Abstract: Drug formulations, devices and methods are provided to deliver biologically active substances to the eye. The formulations are delivered into scleral tissues adjacent to or into the suprachoroidal space without damage to the underlying choroid. One class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation is localized in the suprachoroidal space near the region into which it is administered. Another class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation can migrate to another region of the suprachoroidal space, thus allowing an injection in the anterior region of the eye in order to treat the posterior region.

Abstract: Drug formulations, devices and methods are provided to deliver biologically active substances to the eye. The formulations are delivered into scleral tissues adjacent to or into the suprachoroidal space without damage to the underlying choroid. One class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation is localized in the suprachoroidal space near the region into which it is administered. Another class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation can migrate to another region of the suprachoroidal space, thus allowing an injection in the anterior region of the eye in order to treat the posterior region.

Abstract: An ophthalmic microsurgical system is described for treatment of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The microsurgical system includes a thin walled outer sheath microcannula 1 slidably disposed about an inner member 4, which extends slightly beyond the distal end of the microcannula 1. The inner member 4 may be straight or curved and may optionally include a surgical instrument and/or a sensor or signaling beacon. The microsurgical system is used in a surgical procedure for opening Schlemm's Canal to provide drainage of aqueous fluid in order to relieve excess intraocular pressure that results from glaucoma and other diseases of the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical devices that provide access to the sub-retinal space using delicate traction to hold the sensory retina to create and maintain a patent sub-retinal space of sufficient size to introduce and perform treatments on the eye. Such treatments may include the introduction of illumination or imaging agents or tools, surgical tools, the infusion of pharmaceutical or biological agents, and the placement of grafts, transplants or implants and the closure of the site through the delivery of a sealant.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices to access the suprachoroidal space or sub-retinal space in an eye via a minimally invasive transconjunctival approach. The devices may also be used after a partial dissection, for example after dissection of the outer scleral layer of the eye, and using the device within the dissection to access the suprachoroidal space or the sub-retinal space.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for access to the sub-retinal space that lies between the retina and the choroid in order to introduce therapies to the retina and more specifically to the sensory retina and RPE, particularly in the region of the macula. The devices comprise a catheter that incorporates advantageous size, flexibility and tip features to properly, accurately and atraumatically access the sub-retinal space. Ancillary devices to assist in placing catheters into the sub-retinal space are also provided. The catheter devices incorporate a lumen for delivery of therapeutic substances or devices into the eye.

Abstract: Microcannulae are constructed with multiple components in a composite design, allowing the microcannulae to have varying mechanical and delivery properties that will enable ophthalmic treatments by minimally invasive means. The microcannula includes at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of 350 microns or less, a proximal connector for introduction of materials, energy or tools. It may also include a reinforcing member attached to the communicating element, which may be designed to create variable stiffness along the length of the microcannula. The microcannula may also include other features such as a signal beacon near the distal tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A device is provided to enable placing an implant within the full circumference of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The device comprises a flexible elongated solid element with a proximal end and a distal tip that transmits light such as one or more strands of a fiber optic. The device is characterized by selected mechanical characteristics to allow advancement within Schlemm's canal. The fiber optic element transmits light from a proximal connector to the distal tip to provide a lighted tip that may be viewed transclerally when the device is advanced along Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: An implant is placed within Schlemm's canal of the eye and provides tension to the trabecular meshwork. The tension is continuous and increases the aqueous outflow without the necessity of administering cholinergic drugs to treat glaucoma.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the outflow of fluid through Schlemm's canal that is useful for treatment of glaucoma. The implant is placed in Schlemm's canal by use of a flexible delivery instrument attached to the implant. The instrument and implant are positioned within the canal, the implant is released and the distal and proximal ends of the implant are connected to apply sufficient axial tensioning force on the inner wall of the canal to increase fluid permeability. In another embodiment a delivery instrument attached to the implant is positioned in the canal securing one of the distal or proximal ends of the implant within the canal. The implant provides sufficient axial tensioning force on the inner wall of the canal to increase fluid permeability of the inner wall of the canal. The other of the distal or proximal ends may be secured to maintain the tensioning force on the inner wall of the canal.

Abstract: An injector is provided to deliver microquantities of viscous materials into the body, such as the eye, for surgical purposes. The injector comprises a syringe body with a plunger disposed therein coupled to a positive displacement mechanism capable of progressively advancing the plunger to precisely deliver microquantities of materials at a constant or predetermined delivery rate.

Abstract: A device (10) used with high frequency ultrasound provides a replaceable barrier between the ultrasound transducer and the tissues being imaged. The device (10) provides an acoustic pathway of minimal effect on the ultrasound signals, and furthermore provides for a safety barrier between a mechanical scanner and the tissues being imaged. The configuration of the device (10) allows it to function as a standoff for the ultrasound transducer to place the focus of the ultrasound beam at the desired depth of tissue for imaging. In addition, the device (10) may be sterilized and replaced as needed, providing sterile tissue contact surfaces. The device (10) has additional features, which are especially advantageous for diagnosis and surgery of the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical devices that provide access to the sub-retinal space using delicate traction to hold the sensory retina to create and maintain a patent sub-retinal space of sufficient size to introduce and perform treatments on the eye. Such treatments may include the introduction of illumination or imaging agents or tools, surgical tools, the infusion of pharmaceutical or biological agents, and the placement of grafts, transplants or implants and the closure of the site through the delivery of a sealant.

Abstract: The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior chamber (1), to an ocular vein (4). The tissue tract (7) from the vein (4) may be connected to any source of aqueous humor, including the anterior chamber (1) ), an aqueous collector channel, Schlemm's canal (2), or a drainage bleb. Since the aqueous humor passes directly into the venous system, the normal drainage process for aqueous humor is restored. Furthermore, the invention discloses devices and materials that can be implanted in the tissue tract to maintain the tissue space and fluid flow.

Abstract: Surgical devices are provided for aspiration of the subretinal fluid (SRF) of the eye in a retinal detachment that allows re-apposition of the sensory retina to the underlying RPE. The device is connected to a vacuum source, introduced into the posterior chamber through a sclerostomy port and placed against the detached retinal tissue. The device pulls on and captures the surface of the sensory retina, causing a micro needle to pierce through the tissue. As the sensory retina is captured and held in place by the vacuum, a protected pocket is created and the tissue is prevented from folding onto itself and occluding the micro needle tip.

Abstract: The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior chamber (1), to an ocular vein (4). The tissue tract (7) from the vein (4) may be connected to any source of aqueous humor, including the anterior chamber (1), an aqueous collector channel, Schlemm's canal (2), or a drainage bleb. Since the aqueous humor passes directly into the venous system, the normal drainage process for aqueous humor is restored. Furthermore, the invention discloses devices and materials that can be implanted in the tissue tract to maintain the tissue space and fluid flow.

Abstract: Injectors are provided that may be pre-filled aseptically with an active biological agent into a sterile cavity and sealed in such a manner that the injectate may be readily expelled into the body. The injectors are particularly useful for injecting precisely measured small volumes of sterile agents.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a tissue tract (8, 11A, 17A) from within a first passageway of an eye (11, 17) connecting to a second passageway in the eye (12, 16) comprising an elongated tool with a proximal end and distal end. The tool has an outer diameter in the range of about 50 to about 1000 microns.

Abstract: Drug formulations, devices and methods are provided to deliver biologically active substances to the eye. The formulations are delivered into scleral tissues adjacent to or into the suprachoroidal space without damage to the underlying choroid. One class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation is localized in the suprachoroidal space near the region into which it is administered. Another class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation can migrate to another region of the suprachoroidal space, thus allowing an injection in the anterior region of the eye in order to treat the posterior region.