Polymer formulations for nasolacrimal stimulation

Abstract

Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.

1 - 101 . (canceled) 
     
     
         102 . A method of manufacturing a hydrogel electrode of a nasal stimulator device, the method comprising:
 dispensing a hydrogel mixture into a mold defining the hydrogel electrode of the nasal stimulator device;   curing the hydrogel mixture; and   removing the cured hydrogel mixture from the mold, the cured hydrogel mixture forming the hydrogel electrode of the nasal stimulator device.   
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the hydrogel mixture comprises a mixture of:
 glycerol monomethacrylate;   trimethylol propane trimethacrylate;   dimethylacrylamide;   N-vinylpyrrolidone;   2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide; and   methanol.   
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises propylene glycol. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 102 , further comprising:
 modifying a surface of the hydrogel electrode to cause the surface to increase in hydrophilic properties.   
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein the modifying includes treating the surface with a low pressure plasma material. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 108 , wherein the plasma material includes one or more of air, oxygen, and water vapor. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein the modifying includes depositing a hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the hydrogel electrode. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the hydrogel electrode is configured to provide an electrical connection between an electrode of the nasal stimulator device and tissue of a user. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the hydrogel electrode is biocompatible. 
     
     
         113 . A method of manufacturing a stimulation probe of a nasal stimulator device, the method comprising:
 applying a hydrogel mixture to a stimulation electrode of the nasal stimulator device; and   curing the hydrogel mixture to form a hydrogel electrode for providing an electrical connection between the stimulation electrode and tissue of a user.   
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein the hydrogel mixture comprises a mixture of:
 glycerol monomethacrylate;   trimethylol propane trimethacrylate;   dimethylacrylamide;   N-vinylpyrrolidone;   2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide; and   methanol.   
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises propylene glycol. 
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 114 , wherein the hydrogel mixture further comprises 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate. 
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 113 , further comprising:
 modifying a surface of the hydrogel electrode to cause the surface to increase in hydrophilic properties.   
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein the modifying includes treating the surface with a low pressure plasma material. 
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein the modifying includes depositing a hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the hydrogel electrode. 
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein the hydrogel electrode is biocompatible.