公开(公告)号：US20070049913A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-01

申请号：US11541291

申请日：2006-09-29

申请人： Stephen Grenon ,  Lyle Paul ,  Steven Roe ,  Donald Korb

发明人： Stephen Grenon ,  Lyle Paul ,  Steven Roe ,  Donald Korb

IPC分类号： A61B18/04 ,  A61F7/00

CPC分类号： A61F9/0008 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F9/0026 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H35/02 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61H2201/0207 ,  A61H2201/0221 ,  A61H2201/1607 ,  A61H2201/165 ,  A61H2205/022 ,  A61H2205/024 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C. Depending on the particular type and composition of the obstruction, the fluid jet operates to melt or soften the obstruction and to milkingly move the corpus of the softened obstruction up the gland channel from the end opposite the meibomian gland orifice and out of the gland orifice. Repeated application of the heated fluid jet may also be necessary to soften and/or express the obstruction.

摘要翻译： 根据本发明，提供了一种在哺乳动物中治疗睑板腺功能障碍的方法，其中闭塞将至少一部分天然存在的分泌物从腺体通道孔排出。 本发明包括选择能够传送加热介质射流的装置。 该装置定位成使得当喷射器被施加到眼睑的外表面时，靠近腺体通道孔口，加热介质射流被施加到靠近腺体通道孔口的眼睑的外表面 约2psi至约30psi的压力。 维持加热介质喷射器的足够时间以松开，分解，断裂，软化或液化至少一部分闭塞，使得至少一部分闭塞被去除。 在一个示例性实施例中，介质被水加热到约42℃至约46℃之间的温度。根据障碍物的特定类型和组成，流体射流操作以使阻塞物熔化或软化并且挤奶 将软管堵塞的腺体从睑板腺口对面的端部移出腺体孔。 加热的流体射流的重复施加也可能是软化和/或表达障碍物所必需的。

公开(公告)号：US20080051741A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-28

申请号：US11931646

申请日：2007-10-31

申请人： Stephen Grenon ,  Lyle Paul ,  Steven Roe ,  Donald Korb

发明人： Stephen Grenon ,  Lyle Paul ,  Steven Roe ,  Donald Korb

IPC分类号： A61F9/00

CPC分类号： A61F9/00 ,  A61B17/3203 ,  A61B18/04 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059

摘要： According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C. Depending on the particular type and composition of the obstruction, the fluid jet operates to melt or soften the obstruction and to milkingly move the corpus of the softened obstruction up the gland channel from the end opposite the meibomian gland orifice and out of the gland orifice. Repeated application of the heated fluid jet may also be necessary to soften and/or express the obstruction.

摘要翻译： 根据本发明，提供了一种在哺乳动物中治疗睑板腺功能障碍的方法，其中闭塞将至少一部分天然存在的分泌物从腺体通道孔排出。 本发明包括选择能够传送加热介质射流的装置。 该装置定位成使得当喷射器被施加到眼睑的外表面时，靠近腺体通道孔口，加热介质射流被施加到靠近腺体通道孔口的眼睑的外表面 约2psi至约30psi的压力。 维持加热介质喷射器的足够时间以松开，分解，断裂，软化或液化至少一部分闭塞，使得至少一部分闭塞被去除。 在一个示例性实施例中，介质被水加热到约42℃至约46℃之间的温度。根据障碍物的特定类型和组成，流体射流操作以使阻塞物熔化或软化并且挤奶 将软管堵塞的腺体从睑板腺口对面的端部移出腺体孔。 加热的流体射流的重复施加也可能是软化和/或表达障碍物所必需的。

公开(公告)号：US20070027431A1

公开(公告)日：2007-02-01

申请号：US11541418

申请日：2006-09-29

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis ,  Stephen Grenon

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis ,  Stephen Grenon

IPC分类号： A61M35/00

CPC分类号： A61B17/22004 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/02 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： In one embodiment consistent with the present invention a method of treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the glands by applying a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands to put the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state and maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions. The glands can then be mechanically treated to express fluid from the glands, wherein the treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in a fluid state. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

摘要翻译： 在与本发明一致的一个实施方案中，治疗哺乳动物睑板腺的方法涉及通过将含有睑板腺的眼睑施加调节的热量至足以融化睑板腺中的阻塞物以将阻塞物置于流体中的方式来清除腺体，或 悬浮（熔化）状态并将热量保持足够的时间以融化障碍物。 然后可以对腺体进行机械处理以从腺体表达流体，其中治疗在时间段期间或在时间段之后进行，但是当阻塞物保持在流体状态时。 然后通过使用药物（局部或全身）对腺体进行的后续药理学治疗可用于帮助保持来自腺体的适当的脂质流动。 该摘要不被认为是限制性的，因为其他实施例可能偏离本摘要中描述的特征。

公开(公告)号：US20080114426A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US12015683

申请日：2008-01-17

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  Benjamin Gravely

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  Benjamin Gravely

IPC分类号： A61F7/12

CPC分类号： A61F7/12 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/007 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

摘要翻译： 治疗睑板腺功能障碍的系统。 控制器控制施加到眼睑外部的热量，以向睑板腺提供传导热传递。 热的应用有助于睑板腺中阻塞或闭塞的表达，以恢复足够的脂质流向脂质层以治疗干眼症。 在施加热量的同时也将力施加到患者眼皮的外侧，以改善导电传热并减少引起对流热损失的眼睑中的血流。 因此，施加力可以进一步增加温度水平和/或减少达到期望温度水平以消除障碍物或闭塞的时间。 达到增加的温度水平可以改善睑板腺中的阻塞物或闭塞的熔化，松动或软化，同时减少达到期望温度水平的时间量和/或有助于减轻治疗期间对患者的不适。

公开(公告)号：US20080114421A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US12015567

申请日：2008-01-17

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon

IPC分类号： A61F7/12

CPC分类号： A61F7/12 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/007 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the inside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions.

摘要翻译： 治疗睑板腺功能障碍的方法。 将热量施加到眼睑内部以提供导热传递到睑板腺。 热的应用有助于睑板腺中阻塞或闭塞的表达，以恢复足够的脂质流向脂质层以治疗干眼症。 在加热眼睑内部时，睑板腺的温度可以更快速有效地达到所需水平。 达到更高的温度水平可能有助于消除睑板腺中的障碍物。 当向眼睑内部施加热量时，也可能需要较少的时间达到所需的温度水平。 也可以将力施加到患者眼睑的内侧，以改善导电传热并减少眼睑中引起对流热损失的血液流动。 因此，施加力可以进一步增加温度水平和/或减少达到期望温度水平以消除障碍物的时间。

公开(公告)号：US20080114427A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US12015721

申请日：2008-01-17

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  John Jans

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  John Jans

IPC分类号： A61F7/12

CPC分类号： A61F7/12 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/007 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands. Reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels an aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

摘要翻译： 治疗睑板腺功能障碍的系统。 控制器控制施加到患者睑板腺附近的组织的热量，以向睑板腺提供导电热传递。 热的应用有助于睑板腺中阻塞或闭塞的表达，以恢复足够的脂质流向脂质层以治疗干眼症。 在施加热量的同时，还将力施加到患者睑板腺附近的组织以改善导电传热并减少导致对流热损失的组织中的血流。 因此，施加力可以进一步增加温度水平和/或减少达到期望温度水平以消除障碍物的时间。 达到升高的温度水平可能会改善睑板腺的阻塞或闭塞的融化，松动或软化。 减少达到所需温度水平的时间量，有助于减轻治疗期间患者的不适。

公开(公告)号：US20080114422A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US12015584

申请日：2008-01-17

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  John Jans

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  John Jans

IPC分类号： A61F7/12

CPC分类号： A61F7/12 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/007 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

摘要翻译： 治疗睑板腺功能障碍的方法。 将热量施加到患者睑板腺附近的组织，以向睑板腺提供导电热传递。 热的应用有助于睑板腺中阻塞或闭塞的表达，以恢复足够的脂质流向脂质层以治疗干眼症。 也可以将力施加到患者睑板腺附近的组织，以改善传导性热传递并减少组织中造成对流热损失的血液流动。 因此，施加力可以进一步增加温度水平和/或减少达到期望温度水平以消除障碍物的时间。 达到升高的温度水平可以改善睑板腺中的阻塞物或闭塞的熔化，松动或软化，同时减少达到所需温度水平的时间量和/或有助于减轻治疗期间患者的不适。

公开(公告)号：US20080109053A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-08

申请号：US11931914

申请日：2007-10-31

申请人： Stephen Grenon ,  Omer Barrier ,  David Foshee ,  Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis

发明人： Stephen Grenon ,  Omer Barrier ,  David Foshee ,  Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis

IPC分类号： A61F7/00 ,  A61F9/00

CPC分类号： A61H7/001 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F9/00 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61H2201/0207 ,  A61H2201/0221 ,  A61H2201/1604 ,  A61H2201/165 ,  A61H2205/022 ,  A61H2205/024 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： Consistent with certain embodiments, an apparatus provides regulated heat to at least one of a patient's eyelids, using a heater unit having a heating element that produces heat that is transferred to the patient's eyelid when an electrical signal is applied thereto. A temperature regulator applies an electrical signal to the heating elements in order to achieve heating of the heating elements to a specified temperature range. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

摘要翻译： 与某些实施例一致，设备使用具有加热元件的加热器单元向患者的眼皮中的至少一个提供调节的热量，所述加热器单元产生当向其施加电信号时传递到患者眼皮的热量。 温度调节器将电信号施加到加热元件，以实现加热元件的加热到指定的温度范围。 该摘要不被认为是限制性的，因为其他实施例可能偏离本摘要中描述的特征。

公开(公告)号：US20080046048A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-21

申请号：US11928681

申请日：2007-10-30

申请人： Stephen Grenon ,  Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis

发明人： Stephen Grenon ,  Donald Korb ,  Timothy Willis

IPC分类号： A61F7/00

CPC分类号： A61B17/22004 ,  A61B17/22 ,  A61F7/02 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0261

摘要： In accordance with certain illustrative embodiments, methods and apparatuses of treating obstructive disorders of the structure of an eye or eyelid are disclosed. The treating may involve applying heat to the structure containing the obstructive disorder to melt an obstruction in the structure and place the obstruction in a melted state. The heat may be maintained for a time period to melt the obstruction and place the obstruction in the melted state. The structure may be treated by expressing the melted obstruction from the structure. The treating may be carried out either during the time period or after the time period when heat is applied but while the obstruction is in the melted state. In certain embodiments, the method further involves subsequently treating the structure by use of a pharmacological agent. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

摘要翻译： 根据某些示例性实施例，公开了治疗眼睛或眼睑结构的阻塞性疾病的方法和装置。 治疗可以涉及对包含阻塞性病症的结构施加热量，以便熔化结构中的梗阻并将阻塞置于熔化状态。 可以将热量保持一段时间以融化阻塞物并将阻塞物置于熔化状态。 可以通过从结构中表达熔化的阻塞来处理结构。 处理可以在施加热量但是阻塞处于熔化状态的时间段期间之后或者在施加热量的时间段之后进行。 在某些实施方案中，该方法还涉及随后通过使用药理学剂处理该结构。 该摘要不被认为是限制性的，因为其他实施例可能偏离本摘要中描述的特征。

公开(公告)号：US20080114420A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US12015558

申请日：2008-01-17

申请人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  Benjamin Gravely

发明人： Donald Korb ,  Stephen Grenon ,  Timothy Willis ,  Benjamin Gravely

IPC分类号： A61F7/12

CPC分类号： A61F7/12 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/048 ,  A61F7/007 ,  A61F9/00772 ,  A61F2007/0004 ,  A61F2007/0059 ,  A61H7/00 ,  A61H2015/0014 ,  A61N7/00

摘要： A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions.

摘要翻译： 治疗睑板腺功能障碍的方法。 将热量施加到眼睑内部以提供导热传递到睑板腺。 热的应用有助于睑板腺中阻塞或闭塞的表达，以恢复足够的脂质流向脂质层以治疗干眼症。 在加热眼睑内部时，睑板腺的温度可以更快速有效地达到所需水平。 达到更高的温度水平可能有助于消除睑板腺中的障碍物。 当向眼睑内部施加热量时，也可能需要较少的时间达到所需的温度水平。 也可以将力施加到患者眼睑的外侧，以改善导电传热并减少引起对流热损失的眼睑中的血流。 因此，施加力可以进一步增加温度水平和/或减少达到期望温度水平以消除障碍物的时间。