Enhanced Ocular Delivery Systems and Methods for Schlemm's Canal Treatment
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept discloses advanced ocular delivery systems and methods for treating eye conditions, particularly glaucoma, by optimizing the delivery of viscoelastic fluid compositions into Schlemm's canal, utilizing real-time feedback from sensors monitoring intraocular pressure.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal in an eye, delivering a fluid composition, and performing a trabeculotomy. However, the original patent had limitations in terms of flow control, real-time monitoring, and adaptability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced features, such as controllers, sensors, and optimized flow rates, to ensure efficient and safe treatment.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a fluid delivery system with an elongate member, a reservoir containing a viscoelastic fluid composition, and a controller configured to regulate the flow of the fluid composition through the elongate member. The system also includes sensors to monitor intraocular pressure, providing real-time feedback to the controller, which adjusts the flow rate accordingly. This enables optimized delivery of the fluid composition into Schlemm's canal, ensuring effective treatment of glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the concept of real-time feedback from sensors monitoring intraocular pressure, which allows for adaptive flow control and optimized delivery of the viscoelastic fluid composition. This is a significant advancement over the original patent, which lacked such features.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in sensor types, controller algorithms, and fluid composition properties. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in other ocular procedures, such as cataract surgery or retinal treatments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced ocular delivery systems and methods have significant commercial potential in the ophthalmology market, particularly for glaucoma treatment. The target industries include medical device manufacturers, ophthalmic clinics, and pharmaceutical companies.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F9/0008 |
| A | A61 | A61F9/00781 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/002 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/158 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3286 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3291 |
| A | A61 | A61M2005/1585 |
| A | A61 | A61M2210/0612 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ophthalmic medical devices and methods for ocular surgical interventions, specifically focused on glaucoma treatment and Schlemm's canal access technologies, requiring expertise in medical device design, fluid delivery systems, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in bioengineering, specialized knowledge of ophthalmological surgical procedures, experience with fluid delivery systems, sensor integration, and real-time medical device control mechanisms
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding real-time sensor feedback to an existing ocular fluid delivery system represents a predictable engineering enhancement. The core mechanical structure of the fluid delivery system remains substantially unchanged, with the primary innovation being the integration of pressure monitoring and adaptive flow control. Such sensor-based refinements are a standard approach in medical device design for improving procedural precision and patient safety.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,460 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Sight Sciences, Inc. |