Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor

摘要

Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

主权项

1. A device for reducing intraocular pressure in an eye having a Schlemm's canal and a trabecular meshwork, comprising: a support implantable circumferentially within Schlemm's canal and configured to maintain the patency of at least a portion thereof, wherein the support comprises an arcuate member, wherein at least a portion of the arcuate member has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of Schlemm's canal so that at least a portion of the arcuate member is configured to extend out of Schlemm's canal and into the trabecular meshwork and wherein the support does not substantially interfere with transmural flow across Schlemm's canal, and wherein when the support is disposed within a cylindrical section of the lumen of the canal having an internal wall surface area C, the support contacts less than 30% of C.