Ocular implant with fluid outflow pathways having microporous membranes

Abstract

Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can include reversibly deformable portions that have a plurality of openings layered, covered or otherwise spanned by an elastomeric film or membrane having micropores. The micropores allow for fluid flow out of the implant while inhibit cellular infiltration and blockage of the openings.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ocular implant, comprising:
 an elongate member having a flow pathway; at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway; and a plurality of outflow openings communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the outflow openings are spanned by an elastomeric membrane having a plurality of pores in fluid communication with the flow pathway;   wherein the elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow openings communicate with the suprachoroidal space.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member further comprises a braided structure comprising a plurality of interwoven struts. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 2 , wherein the braided structure is adapted to transition between a first shape when in tension and a second shape upon release of tension. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 2 , wherein the outflow openings comprise gaps between the plurality of interwoven struts. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric membrane spanning the outflow openings additionally surrounds each of the interwoven struts. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 5 , wherein the elastomeric membrane surrounding each of the interwoven struts expands and contracts upon movement of the interwoven struts. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric membrane comprises a material selected from the group comprising polyurethane, silicone, Lycra, and Hytrel. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pores are sized to achieve aqueous fluid flow through the outflow openings and substantially prevent passage of material into the outflow openings. 
     
     
         9 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pores have a diameter that is less than 1 micron. 
     
     
         10 . The implant of  claim 9 , wherein each of the pores have a diameter between about 0.1 microns to 0.8 microns. 
     
     
         11 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric membrane has a pore density between about 1 pore per square micron to 10 pores per square micron. 
     
     
         12 . The implant of  claim 1 , further comprising a second membrane coating the elastomeric membrane. 
     
     
         13 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the second membrane comprises Hydrogel. 
     
     
         14 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the second membrane comprises fibers spanning the pores. 
     
     
         15 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the second membrane spans at least a portion of each of the plurality of pores in the elastomeric membrane.