Abstract: Described are implantable devices having expandable reservoirs for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. The device is configured to be at least partially implanted in an eye and includes a retention structure and a penetrable element coupled to and extending within at least a portion of the retention structure. A porous drug release mechanism is positioned in fluid communication with an outlet of the device; and a reservoir having a volume configured to contain one or more therapeutic agents is in fluid communication with the outlet through the porous drug release mechanism. The device is at least partially inserted along an axis of insertion. The reservoir enlarges from an insertion configuration having a first three-dimensional shape to an expanded configuration having a second three-dimensional shape, the second three-dimensional shape being eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of insertion.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices having expandable reservoirs for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. The device is configured to be at least partially implanted in an eye and includes a retention structure and a penetrable element coupled to and extending within at least a portion of the retention structure. A porous drug release mechanism is positioned in fluid communication with an outlet of the device; and a reservoir having a volume configured to contain one or more therapeutic agents is in fluid communication with the outlet through the porous drug release mechanism. The device is at least partially inserted along an axis of insertion. The reservoir enlarges from an insertion configuration having a first three-dimensional shape to an expanded configuration having a second three-dimensional shape, the second three-dimensional shape being eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of insertion.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices having expandable reservoirs for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. The device is configured to be at least partially implanted in an eye and includes a retention structure and a penetrable element coupled to and extending within at least a portion of the retention structure. A porous drug release mechanism is positioned in fluid communication with an outlet of the device; and a reservoir having a volume configured to contain one or more therapeutic agents is in fluid communication with the outlet through the porous drug release mechanism. The device is at least partially inserted along an axis of insertion. The reservoir enlarges from an insertion configuration having a first three-dimensional shape to an expanded configuration having a second three-dimensional shape, the second three-dimensional shape being eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of insertion.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices having expandable reservoirs for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. The device is configured to be at least partially implanted in an eye and includes a retention structure and a penetrable element coupled to and extending within at least a portion of the retention structure. A porous drug release mechanism is positioned in fluid communication with an outlet of the device; and a reservoir having a volume configured to contain one or more therapeutic agents is in fluid communication with the outlet through the porous drug release mechanism. The device is at least partially inserted along an axis of insertion. The reservoir enlarges from an insertion configuration having a first three-dimensional shape to an expanded configuration having a second three-dimensional shape, the second three-dimensional shape being eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of insertion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods useful for delivery of suspensions and other microparticle compositions, and, in particular, for delivering microparticles at desired dosing levels and eliminating blockages within microparticle suspensions positioned within a delivery device.

Abstract: Disclosed are device carriers for insertable medical devices. The device carrier holds an insertable medical device in a desired orientation to allow it to be grasped by an insertion tool. Additionally, the device carrier may be used to store and to protect the insertable medical device prior to the device being implanted at a target site in a patient. Also described are insertion tools that may be used with the device carrier for grasping the insertable medical device from the carrier, and inserting the medical device at the target site in the patient. Methods of using the device carriers and the insertion tools of the invention, and kits for practicing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical implants formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and that include bioactive agent are described. The implants demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The implants can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: Methods of treating disorders of the eye are disclosed. One or more substances are injected into the vitreous humor of the eye using a syringe. A needle of the syringe is inserted into the eye such that the tip of the needle is positioned inferior to the visual axis. The needle of the syringe is inserted into the eye at an injection point that is located from 3 mm to 5 mm posterior to the limbus of the eye. The tip of the needle is positioned at a depth from 1 mm to 10 mm from the retina of the eye at the injection point.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable ocular drug delivery devices. Generally, the devices have a distal portion with a coil shaped body member and a proximal portion which contacts the sclera. In one aspect, the coil-shaped body member includes a unique configuration including two coiled portions with different pitches, which improves insertion of the device into the eye. In another aspect, the device has a proximal portion that includes a unique cap configuration having a concave distal face that improves stabilization of the device in the eye. In another aspect, the device includes a transitional portion between the cap and the coil-shaped body member that also improves stabilization of the device in the eye. The invention also provides methods for inserting the medical device into the eye, and methods for the treatment of an ocular condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable devices that are configured for implantation through tissue or membrane and into an implantation site comprising viscoelastic fluid or non-osseous tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the implantable devices comprise: (a) a nonlinear body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, (b) a retention element at the proximal portion of the body member, the retention element configured to retain the implantable device at the implantation site, the retention element presenting an external profile of no greater than 0.5 mm when the device is implanted in a patient; and (c) a bioactive agent delivery system at the distal portion of the body member, the bioactive agent delivery system comprising one or more bioactive agents.