NASOLACRIMAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPLANTS FOR DRUG THERAPY

摘要

An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

主权项

1. A method for delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye, comprising:
placing a lacrimal implant through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient, the implant comprising: a plug body comprising a drug insert; the drug insert comprising:
a matrix of material;a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material; anda sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen, wherein when the implant is inserted into the canalicular lumen an exposed surface of the drug insert is in direct contact with tear fluid to allow diffusion of the therapeutic agent from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film of the eye.