Expandable ocular devices

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems, devices and methods for treating an ocular disorder in an eye. The ocular device includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal lumen forming a flow pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end; at least one inflow region that communicates with the flow pathway; and an expandable portion having a plurality of interconnected struts forming multiple openings in the device communicating with the flow pathway. The expandable portion has a first cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion into the eye that is generally cylindrical and a second cross-sectional shape that is larger than the first cross-sectional shape. The system also includes a delivery device for inserting the ocular device into an eye including a sheath configured to surround at least a portion of the ocular device; an applier configured to insert into the internal lumen of the ocular device; and an actuator.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for treating an ocular disorder in an eye, comprising:
 an ocular device comprising:
 a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal lumen forming a flow pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end; 
 at least one inflow region communicating with the flow pathway; and 
 an expandable portion comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming multiple openings in the device that communicate with the flow pathway, wherein the expandable portion has a first cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion into the eye that is generally cylindrical and a second cross-sectional shape that is larger than the first cross-sectional shape; and 
   a delivery device for inserting the ocular device into an eye, the delivery device comprising:
 a sheath configured to surround at least a portion of the ocular device; 
 an applier configured to insert into the internal lumen of the ocular device; and 
 an actuator. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional shape of the ocular device is generally oval. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable portion of the ocular device is located near the distal end and the second cross-sectional shape of the ocular device is funnel-shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interconnected struts of the ocular device are braided or woven. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular device comprises a tube having cut-outs forming the interconnected struts. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional shape of the ocular device is between about 75% and about 100% larger than the first cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular device approaches a curvature of a region of the eye. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the ocular device is coated with a flexible material. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable portion of the ocular device is self-expanding. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable portion of the ocular device is actively expanded. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the expandable portion is actively expanded with a balloon coupled to the applier. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular device is positioned in the eye such that the inflow region communicates with the anterior chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein one or more of the openings communicate with at least one tissue structure near an anterior angle of the eye, wherein the tissue structure is selected from the group consisting of trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular structure, aqueous vein, episcleral vien, Schlemm's canal, a collecting channel, sclera, supraciliary space and suprachoroidal space. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the ocular device conforms to a contour of the tissue structure surrounding the ocular device. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the expandable portion is configured to expand or stretch the tissue structure. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular device is advanced around Schlemm's canal up to about 340 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular device has a length that extends from the anterior chamber to a portion of Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein flow of aqueous humor occurs from the anterior chamber into the flow pathway and through one or more openings in the ocular device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the ocular device is closed. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the distal end of the ocular device is permanently coupled to the applier and the ocular device is not releaseably deployed within the eye.