Apparatus and method for delivering a therapeutic agent to ocular tissue

Abstract

A method is provided for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to an ocular tissue of a subject. The method includes providing an apparatus including at least one electrode, a medicament layer including at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source. The at least one electrode has oppositely disposed first and second dome-shaped major surfaces. The medicament layer is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. The electrical signal source is electrically connected to the at least one electrode. At least one portion of the first major surface is placed into contact with the ocular tissue so that the at least one portion substantially conforms to the contour of the ocular tissue. The electrical signal source provides a signal having certain characteristics to motivate the at least one therapeutic agent into the ocular tissue.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to an ocular tissue of a subject, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus comprising at least one electrode, a medicament layer including the at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source, the at least one electrode having oppositely disposed first and second dome-shaped major surfaces, the medicament layer being disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface, the electrical signal source being electrically connected to the at least one electrode;   placing at least one portion of the first major surface into contact with the ocular tissue so that the at least one portion substantially conforms to the contour of the ocular tissue; and   causing the electrical signal source to provide a signal having certain characteristics to motivate the at least one therapeutic agent into the ocular tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of causing the electrical signal source to provide a signal further comprises the steps of:
 selecting at least one orienting frequency; and   selecting at least one motivating frequency.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein each of the at least one orienting frequency and the at least one motivating frequency comprises an alternating current (AC) signal. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one orienting frequency comprises an AC signal and the at least one motivating frequency comprises a direct current (DC) signal. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of placing at least a portion of the first major surface into contact with the ocular tissue further comprises the steps of:
 providing a displacement device that is operably joined with an electrical lead via a connection member, the displacement device comprising oppositely disposed, flexible first and second arm members, each of the arm members including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion of each of the first and second arm members respectively including first and second channels;   positioning the displacement device about the eye of the subject so that at least a portion of the upper and lower eyelids is disposed within the first and second channels of the displacement device, respectively; and   operating the displacement device to sufficiently spread apart the upper and lower eyelids so that the first major surface of the at least one electrode contacts the ocular tissue.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of placing at least a portion of the first major surface into contact with the ocular tissue further comprises the step of positioning the first major surface substantially adjacent an ocular tissue selected from the group consisting of the sclera, the eyelid, and the cornea. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of placing at least a portion of the first major surface into contact with the ocular tissue further comprises the step of positioning the first major surface substantially adjacent or under the conjunctiva. 
     
     
         19 - 23 . (canceled)