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Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Details for Patent: 7,090,681


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Title:Methods and apparatus for delivery of ocular implants
Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivering ocular implants or microimplants. The apparatus is ergonomically designed for ease of use, and a simple manual depression of an actuator produces proportional movement of a linkage causing the implant or microimplant to be ejected through a cannula disposed at the desired location in the eye. Small gauge cannulas are provided for self-sealing methods of delivery.
Inventor(s): Weber; David A. (Danville, CA), Kane; Ingrid (Los Altos, CA), Rehal; Mike (Boulder Creek, CA), Lathrop, III; Robert L. (Santa Clara, CA), Aptekarev; Kenny (Santa Cruz, CA), Etter; Jeffrey (Hayward, CA)
Assignee: Allergan, Inc. (Irvine, CA)
Filing Date:Sep 18, 2003
Application Number:10/666,872
Claims:1. An apparatus for implanting an ocular implant at a location in a patient's eye comprising: a cannula having a lumen extending therethrough configured to receive an ocular implant; and means for retaining an implant received within the cannula lumen to minimize inadvertent release of the implant from the cannula wherein the retention means comprises a frictional stop which extends into the cannula lumen for contacting an implant received therein, wherein the frictional stop comprises an O-ring, at least a portion of which extends into the cannula lumen for contacting an implant received therein, wherein the cannula includes a notch, the notch providing for communication between the cannula lumen and cannula exterior, and wherein the O-ring is positioned around the cannula and where a portion of the O-ring is received in the notch and extends into the cannula lumen.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cannula includes a notch, the notch providing for communication between the cannula lumen and cannula exterior, and wherein the frictional stop comprises tubing positioned around the cannula and where a portion of the tubing is received in the notch and extends into the lumen.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frictional stop comprises a spring mechanism.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frictional stop is integral to the cannula.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention means comprises a biocompatible adhesive for adhering the implant to the lumen.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention means comprises a frictional coating applied to the cannula lumen.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention means comprises a breakable membrane deployed within the cannula lumen.

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