Ocular implant with anchoring mechanism and multiple outlets

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One ocular implant, has a substantially straight, rigid, elongate body. The body has a self-trephinating distal portion that narrows toward a distal end, and at least one inlet that communicates with at least one inner lumen that communicates with a plurality of outlets. The lumen has a sufficient length to extend from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway. An anchor member extends from the implant.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system for treating an ocular disorder, comprising:
 an implant configured to be implanted into eye tissue such that when in use the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, the implant comprising an anchor member being located at a distal portion of an outflow end of the implant; and   a pressure sensor coupled to the implant.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the eye tissue comprises a trabecular meshwork. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the physiologic outflow pathway comprises Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the physiologic outflow pathway comprises an aqueous vein. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the anchor member comprises a scleral anchor having a trephining head that is configured to be embedded within scleral tissue upon implantation. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the implant comprises a biocompatible material in or on the implant, and wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen, tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica, polyolefin, polyester, titanium, stainless steel, Nitinol, and polysilicon. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the implant has a surface coating configured to elute therapeutic drugs into aqueous humor in the anterior chamber. 
     
     
         9 . A system for treating an ocular disorder, comprising:
 an implant configured to be implanted into eye tissue such that when in use the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye to an existing physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, the implant comprising a sensor; and   a delivery device configured to advance the implant and the sensor from within the anterior chamber to an implantation site, the delivery device being configured to access the anterior chamber through an opening formed in the eye.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the existing physiologic outflow pathway comprises Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the existing physiologic outflow pathway comprises an aqueous vein. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the implantation site comprises a trabecular meshwork of the eye such that when the implant is implanted an inlet end of the implant is positioned in the anterior chamber, an outflow end of the implant is positioned beyond the trabecular meshwork, and a middle section of the implant is positioned about the trabecular meshwork. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the outflow end comprises a distal anchor with a trephining head, the trephining head being configured to penetrate the trabecular meshwork. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the trephining head is configured to penetrate into scleral tissue to anchor the implant. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the implant comprises a biocompatible material in or on the implant, and wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen, tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica, polyolefin, polyester, titanium, stainless steel, Nitinol, and polysilicon. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the implant has a surface coating configured to elute therapeutic drugs into aqueous humor in the anterior chamber. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor is coupled to the implant. 
     
     
         18 . A system for treating an ocular disorder, comprising:
 an implant configured to be implanted into eye tissue such that when in use the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye to an existing physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, the implant comprising an anchor member; and   a pressure sensor coupled to the implant.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the eye tissue comprises a trabecular meshwork. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the existing physiologic outflow pathway comprises Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the existing physiologic outflow pathway comprises an aqueous vein. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the anchor member comprises a scleral anchor.