Drug delivery devices and methods

摘要

This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.

主权项

1. A method of implanting an ocular implant for treating an ocular disorder of an eye, comprising:
forming a self-sealing incision in the cornea of the eye into the anterior chamber of the eye; introducing an implant through the incision in an eye into the anterior chamber of the eye, the implant comprising:
a proximal end with at least one inflow port;a distal end with at least one outflow port; andan internal lumen extending through the implant between the at least one inflow port and at least one outflow port,wherein the implant is mounted on an implantation instrument having a delivery wire extending through the internal lumen of the implant; using the delivery wire to position the implant in the eye between a first and second tissue layer in fluid communication with the suprachoroidal space; withdrawing the delivery wire from the internal lumen of the implant; and injecting drug-release material through the delivery wire as the delivery wire is being withdrawn from the internal lumen of the implant filling the internal lumen of the implant with the drug-release material; creating a lake of the drug-release material near the distal end of the implant; and eluting an active agent from the drug-release material to treat the eye as the drug-release material degrades, wherein the space is maintained after the lake of drug-release material degrades.