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: A device for controlled delivery of an injection material to tissue spaces of an eye that are not normally open, such as the subconjunctival space, the suprachoroidal space and the subretinal space. The device comprises an elongated body with a hollow cannula at the distal end, a slidable plunger at the proximal end, and a reservoir for the material to be injected residing between the cannula and the plunger. The plunger is mechanically coupled to a source of force such as a spring or pressurized gas reservoir such that an injection force is applied to the injection material within the device prior to delivery of the injection material into an eye. A valve that is normally closed to prevent flow of the injection material during application of the injection force is placed in the flow path between the cannula and reservoir. Due to the injection force placed on the injection material, actuation of the valve allows controlled flow from the reservoir through the cannula and into the tissue space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for treatment of ophthalmic disease comprising a solid or semi-solid containing drug shaped as an elongated body for injection or delivery into tissue spaces of the eye. The composition may comprise a plurality of drug-containing particles and at least one excipient to form the drug particles into a flexible solid or a semisolid. The excipient comprises a substance that undergoes dissolution in the physiological conditions of the tissue space after injection to allow the microspheres to disperse and migrate in the tissue space. Formulations for the drug containing compositions, methods of fabrication and methods of use are also disclosed.

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: Injection device comprising an elongated body (1) with a hollow needle (8) at a distal end; a reservoir for an injection material to be delivered through the needle; a plunger (3) with a first force element (5) configured to provide an injection force to said injection material, and a distal element (10) attached to the distal end of the device thereby sealing a needle lumen, wherein the distal element comprises a tissue interface and a distal seal (11), and wherein the distal seal is penetrable by a distal tip of the needle by the application of pressure on a tissue surface with the distal end of the device, wherein the penetrated distal element becomes slidable on the needle to allow advancement of the needle into tissue, wherein the penetrated distal seal opens a path for flow or delivery of the injection material from the distal end of the needle.

Abstract: Cavity and sentinel lymph node marking devices, marker delivery devices, and methods are disclosed. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammography, echogenic, or other noninvasive imaging techniques. A composition and method are disclosed for locating the sentinel lymph node in a mammalian body to determine if cancerous cells have spread thereto. The composition is preferably a fluid composition consisting of a carrier fluid and some type of contrast agent; alternatively, the contrast agent may itself be a fluid and therefore not need a separate carrier fluid. This composition is capable of (1) deposition in or around a lesion and migration to and accumulation in the associated sentinel node, and (2) remote detection via any number of noninvasive techniques.

Abstract: Cavity and sentinel lymph node marking devices, marker delivery devices, and methods are disclosed. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammography, echogenic, or other noninvasive imaging techniques. A composition and method are disclosed for locating the sentinel lymph node in a mammalian body to determine if cancerous cells have spread thereto. The composition is preferably a fluid composition consisting of a carrier fluid and some type of contrast agent; alternatively, the contrast agent may itself be a fluid and therefore not need a separate carrier fluid. This composition is capable of (1) deposition in or around a lesion and migration to and accumulation in the associated sentinel node, and (2) remote detection via any number of noninvasive techniques.

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: A flexible distal cup for use as part of a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb may have a substantially closed distal end, an open proximal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The flexible distal cup is configured to reside within an outer support structure of the prosthetic socket and to receive a distal portion of the residual limb. In some embodiments, the flexible distal cup may be made of a composite polymer composition, including an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and polycaprolactone (PCL). The EVA copolymer may be between about 45% and about 55% of the composite polymer composition by weight, the vinyl acetate of the EVA copolymer may be less than about 25% of the EVA copolymer by weight, and the PCL may be between about 45% and about 55% of the composite polymer composition by weight.

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: A subcutaneous cavity marking device percutaneously implantable in breast tissue during a biopsy procedure. The marking device including at least two implantable bodies, one made from a first material and another made from a second material wherein the first and second materials are different materials and the at least two implantable bodies are adapted to be inserted into a subcutaneous cavity created by removal of tissue. The at least two implantable bodies are detectable via non-invasive techniques as tissue cavity markers and at least one of the at least two detectable bodies is an electronic chip connected to the other of the at least two implantable bodies.

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 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.