摘要:
An implantable ophthalmological device (10) in the form of a punctal plug or canalicular implant is configured for use at or near the nasolacrimal drainage system. In a deployed state, the device (10) may include an elongated body (25), an anchor (15) operably connected to the elongated body (25), a radially expanding occlusive feature disposed on an outer circumference of the elongated body (32), and a flange (30). The elongated body (25) may define a lumen (35) configured to receive a pharmacological treatment (55). The device (10) is made of a shape memory material such as a shape memory polymer.
摘要:
An implantable ophthalmological device (10) in the form of a punctal plug or canalicular implant is configured for use at or near the nasolacrimal drainage system. In a deployed state, the device (10) may include an elongated body (25), an anchor (15) operably connected to the elongated body (25), a radially expanding occlusive feature disposed on an outer circumference of the elongated body (32), and a flange (30). The elongated body (25) may define a lumen (35) configured to receive a pharmacological treatment (55). The device (10) is made of a shape memory material such as a shape memory polymer.
摘要:
A small shunt can be placed within the eye to aid in drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to a pocket between the conjunctiva and the sclera to be absorbed, or to secrete through the cornea or the sclera external to the eye for glaucoma or ocular hypertension treatment. This drainage can decrease the pressure of the eye and potentially modify the course of advancing glaucomatous optic neuropathy as it relates to eye pressure. The shunt is formed of a shape memory polymer material and deformed into a smaller form factor to reduce trauma to the eye resulting from the insertion of the shunt through the sclera to the anterior chamber. Once in situ, the shunt deploys in response to body heat or other external stimulus and expands to its original, larger form factor to provide a secure friction fit of the shunt within the scleral tissue and to enlarge the lumen of the shunt to allow for aqueous flow.
摘要:
Formulations of shape memory polymer (SMP) are integrated with several existing clinically available medical fabrics. The SMP portion of a SMP-integrated fabric can be fabricated in varying thicknesses with the minimum thickness determined by the thickness of the underlying fabric and up to almost any thickness. A large variety of patterns may be formed in SMP-integrated fabrics based upon how the shape memory polymer is integrated into the base fabric. Integration of the SMP with the base fabrics does not alter the shape memory functionality of the SMP. The design tools for controlling activation rate for traditional SMP materials thus apply to SMP-integrated fabrics. SMP-integrated fabrics may also be steam sterilized without loss of shape memory functionality. By using multiple formulations of SMP on a single piece of fabric, a large combination of material properties may be provided within a single SMP-integrated fabric device.
摘要:
A multimodal method for imaging tissue comprising: aligning an excitation light source with at least a portion of the tissue; selecting at least two modalities of image acquisition; imaging the tissue portion with each of the modalities of image acquisition; and constructing a dual mode image using images from each of the modalities of image acquisition. A multimodal system for imaging tissue comprising: an excitation light source or light sources; an optical and alignment system for directing the excitation beam or beams to a sample and receiving an emission beam from the sample; at least one detector for receiving the emission beam from the sample; and a spectral filtering or dispersing device for providing at least two imaging modalities at the at least one detector; and a processor for analyzing the detected emission beam and constructing a dual mode image using images from each of the modalities of image acquisition.
摘要:
Therapeutic agent delivery systems, which include a thermally-sensitive copolymer and optionally a therapeutic agent, are disclosed. The copolymer is water soluble and biodegradable and, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, includes hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions. The systems may include supplemental compounds, such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelle compounds, or a combination thereof, to further provide sustained release of the therapeutic agent.
摘要:
Therapeutic agent delivery systems, which include a thermally-sensitive copolymer and optionally a therapeutic agent, are disclosed. The copolymer is water soluble and biodegradable and, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, includes hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions. The systems may include supplemental compounds, such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelle compounds, or a combination thereof, to further provide sustained release of the therapeutic agent.