LACRIMAL FILLER

摘要

A biomaterial mass is inserted through a punctum into a canaliculus in the lacrimal outflow system with a syringe. The mass has an outer cross section that is less than the inner cross section of the canaliculus. The mass absorbs liquid to swell to form a lacrimal filler or sealing mechanism. The lacrimal filler has an external cross section that conforms to the internal cross section of the canaliculus and a soft outer surface relative to the surrounding tissues to prevent erosion of the canaliculus lining. The lacrimal filler forms an occlusion that prevents the outflow of liquid through the lacrimal outflow system to retain tears within the eye to maintain eye lubrication and wetness. The mass and syringe are provided in kit with a rubber stopper and, optionally, a punctal dilator, an injecting catheter, and an enzyme for dissolving or degrading the lacrimal filler at a later time.

主权项

1. A kit for treating dry eyes comprising:
a syringe, a lacrimal injector, a biomaterial mass comprising a swellable preformed hyaluronic acid gel occluder in a gel form, the hyaluronic acid being present in a concentration of between 15 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml, said lacrimal injector configured to inject said biomaterial mass into a canaliculus in the lacrimal outflow system to absorb liquid within the canaliculus and swell to conform the outer surface of the mass to the inner surface of the canaliculus to form a sealing mechanism for sealing the canaliculus at least partially, said sealing mechanism outer surface being sufficiently soft relative to the inner surface of the canaliculus to prevent the sealing mechanism outer surface from eroding the canaliculus lining, and said sealing mechanism forming an occlusion to prevent the outflow of liquid through the lacrimal outflow system to retain tears within the eye to maintain eye lubrication and wetness.