Patents by Inventor Barbara Niksch

Barbara Niksch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210154449
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, Richard A. Hill, Olav B. Bergheim
  • Patent number: 10828473
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, Richard A. Hill, Olav B. Bergheim
  • Publication number: 20190321225
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David Steven Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W. Burns, Richard A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10406029
    Abstract: Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Jason Artof, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 10285856
    Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch, Morteza Gharib, Thomas W. Burns, Richard Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20190030302
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, Richard A. Hill, Olav B. Bergheim
  • Publication number: 20180161205
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Olav B. Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Richard A. Hill, Thomas W. Burns
  • Patent number: 9987472
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, David Steven Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch, Richard A. Hill, Olav B. Bergheim
  • Patent number: 9789001
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DOSE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Olav B. Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Richard A. Hill, Thomas W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20170273829
    Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch, Morteza Gharib, Thomas W. Burns, Richard Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 9572963
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system for shunting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of an eye includes an implant having an elongated body made of biocompatible material and a delivery device. At least a portion of the elongated body is implantable between a sclera and a ciliary body while the elongated body resides entirely within the confines of the sclera and a cornea with the proximal end of the implant being configured to reside within an anterior chamber angle and a lumen extending from at least one inlet port of the implant, through at least a portion of the elongated body, to one or more outlet ports of the implant so as to drain fluid from the anterior chamber toward a choroid of the eye. The delivery device includes an elongated member with a curved distal end portion to deliver the implant using an ab interno procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Richard A. Hill, Olav B. Bergheim
  • Patent number: 9561131
    Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch, Morteza Gharib, Thomas W. Burns, Richard Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20160175151
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A. Niksch, David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Olav B. Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Richard A. Hill, Thomas W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20160100983
    Abstract: Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Jason Artof, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 9301875
    Abstract: Intraocular stents and applicators are disclosed for treating glaucoma. The stents are configured to extend between the anterior chamber of the eye and Schlemm's canal for enhancing outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber so as to reduce intraocular pressure. The stents can have features for anchoring the stent into Schlemm's canal as well as preventing the walls of Schlemm's canal from closing the outlet of the stents. The applicators can be steerable so as to make implantation easier. Additionally, the applicators can be configured to hold a plurality of stents so that multiple stents can be implanted through one incision without removing the applicator from the incision between serial implantations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Jason Artof, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 9155654
    Abstract: Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Jason Artof, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Publication number: 20150223981
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W. Burns
  • Patent number: 9066782
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Dose Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A Niksch, David S Haffner, Gregory T Smedley, Olav B Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Richard A. Hill, Thomas W. Burns
  • Patent number: 8882781
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W Burns
  • Publication number: 20130310930
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders. An ocular implant having an inlet portion with a first anchor and an outlet portion with a second anchor is provided. The first anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent eye tissue, for example, within an anterior chamber of an eye, and the second anchor is configured to be positioned within a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The implant, when implanted in the eye, is configured to conduct fluid from the anterior chamber to the physiological outflow pathway. Desirably, the second anchor is deployable and is configured to secure the implant within the physiological outflow pathway. Also provided is an ocular treatment method which involves implanting the implant to secure the implant within the physiological outflow pathway by deploying the second anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch, David S. Haffner