An eye implant

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ocular implant, comprising an implant body, wherein the implant body is in the shape of a strip, and the outer contour of the upper surface thereof is in the shape of a convex arch or semi-arch, for contacting the sclera, and the lower surface of the implant body is in the shape of a plane, for contacting the choroid; a longitudinal drainage groove is provided on the upper surface of the implant body along the front-to-back direction of the implant body. The implant body as a whole is in the structure of being gradually thinner at the front and back ends and thicker in the middle, or gradually thinner at the back end and thicker in the middle to the front end, so that it can smoothly enter the suprachoroidal space, expand the originally narrow suprachoroidal space, and increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space by means of the longitudinal drainage groove, thus having a good drainage effect, not prone to clogging, and playing a role in reducing intraocular pressure. The lower surface of the implant body is in the shape of a plane, and the area of ​​contact with the choroid is larger, which is conducive to stable attachment to the choroid, reducing the risk of displacement to the anterior chamber and choroid, avoiding exposure to the anterior chamber and touching the cornea, and minimizing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of eye implants, and in particular to an eye implant. Background Art

[0002] Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its prevalence is increasing annually with an aging population. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is an independent risk factor for glaucoma, leading to further damage to the optic nerve. Controlling IOP is an economical approach. Currently, there are numerous surgical options for treating glaucoma, including laser therapy, trabeculectomy, implantation of various drainage devices, and MIGS. However, each surgical procedure or device has limitations. For example, laser therapy has a short duration of effectiveness, trabeculectomy has a high incidence of postoperative complications, drainage devices generally require a large incision, and MIGS has limited IOP-lowering effects.

[0003] Suprachoroidal drainage is performed by implanting a drainage device into the suprachoroidal space to expand the originally narrow suprachoroidal space, thereby increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space and reducing intraocular pressure. Current suprachoroidal drainage implants generally protrude from the anterior chamber. If the implant is slightly displaced toward the anterior chamber, its front end contacts the cornea, increasing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss. If the implant is displaced backward, the risk of choroidal detachment will also increase. In addition, the poor fit of the implant structure with the sclera and choroid will increase the problem of implant scarring (causing blockage of the aqueous humor drainage channel) and displacement. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the existing implants still need to be improved and optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an ocular implant for integral implantation in the suprachoroidal space, comprising an implant body, the implant body being strip-shaped, the outer contour of the upper surface of the implant body being a convex arch for contacting the sclera, the lower surface of the implant body being flat for contacting the choroid; a longitudinal drainage groove is provided on the upper surface of the implant body along the front-to-back direction of the implant body.

[0005] In some embodiments, the parts of the implant body located on both sides of the longitudinal drainage groove form a support wall, and a transverse groove extending toward the lower surface of the implant body is provided on the upper surface of the support wall along the front-to-back direction of the support wall. The transverse groove is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove is rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular.

[0006] In some embodiments, there are multiple transverse grooves, which are arranged regularly or irregularly along the front-to-back direction of the support wall.

[0007] In some embodiments, there is at least one longitudinal drainage groove, which is disposed in the middle position of the upper surface of the implant body.

[0008] In some embodiments, a flow regulator is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flow regulator includes a transverse baffle that can close the cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove, and a diversion hole for diverting aqueous humor is provided on the transverse baffle. The diversion hole is connected to a flow regulating piece that can close or open the diversion hole. When the flow regulating piece is in a closed state, it closes the entire diversion hole. When the flow regulating piece is in an open state, the diversion hole can allow aqueous humor to pass through.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flow regulator includes at least one transverse baffle that can close the cross section of the longitudinal drainage groove, and one end or one side of the transverse baffle is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove through an elastic recovery member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flow regulator is arranged in the longitudinal drainage groove near the middle part of the implant body, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the front end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body; the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the rear end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove is slightly inclined downward from front to back.

[0013] In some embodiments, the width of the longitudinal drainage groove in the transverse direction of the implant body is 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove is 0.1 to 0.4 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal drainage groove is rectangular or semicircular; in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove is rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular; in some embodiments, the maximum thickness from the upper surface to the lower surface of the implant body is 0.6±0.1 mm; in some embodiments, the minimum thickness from the upper surface to the lower surface of the implant body is 0.3±0.1 mm; in some embodiments, the width of the implant body in the transverse direction is 0.8~1.1 mm; in some embodiments, the length of the implant body in the anterior-posterior direction is 4~6 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the front end face and the rear end face of the implant body are both planar and perpendicular to the lower surface of the implant body; or, the rear end face of the implant body is planar, the front end of the implant body further extends away from the rear end of the implant body, and bends downward to form a snap-fitting portion, the bending curvature radius of the snap-fitting portion is 3 to 6 mm, and the chord length of the snap-fitting portion is 0.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the implant body is made of a biocompatible material, which is an elastic biodegradable material, a superhydrophilic material, or a superhydrophobic material; preferably, the biocompatible material is a porous biocompatible material with a pore size of 10 to 60 μm and a porosity of 30 to 70%.

[0017] The present invention also discloses an ocular implant for integral implantation in the suprachoroidal space. The ocular implant includes an implant body, which is strip-shaped and longitudinally includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion. The proximal portion is the end of the implant close to the anterior chamber after implantation into the eye. The lower surface of the implant body is flat, and the upper surface of the implant body includes a flat portion and a curved portion. The flat portion and the curved portion are tangent to the middle portion of the implant body, so that the thickness of the implant body gradually increases from the distal portion to the middle portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the implant body is made of a porous biocompatible material, and the porous biocompatible material has a pore size of 10 to 60 μm and a porosity of 30 to 70%.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention discloses an ocular implant for integral implantation into the suprachoroidal space, comprising an implant body, the implant body being strip-shaped, the outer contour of the upper surface of the implant body being a convex arch or semi-arch shape for contacting the sclera, the lower surface of the implant body being flat for contacting the choroid; and a longitudinal drainage groove being provided on the upper surface of the implant body along the front-to-back direction of the implant body. The implant body as a whole is a structure that is gradually thinner at the front and back ends and thicker in the middle, or gradually thinner at the back end and thicker in the middle to the front end. It can smoothly enter the suprachoroidal space in the longitudinal direction, expand the originally narrow suprachoroidal space, and increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space through the longitudinal drainage groove, having a good drainage effect, not prone to clogging, and playing a role in reducing intraocular pressure. The lower surface of the implant body is flat, with a larger contact area with the choroid, which is conducive to stable attachment to the choroid, reducing the risk of displacement to the anterior chamber and choroid, avoiding exposure to the anterior chamber and contact with the cornea, and minimizing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a front view of an embodiment of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 17 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 18 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 19 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 20 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 21 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 22 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 23 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 24 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 25 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 26 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 27 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 28 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 29 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 30 are perspective views of some embodiments of ocular implants according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 31 is a side view of some embodiments of an ocular implant according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the implantation position of the eye implant of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0053] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used in this specification are intended solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, as an embodiment of an ocular implant, the ocular implant includes an implant body 1 for integral implantation in the suprachoroidal space 300 (i.e., the space between the sclera 200 and the choroid 100 of the eye), the implant body 1 is strip-shaped, the outer contour of the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 is a convex arch, and the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 is used to contact the sclera 200; the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 is flat, and the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 is used to contact the choroid 100; the front end face 5 and the rear end face 6 of the implant body 1 are both flat and perpendicular to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1; a longitudinal drainage groove 4 is provided on the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 along the front-to-back direction of the implant body 1.

[0055] In the present invention, the front end (proximal end) of the implant body 1 refers to the end close to the anterior chamber of the eye after the implant is implanted, and the rear end (distal end) of the implant body 1 refers to the end away from the anterior chamber of the eye after the implant is implanted.

[0056] Combine Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, the implant body 1 is thin at the front and back ends and thick in the middle. Due to its thinner rear (distal) end, the implant body 1 can smoothly enter the suprachoroidal space 300 and expand the previously narrow space within the suprachoroidal space 300. After the implant body 1 is fully implanted within the suprachoroidal space 300, the central portion of the implant body 1 expands the space within the suprachoroidal space 300 to the greatest extent. Furthermore, the longitudinal drainage grooves 4 of the implant body 1 increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space 300, providing a good drainage effect, preventing clogging and thus reducing intraocular pressure.

[0057] The lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 is generally planar, which can increase the contact area between the implant body 1 and the choroid 100, facilitating stable attachment of the implant to the choroid 100. Furthermore, the upper surface 2 and lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 can be stably fixed within the suprachoroidal space 300 under the clamping of the sclera 200 and the choroid 100, respectively, thereby reducing the risk of displacement of the implant body 1 toward the anterior chamber and the choroid 100. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the implant body 1 can be completely implanted in the suprachoroidal space 300, avoiding exposure to the anterior chamber and contact with the cornea, thereby minimizing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss.

[0058] In this embodiment, the implant body 1 is made of a biocompatible material, and may be an elastic non-degradable material, a super-hydrophilic material, or a super-hydrophobic material.

[0059] The implant body 1 is made of biocompatible materials, which can make the implant body 1 have good biocompatibility after being implanted in the suprachoroidal space 300, and can adapt to the intraocular tissue, reducing or avoiding adverse reactions to the intraocular tissue. For example, non-degradable materials with good biocompatibility, or superhydrophobic materials or superhydrophilic materials can be used. The use of non-degradable materials can reduce scarring after implantation. The implant body 1 made of superhydrophobic materials and superhydrophilic materials can inhibit excessive tissue growth (scarring) and the attachment of Staphylococcus aureus in the suprachoroidal space.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment and some embodiments, the implant body 1 can be made of silicone, acrylic acid, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, acrylic polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polysulfone, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), fluoropolymer (such as polytetrafluoroethylene), polyethylene phthalate (PET or polyester), polyamide (such as nylon), polyurethane, etc.

[0061] Further, combined Figure 2 In this embodiment, the length L of the implant body 1 in the anterior-posterior direction (i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end) is 5±1 mm. If the implant body 1 is too long, it is easy to enter the suprachoroidal space 300 too deeply, causing detachment of the choroid 100; if the implant body 1 is too short, it is easy to be displaced, and the anchoring effect is poor. By setting the length L of the implant body 1 within this range (4 to 6 mm), the implant body 1 is not likely to be displaced or cause detachment of the choroid 100 after being implanted in the suprachoroidal space 300.

[0062] The width W1 of the implant body 1 in the transverse direction is preferably between 0.8 and 1.1 mm. Within this range, the width of the implant body 1 facilitates implantation through an appropriate surgical incision and meets the size requirements of the longitudinal drainage groove 4. In this embodiment, the width W1 of the implant body 1 is approximately 1 mm. In other embodiments, the width W1 of the implant body 1 is approximately 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1.1 mm.

[0063] Combine Figure 3 In this embodiment, the maximum thickness H1 from the upper surface 2 to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 is 0.6±0.1 mm; the maximum thickness H1 of the implant body 1 is located in the middle part of the implant body 1 (i.e., the top position of the arch). Within the range of the maximum thickness H1, the implant body 1 can both open the gap of the suprachoroidal space 300 and will not cause detachment of the choroid 100.

[0064] The minimum thickness H2 of the implant body 1 from the upper surface 2 to the lower surface 3 is 0.3 ± 0.1 mm. This minimum thickness H2 is located at the front and rear ends of the implant body 1, forming a smooth transition to the middle portion of the implant body 1. Within this minimum thickness H2, the front end of the implant body 1 can open the connection between the suprachoroidal space 300 and the anterior chamber, allowing aqueous humor to flow smoothly from the anterior chamber.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, there is at least one longitudinal drainage groove 4, which is disposed in the middle of the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1. In some embodiments, there are multiple longitudinal drainage grooves 4, which are evenly distributed on the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1; or in some embodiments, both the upper surface 2 and the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 are provided with longitudinal drainage grooves 4.

[0066] In the present application, the width W2 of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 in the transverse direction of the implant body 1 is 0.2 to 0.6 mm. The specific value of the width W2 of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 can be adjusted according to the size of the implant and the drainage effect of the aqueous humor. In some embodiments, the width W2 of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.6 mm. Please refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 25 、 Figure 28 , the width W2 of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is 0.3 mm, refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 14、 Figure 17 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 26 , the width of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is 0.5 mm.

[0067] Further, such as Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove 4 gradually increases in the direction from the front end of the implant body 1 to the middle part of the implant body 1, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove 4 tends to gradually increase from the front end to the middle part of the implant body 1; the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove 4 gradually increases in the direction from the rear end of the implant body 1 to the middle part of the implant body 1, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove 4 also tends to gradually increase from the rear end to the middle part of the implant body 1.

[0068] In the present application, the depth range of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 in the up and down directions is preferably 0.1 to 0.4 mm. When the bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is parallel to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1, since the outer contour of the upper surface of the implant body 1 is a convex arch, it should be understood that the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 gradually increases in the direction from the front end of the implant body 1 to the middle part of the implant body 1, and the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 gradually increases in the direction from the rear end of the implant body 1 to the middle part of the implant body 1, that is, the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 near the middle part of the implant body 1 (that is, the top position of the arch) is the deepest. In this embodiment, the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 at this location is 0.4 mm.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 can also be semicircular or other shapes, such as referring to Figure 7 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is semicircular.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is parallel to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1. In other embodiments, the bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is slightly inclined downward from front to back, so that the rear end of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 is lower than the front end of the longitudinal drainage groove 4, which is conducive to diverting aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space 300.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, a flow regulator 7 is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove 4. The flow regulator 7 includes a transverse baffle 8 that can close the cross section of the longitudinal drainage groove 4.

[0072] The transverse baffles 8 are permanently fixedly connected to the longitudinal drainage grooves 4 or are non-permanently fixedly connected (for example, detachably connected); the location and number of the transverse baffles 8 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0073] A diversion hole 9 for diverting aqueous humor is provided on the transverse baffle 8. A flow regulating piece 10 is connected to the diversion hole 9, which can close or open the diversion hole 9. When closed, the flow regulating piece 10 completely seals the diversion hole 9. When opened, the diversion hole 9 is open, allowing aqueous humor to flow from one side of the diversion hole 9 to the other. In this embodiment, the closing or opening of the diversion hole 9 by the flow regulating piece 10 is controlled by the aqueous humor pressure. When the aqueous humor pressure is low, the flow regulating piece 10 closes the diversion hole 9, preventing aqueous humor from passing through the diversion hole 9, thereby preventing the continued drainage of aqueous humor and causing hypotony. When the aqueous humor pressure is high, the flow regulating piece 10 flips open under the pressure of the aqueous humor, no longer sealing the diversion hole 9, and aqueous humor passes through the diversion hole 9.

[0074] In some embodiments, the force required to open the flow regulating plate 10 can be set as a first critical force. When the aqueous humor pressure is lower than the first critical force, the flow regulating plate 10 closes the diversion hole 9; when the aqueous humor pressure is higher than the first critical force, the flow regulating plate 10 opens and connects the diversion hole 9.

[0075] Furthermore, the flow-guiding hole 9 is adapted to the flow regulating piece 10, and the flow regulating piece 10 and the flow-guiding hole 9 are movably connected or elastically connected, so that the flow regulating piece 10 can be flipped or the flow regulating piece 10 can be switched between an open state and a closed state; in a preferred embodiment, the flow regulating piece 10 is made of a biocompatible elastic material, which has a certain elastic recovery and can switch between an open state and a closed state according to the pressure of the aqueous humor.

[0076] The shape of the flow-conducting hole 9 is rectangular, circular, semicircular, triangular, or other shapes such as a rectangular upper portion and a semicircular lower portion.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the flow regulator includes at least one transverse baffle (not shown) that can close the cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove 4. The location and number of the transverse baffles can be adjusted according to actual needs. One end or one side of the transverse baffle is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove 4 via an elastic recovery member. When the pressure of the aqueous humor is low, the transverse baffle automatically closes the longitudinal drainage groove 4 under the action of the elastic recovery member, preventing the aqueous humor from flowing in the longitudinal drainage groove 4, thereby preventing the continuous discharge of aqueous humor and causing low intraocular pressure. When the pressure of the aqueous humor is high, the transverse baffle rotates under the pressure of the aqueous humor and no longer closes the longitudinal drainage groove 4, allowing the aqueous humor to flow in the longitudinal drainage groove 4.

[0078] In some embodiments, the force required to open the transverse baffle is a second critical force. When the aqueous humor pressure is lower than the second critical force, the transverse baffle closes the longitudinal drainage groove 4; when the aqueous humor pressure is higher than the second critical force, the transverse baffle opens and connects the longitudinal drainage groove 4.

[0079] The elastic recovery member can be a component with an automatic recovery function, such as a microspring. In other embodiments, the flow regulator includes a first transverse baffle and a second transverse baffle disposed on the left and right sides of the longitudinal drainage groove. The first transverse baffle and the second transverse baffle are respectively connected to the groove wall of the longitudinal drainage groove via the elastic recovery member, and the first transverse baffle and the second transverse baffle jointly close or open the longitudinal drainage groove.

[0080] In some other embodiments, in order to make the flow regulator 7 more responsive to changes in aqueous humor pressure, the flow regulator 7 is arranged at the deepest part of the longitudinal drainage groove 4, that is, in the longitudinal drainage groove 4 near the middle part of the implant body 1 (that is, the top position of the arch), and at the same time, the cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove 4 tends to gradually decrease from the front end to the middle part of the implant body 1; the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove 4 also tends to gradually decrease from the rear end to the middle part of the implant body 1, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the drainage groove at the position of the flow regulator 7 is the smallest, so that the pressure of the aqueous humor reaching the flow regulator 7 can be increased, and the flow regulator 7 can respond more sensitively to changes in aqueous humor pressure.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, the portions of the implant body 1 located on both sides of the longitudinal drainage groove form a support wall 11. In some embodiments, the ocular implant further includes a transverse groove 12 provided on the upper surface of the support wall 11 along the front-to-back direction of the support wall 11 and extending toward the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1. The transverse groove 12 is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove 4.

[0082] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 17 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 24 、 Figure 25 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 28As shown, there are two support walls 11, and each support wall 11 is provided with a plurality of transverse grooves 12, which are arranged regularly or irregularly along the front-back direction of the support wall 11. The provision of the transverse grooves 12 can increase the friction between the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 and the sclera 200, thereby preventing the implant body 1 from displacement and enhancing the stability of the implant body 1. At the same time, these transverse grooves 12 are also connected to the longitudinal drainage grooves 4, which have the function of diverting aqueous humor. The transverse grooves 12 can also reduce the stress on the upper surface of the implant body 1, making the implant body 1 easier to bend and more closely fitting the sclera 200.

[0083] like Figures 8 to 13 、 Figures 20 to 25 As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove 12 is trapezoidal, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove 12 is semicircular; Figure 14 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 27 、 Figure 28 As shown, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove 12 can also be a rectangle or other shapes.

[0084] Furthermore, the width of the transverse groove 12 is 0.1-0.4 mm. In some embodiments, the widths of the plurality of transverse grooves 12 may be the same or different.

[0085] The depth of the transverse groove 12 is 0.1 to 0.4 mm. In some embodiments, the depths of multiple transverse grooves 12 may be the same or different. For example, the depth of the transverse groove 12 tends to gradually increase from the front and back sides of the implant body 1 to the middle part of the implant body 1.

[0086] The number of transverse grooves 12 can be multiple on the supporting walls 11 on both sides of the implant body 1, such as Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 22 As shown, in some embodiments, the number of transverse grooves 12 of the same support wall 11 is 3; Figure 7 、 Figures 11 to 16 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 24 、 Figures 25 to 28 As shown, in some other embodiments, the number of transverse grooves 12 of the same supporting wall 11 is 5. In other embodiments, the number of corresponding transverse grooves 12 can be set according to the longitudinal length of the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1, and is not limited to 3 or 5.

[0087] In some preferred embodiments, the transverse grooves 12 on the support walls 11 on both sides of the implant body 1 are symmetrically arranged, and the bottom of the transverse groove 12 is flush with the bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove 4, which is more conducive to lateral drainage of aqueous humor.

[0088] like Figures 17 to 28 As shown, in some embodiments, the front end of the implant body 1 further extends in a direction away from the rear end of the implant body 1 and bends downward to form a snap-fit ​​portion 13 .

[0089] In these embodiments, the rear end face 6 of the implant body 1 is perpendicular to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1, the front end face 5 of the implant body 1 is parallel to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 or there is an angle between the front end face 5 of the implant body 1 and the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1.

[0090] The front end (proximal end) of the implant body 1 gradually bends downward to form a snap-fitting portion 13. The snap-fitting portion 13 can further avoid the risk of the front end (proximal end) of the implant body 1 contacting the cornea 500 even when the anterior chamber is exposed. At the same time, the arc-shaped snap-fitting portion 13 can be tightly fastened to the root of the iris 400 to prevent the implant body 1 from moving in the distal direction and affecting the choroid 100, thereby avoiding detachment of the choroid 100. At the same time, even if the implant body 1 moves in the proximal direction, it will not cause damage to the corneal endothelial cells. More specifically, in order to make the snap-fitting portion 13 better conform to the physiological curvature of the iris and facilitate anchoring, the bending radius of the snap-fitting portion 13 is 3 to 6 mm, and the chord length is 0.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0091] In addition, in order to increase the bonding strength between the implant body 1 and the suprachoroidal ocular tissue and further stabilize the implant after implantation, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application or some other embodiments, longitudinal and transverse microgrooves are provided on the surface of the support wall 11 and the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1, so that the sclera and choroid can further fix the implant body 1 through these microgrooves. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the implant body 1 of the above-mentioned implant of the present application can be made of porous silicone, porous polyethylene or porous TPU, with a pore size of 10 to 60 μm and a porosity of 30 to 70%. The use of porous materials can, on the one hand, enhance the bonding strength between the implant and the ocular tissue, and on the other hand, part of the aqueous humor can also flow through its pores to enhance the diversion effect.

[0092] Combine Figures 29 to 31In some embodiments, an ocular implant includes an implant body 1 and a drainage portion located on the implant body 1. The drainage portion is used to drain aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to reduce intraocular pressure. In these embodiments, the implant body 1 has a porous structure, and the drainage portion includes a porous structure. Aqueous humor can flow through the pores of the porous structure, thereby draining the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to reduce intraocular pressure. The porous structure has a pore size of 10 to 60 μm and a porosity of 30 to 70%.

[0093] The guide part also includes a longitudinal drainage groove 4 arranged on the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 along the longitudinal direction of the implant body 1. The implant body 1 can increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space 300 through the longitudinal drainage groove 4, has a better drainage effect, is not prone to blockage, and further plays a role in reducing intraocular pressure.

[0094] In these embodiments, the implant body 1 is strip-shaped and is used to be implanted as a whole and in the suprachoroidal space along its longitudinal direction. The implant body 1 includes a proximal portion 101, a distal portion 103 and a middle portion 102 in the longitudinal direction. The proximal portion 101 is the end of the implant close to the anterior chamber after the implant is implanted in the eye, and the distal portion 103 is the other end of the implant away from the anterior chamber after the implant is implanted in the eye; the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 is flat, the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 is at least partially curved, and the thickness of at least the distal portion 103 to the middle portion 102 of the implant body 1 gradually increases.

[0095] exist Figures 29 to 31 In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface 2 of the implant body 1 includes a plane portion and a curved portion, wherein the plane portion and the curved portion are tangent to the middle portion 102 of the implant body 1, and the curved portion forms a semi-arched shape so that the thickness from the distal portion 103 of the implant body 1 to the middle portion 102 gradually increases. The upper surface of the proximal portion 101 belongs to the plane portion and is parallel to the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1, while the upper surface of the distal portion 103 belongs to the curved portion. It can be seen that the proximal portion 101 is larger in volume in the longitudinal direction of the implant body 1 relative to the distal portion 103. After being implanted in the suprachoroidal space, the anterior chamber angle of the eye will be further opened, which is more conducive to the circulation of aqueous humor. And because the thickness from the distal portion 103 to the middle portion 102 of the present implant gradually increases, it can also prevent the implant from moving in the distal direction and avoid affecting the choroid 100.

[0096] Recombination Figures 1 to 16 In these embodiments, the implant body 1 is also divided into three parts in the longitudinal direction: the proximal part, the distal part and the middle part. However, the thickness of the distal part and the proximal part to the middle part of the implant body 1 gradually increases, and the upper surface 2 of the implant body is generally convex. Figures 29 to 31 The difference of this embodiment.

[0097] In addition to the above differences, Figures 29 to 31 The implant structure, structural dimensions, and materials of the present implant can be completely identical to those of the implants of other embodiments of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the upper surface of the body of the present implant is also provided with a plurality of transverse grooves 12 as described in other embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments, the longitudinal drainage groove 4 of the present implant is also provided with a flow regulator as described in other embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments, the surface of the support wall 11 and the lower surface 3 of the implant body 1 are provided with longitudinal and transverse microgrooves as described in other embodiments of the present application. In some preferred embodiments, the above-mentioned transverse grooves, flow regulators, or two or more of the above-mentioned microgrooves can also be provided simultaneously in the present implant.

[0098] Combine Figures 1 to 32 The present invention provides an ocular implant for implantation in the suprachoroidal space 300 to increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space 300 and thereby reduce intraocular pressure. The implantation process is as follows:

[0099] Step 1: Making a surgical incision at the edge of the cornea 500;

[0100] Step 2: Inject a certain amount of viscoelastic into the anterior chamber to open the anterior chamber angle;

[0101] Step 3: Insert the delivery device loaded with the ocular implant through the surgical incision, and insert the head end of the delivery device into the suprachoroidal space 300;

[0102] Step 4: Operate the handle of the delivery device to release the eye implant;

[0103] Step 5: Retract the conveyor and extract the viscoelastic;

[0104] Step 6: Suturing the surgical incision at the edge of the cornea 500.

[0105] Once implanted into the suprachoroidal space 300, the ocular implant of the present invention can widen the previously narrow space, increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the suprachoroidal space 300. This provides excellent drainage, is less prone to clogging, and reduces intraocular pressure. The ocular implant can stably adhere to the choroid 100, reducing the risk of displacement toward the anterior chamber and choroid 100, preventing exposure to the anterior chamber and contact with the cornea, and minimizing the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss. Furthermore, the ocular implant of the present invention can be implanted simultaneously with cataract surgery, sharing the same surgical incision and reducing the complexity of the surgical procedure.

[0106] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ocular implant for integral implantation into the suprachoroidal space, characterized in that: The implant comprises an implant body, the implant body being strip-shaped, the implant body being thin at the front and rear ends and thick in the middle; the outer contour of the upper surface of the implant body being a convex arch for contacting the sclera, and the lower surface of the implant body being a plane for contacting the choroid; and a longitudinal drainage groove being provided on the upper surface of the implant body along the front-back direction of the implant body; A flow regulator is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove; the flow regulator includes a transverse baffle that can close the cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove; the flow regulator is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove near the middle part of the implant body, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the front end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body; the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the rear end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body.

2. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: The parts of the implant body located on both sides of the longitudinal drainage groove form a support wall, and a transverse groove extending toward the lower surface of the implant body is provided on the upper surface of the support wall along the front-to-back direction of the support wall, and the transverse groove is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove.

3. The ocular implant according to claim 2, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the transverse groove is rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular.

4. The ocular implant according to claim 2, wherein: There are multiple transverse grooves, which are arranged regularly or irregularly along the front-to-back direction of the support wall.

5. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: There is at least one longitudinal drainage groove, which is arranged in the middle position of the upper surface of the implant body.

6. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: A diversion hole for diverting aqueous humor is provided on the transverse baffle, and a flow regulating piece capable of closing or opening the diversion hole is connected to the diversion hole. When the flow regulating piece is in a closed state, the entire diversion hole is closed, and when the flow regulating piece is in an open state, the diversion hole allows aqueous humor to pass through.

7. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: The flow regulator includes at least one transverse baffle capable of closing the cross section of the longitudinal drainage groove, and one end or one side of the transverse baffle is connected to the longitudinal drainage groove via an elastic recovery member.

8. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom of the longitudinal drainage groove is slightly inclined downward from front to back.

9. The ocular implant according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the longitudinal drainage groove in the transverse direction of the implant body is 0.2-0.6 mm, and the depth of the longitudinal drainage groove is 0.1-0.4 mm.

10. The ocular implant according to claim 9, wherein: The cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove is rectangular or semicircular.

11. The ocular implant according to claim 9, wherein: The maximum thickness from the upper surface to the lower surface of the implant body is 0.6±0.1 mm.

12. The ocular implant according to claim 9, wherein: The minimum thickness from the upper surface to the lower surface of the implant body is 0.3±0.1 mm.

13. The ocular implant of claim 9, wherein: The width of the implant body in the transverse direction is 0.8-1.1 mm.

14. The ocular implant of claim 9, wherein: The length of the implant body in the front-to-back direction is 4-6 mm.

15. The ocular implant of claim 9, wherein: The front end face and the rear end face of the implant body are both planar and perpendicular to the lower surface of the implant body; or, the rear end face of the implant body is planar, the front end of the implant body further extends away from the rear end of the implant body, and bends downward to form a snap-fitting portion, the bending curvature radius of the snap-fitting portion is 3~6mm, and the chord length of the snap-fitting portion is 0.5~2.5mm.

16. The ocular implant of claim 9, wherein: The implant body is made of a biocompatible material, which is an elastic, non-biodegradable material, a super-hydrophilic material or a super-hydrophobic material.

17. The ocular implant of claim 16, wherein: The biocompatible material is a porous biocompatible material with a pore size of 10-60 μm and a porosity of 30-70%.

18. An ocular implant for integral implantation into the suprachoroidal space, characterized in that: The implant comprises an implant body, which is strip-shaped and includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion in the longitudinal direction. The proximal portion is the end of the implant that is close to the anterior chamber after implantation into the eye. The lower surface of the implant body is flat, and the upper surface of the implant body includes a flat portion and a curved portion. The flat portion and the curved portion are tangent to the middle portion of the implant body, so that the thickness of the implant body gradually increases from the distal portion to the middle portion. A longitudinal drainage groove is provided on the upper surface of the implant body along the front-to-back direction of the implant body; A flow regulator is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove; the flow regulator includes a transverse baffle that can close the cross-section of the longitudinal drainage groove; the flow regulator is provided in the longitudinal drainage groove near the middle part of the implant body, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the front end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body; the cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal drainage groove gradually decreases from the rear end of the implant body to the middle part of the implant body.

19. The ocular implant of claim 18, wherein: The implant body is made of a porous biocompatible material, the pore size of the porous biocompatible material is 10-60 μm, and the porosity is 30-70%.

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