof, will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is
intended that all such alternatives, modifications, or/and
variations, fall within the spirit of, and are encompassed by, the
broad scope of the appended claims.
[0066] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. For example, the body 12 may include more than one
receiver 14 for holding more than one intraocular device D. The
body 12 may also include more than two mounting clips 18, 20 or
clips with more than two arms 22, 24 and 32, 34. All such
modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which
they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
* * * * *