Eye treatment device comprising indexing device

Abstract

The invention relates to an eye treatment device comprising an indexing device. The invention relates to a treatment device comprising: a ring (1) and an ultrasound generating unit (3) which can be rotationally moved on the ring (1) into a plurality of consecutive treatment positions, the ultrasound generating unit (3) comprising an indexing tab which can be moved between: a rest position in which the indexing tab (3) is positioned in the ring (1), and in which the indexing tab (3) is positioned in the ring (1), the indexing tab (3) is positioned in the ring (1); the rotation of the ultrasonic wave generating unit (3) relative to the ring (1) is prevented; and a disengaged position in which rotation of the ultrasonic wave generating unit (3) with respect to the ring (1) is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of devices (particularly probes) for non-invasively treating ocular lesions by generating high-intensity or low-intensity focused or unfocused ultrasound waves.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a therapeutic device comprising:

[0003] - a ring, which is intended to be manipulated by the practitioner, and

[0004] - An ultrasound generating unit for treating eye pathologies, such as glaucoma. Background Art

[0005] 1. Overview

[0006] Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, a degeneration of the optic nerve, which usually leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

[0007] When the aqueous humor cannot drain quickly enough, it accumulates, leading to elevated IOP. Elevated IOP can compress the axons in the optic nerve and also damage the vascularization of the optic nerve. Long-term elevated IOP can lead to complete loss of vision.

[0008] The only treatment currently available for glaucoma is to lower the intraocular pressure:

[0009] - Either by improving the drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and Schlem's canal of the eye,

[0010] - Either by reducing the production of aqueous humor by the ciliary body of the eye.

[0011] 2. Existing technology

[0012] Document WO 2021 / 122765 discloses a device for reducing aqueous humor production, which is based on the principle of cyclocoagulation by high-intensity focused ultrasound, whereby part of the ciliary body is destroyed to reduce aqueous humor production.

[0013] The device includes:

[0014] - an ultrasonic generating unit comprising a cylindrical support and one (or more) transducers fixed to the support,

[0015] a handpiece comprising a gripping body and a rotating head intended to be coupled to the ultrasound generating unit so as to enable the transducer to be moved to a plurality of positions in order to treat different areas of the patient's eye, and

[0016] - a ring adapted to accommodate said ultrasound generating unit.

[0017] Thus, the device according to WO 2021 / 122765 enables the treatment of multiple areas distributed over the entire circumference of the eye without requiring the practitioner to perform the operation of repositioning the annulus between each ultrasound emission.

[0018] While the device according to WO2021 / 122765 is effective, there is a need to provide a treatment device that reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, there is a need to provide a treatment device whose positioning on the patient's eye can be controlled by the practitioner in real time during treatment. This allows the practitioner to ensure that the device does not move and remains correctly positioned throughout the treatment, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0020] To this end, the present invention relates to a device for treating ocular pathologies, said device extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising:

[0021] - a ring configured to be positioned on the eye to be treated, said ring comprising:

[0022] a truncated cone intended to come into contact with the eye to be treated,

[0023] a gripping strip comprising cylindrical side elevations and extending above the frustum,

[0024] - an ultrasound generating unit configured to be mounted on the ring, the ultrasound generating unit being adapted to be rotatably moved relative to the ring about the longitudinal axis to a plurality of successive treatment positions, the ultrasound generating unit comprising:

[0025] a support comprising at least two transducers,

[0026] An indexing module, which defines a succession of treatment positions, comprises a cylindrical barrel, the outer surface of which is intended to be opposite to the inner surface of a cylindrical side elevation.

[0027] Advantageously, and as will be described in more detail below:

[0028] -The bracket consists of two hollow areas (ref. Figure 7 ZE1 and ZE2 in , and

[0029] -The indexing module is made of transparent material.

[0030] The transparency of the graduated module, combined with the hollow area of ​​the bracket, allows the practitioner to see through the device into the patient's eye. This allows the practitioner to check the position of the device on the patient's eye throughout treatment. This allows the practitioner to ensure the device has not moved during treatment through a simple visual check.

[0031] For purposes of the present invention, "extending over" means that a first element is disposed directly over a second element, or is disposed indirectly over the second element, with the third element extending between the first and second elements.

[0032] Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the therapeutic device according to the present invention are as follows:

[0033] In certain variant embodiments:

[0034] The inner surface of the cylindrical side elevation may include a longitudinal slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis,

[0035] The indexing module may include an indexing tab received in a recess of the cylindrical barrel, the indexing tab including an elastic leg and a longitudinal bead configured to cooperate with the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal bead protruding on the outer surface of the elastic leg parallel to the longitudinal axis, the indexing tab being pivotally mounted along a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the indexing tab being

[0036] The tab can be moved between the following positions:

[0037] a rest position in which the indexing tabs extend in line with the cylindrical barrel and the longitudinal projections are received in the longitudinal slots in the rest position, thereby preventing rotation of the ultrasonic generating unit relative to the annulus, and

[0038] a disengaged position, in which the indexing tabs are tilted toward the inside of the cylindrical barrel and the longitudinal projections are disengaged from the longitudinal slots, thereby allowing rotation of the ultrasonic generating unit relative to the ring;

[0039] - the plurality of consecutive treatment positions may include an initial treatment position, a final treatment position, and at least one intermediate treatment position between the initial treatment position and the final treatment position, the device comprising a stop mechanism for preventing the ultrasound generating unit from rotating relative to the ring when the ultrasound generating unit is in the final position;

[0040] - The stop mechanism may include:

[0041] at least one guide lug extending on the outer surface of the cylindrical barrel and configured to cooperate with an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the ring, the at least one guide lug moving within the annular groove during rotation of the ultrasonic generating unit relative to the ring, and

[0042] at least one stud received in the annular groove, the at least one stud being in contact with the at least one lug when the ultrasonic generating unit is in a final position;

[0043] - Advantageously:

[0044] The cylindrical side elevation of the gripping strip may include an edge opposite the frustum, the edge including positioning markings, each marking being associated with a longitudinal slot for identifying a treatment location from a plurality of treatment locations, and

[0045] The cylindrical barrel may comprise a collar intended to be opposite the edge, said collar comprising a hole with a longitudinal projection received in a longitudinal slot associated with said positioning mark

[0046] Extends above the positioning mark when in the middle;

[0047] - the cylindrical barrel of the indexing module may comprise a serrated collar intended to come into contact with the edge of the gripping strip, said collar forming gripping means enabling the practitioner to move the ultrasound generating unit in rotation relative to the collar;

[0048] - the gripping strip may comprise a pair of pins extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical side elevation, and a pair of through-openings enabling the flow of any excess coupling fluid contained in the annulus, each through-opening being located below a respective pin of the pair of pins;

[0049] -The ring can be made of transparent material;

[0050] - The resilient legs, longitudinal projections and longitudinal slots may be configured such that if a force applied by the practitioner tangential to the annulus and perpendicular to the axis is greater than a threshold value, said force causes movement of the tab from the rest position to the disengaged position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Other advantages and features of the therapeutic device according to the invention will emerge more clearly from the following description of several variant embodiments given as non-limiting examples and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective diagram of a device for treating eye diseases.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a ring-shaped object of a treatment device,

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of the front view of the ring shown,

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the ring and the ultrasonic generating unit shown,

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the gripping strap of the ring shown,

[0057] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The exploded perspective schematic diagram of the generating unit shown is

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 and Figure 6 A schematic bottom view of the bracket of the ultrasonic generating unit shown,

[0059] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a bottom view of the bracket shown,

[0060] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 and Figure 6 A first schematic perspective view of the indexing module of the ultrasonic generating unit is shown,

[0061] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A second schematic perspective view of the indexing module is shown,

[0062] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the gripping belt and the indexing module when they cooperate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Different examples of the treatment device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these different drawings, identical elements are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0064] 1. Overview

[0065] refer to Figure 1 , the treatment device includes:

[0066] - a ring 1 intended to be positioned on the eye of the patient to be treated,

[0067] - an ultrasound generating unit 3 for treating different areas of the patient's eye, and

[0068] An electrical connection cable 2 for supplying electrical energy to the ultrasound generating unit 3 .

[0069] The ring 1 and the ultrasound generating unit 3 are intended to be assembled together and extend along the axis AA′ to form a treatment device.

[0070] The ring 1 and the ultrasound generating unit 3 constitute consumables of the treatment device, while the cable 2 is reusable to treat multiple patients.

[0071] As will be described in more detail below, the ultrasound generating unit 3 comprises a pair of diametrically opposed transducers. This pair of transducers enables two areas of the patient's eye to be treated simultaneously.

[0072] In order to treat more than two areas, the ultrasound generating unit 3 can be rotated relative to the ring 1 and thus moved to a plurality of consecutive treatment positions.

[0073] 2. Treatment devices

[0074] 2.1. Ring

[0075] The ring 1 enables the ultrasound generating unit 3 to be properly and fixedly positioned so that the ultrasound generating unit 3 is centered and maintained at a certain distance relative to the sclera.

[0076] The ring 1 is open at its ends. It includes a lower boundary intended to contact the patient's eye to be treated and an upper boundary intended to contact the ultrasound generating unit 3. The ring 1 is configured to be filled with a coupling fluid that enables the transmission of the sound waves generated by the ultrasound generating unit 3. Advantageously, the ring can be made of a transparent material. This makes it easier to correctly position the ring on the patient's eye and allows ambient light to pass through to illuminate the treatment area.

[0077] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the ring 1 comprises:

[0078] a truncated cone 11 with axis AA′, having a small base 111 and a large base 112 opposite the small base 111 ,

[0079] an annular skirt 12 coaxial with the frustum 11 and extending from a large base 112 of the frustum 11 in a direction opposite to the frustum 11, and

[0080] A gripping strip 13 coaxial with the annular skirt 12 and extending opposite the frustum 11 on the annular skirt 12 .

[0081] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the truncated cone 11, the annular skirt 12 and the gripping strip 13 are made of three separate components that are assembled by gluing to obtain the ring 1. This makes it easier to manufacture the various components by molding and limits the manufacturing costs of the ring 1.

[0082] Alternatively, the frustum 11 , the annular skirt 12 and the gripping strip 13 may be integral, that is to say made in a single piece, which limits the risk of leakage but increases the production costs.

[0083] 2.1.1. frustum

[0084] The frustum 11 is open at both ends and comprises a frustum-shaped side plate 113 , the end boundaries of which respectively define a small base 111 and a large base 112 of the frustum 11 .

[0085] The small base 111 forms the lower boundary of the ring 1. This small base 111 is intended to come into contact with the patient's eye. The small base 111 may comprise an outer annular protrusion that can be applied to the outer surface of the eye, the protrusion having a concave profile with a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the eye.

[0086] The large base 112 of the frustum 11 is fixed to the annular skirt 12 .

[0087] The frustoconical side plates 113 comprise through-channels 114 intended to be connected to flexible drain tubes (not shown), which ensure that the cone 1 is held on the eye by the vacuum during treatment and enable the coupling fluid contained in the annulus 1 to be drained at the end of the treatment of the patient's eye.

[0088] 2.1.2. Ring-shaped skirt

[0089] The annular skirt 12 and the frustum 11 define, together with the patient's eye, an inner space intended to contain a coupling fluid.

[0090] The annular skirt 12 comprises side baffles 123 which extend outwards from the large base 112 of the frustum 11 .

[0091] More specifically, the skirt 12 comprises first and second open ends 121 , 122 , which, when the frustum 11 and the skirt 12 are assembled:

[0092] - the first end 121 is integral with the large base 112 of the frustum 11, and

[0093] The second end 122 is opposite the small base 111 of the frustum 11 .

[0094] Advantageously, the skirt 12 has a shape complementary to that of the ultrasonic generating unit 3 . More precisely, the inner contour of the lateral partition 123 is conjugate to the outer contour of the ultrasonic generating unit 3 .

[0095] 2.1.3. Grip belt

[0096] The gripping strap 13 enables the practitioner to hold the ring 1 between his thumb and forefinger.

[0097] The gripping strip 13 comprises a cylindrical lateral face 133 open at its two ends and extending opposite to the frustum 11 along the axis AA′.

[0098] More precisely, the cylindrical side elevation 133 comprises first and second opposite edges 131 , 132 which, when the annular skirt 12 and the gripping strip 13 are assembled:

[0099] - the first edge 131 extends above the second end 122 of the side partition 123 (of the annular skirt 12), and

[0100] The second edge 132 extends opposite the second end 122 .

[0101] The gripping strip 13 includes a pair of pins 134 extending radially outward from the cylindrical side elevation 133. These diametrically opposed pins 134 provide the practitioner with an indication of where to position their fingers to support the ring 1. To improve the grip of the ring 1, each pin 134 may have a textured, concave surface. This reduces the risk of the practitioner's surgical gloves (which may be wet in some cases) accidentally slipping on the pair of pins 134. Advantageously, the pins 134 are hollow in a direction parallel to the axis A-A'. This limits the weight of the ring 1.

[0102] Advantageously, each pin 134 includes a through-opening 134a in its lower portion. More precisely, the through-opening 134a of each pin 134 is positioned below the positioning area of ​​the practitioner's finger. These through-openings 134a allow any excess coupling fluid to flow when the annulus is filled with the fluid. The positioning of the openings 134a below the positioning areas of the practitioner's finger prevents these positioning areas from becoming contaminated by the coupling fluid, which could increase the risk of the practitioner's surgical gloves accidentally slipping over the paired pins 134.

[0103] The inner surface of the cylindrical side elevation 133 comprises longitudinal slots 135 intended to receive protrusions of the indexing module 32 of the ultrasound generating unit 3, as will be described in more detail below. Each slot 135 corresponds to a treatment location of a respective area of ​​the patient's eye.

[0104] The inner surface of the cylindrical side elevation 133 further comprises a recessed portion in its lower portion opposite the second edge 132. This recessed portion enables, together with the second end 122 of the annular skirt 12, to define an annular groove for guiding the ultrasonic generating unit 3 during its rotational movement relative to the ring 1.

[0105] The second edge 132 forms the upper boundary of the ring 1 . This second edge 132 is intended to be in contact with the ultrasonic generating unit 3 .

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface of the second edge 132 may include positioning marks 136, such as numbers, which enable the practitioner to know at which treatment position the ultrasound generating unit 3 is located.

[0107] 2.2. Ultrasonic wave generating unit

[0108] The ultrasonic wave generating unit 3 is capable of generating ultrasonic wave energy.

[0109] like Figure 6 As shown, the ultrasonic generating unit 3 includes a supporting bracket 31 and a dividing module 32 installed on the supporting bracket 31 .

[0110] Advantageously, the support bracket 31 and the indexing module 32 are manufactured separately and then assembled (by gluing and / or clamping) to form the ultrasonic generating unit 3. This enables the bracket 31 to be manufactured in series, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the ultrasonic generating unit 3.

[0111] 2.2.1. bracket

[0112] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the bracket 31 includes:

[0113] an outer cylindrical crown 311 with axis AA′, open at both ends so that said cylindrical crown has circular upper and lower edges 3111 , 3112 ,

[0114] a pair of inner side walls 312 extending inside the cylindrical crown 311, each side wall 312 comprising an upper ridge 3121 extending in a plane containing the upper edge 3112 of the cylindrical crown 311 and a lower ridge 3122 opposite the upper ridge 3121, and

[0115] a bottom wall 313 extending between the lower edge 3111 of the cylindrical crown 311 and the lower ridge 3122 of the side wall 312 ,

[0116] - a pair of transducers T mounted on the bottom wall 313,

[0117] - Two hollow areas ZE1 , ZE2 , between the side wall 312 and the cylindrical crown 311 to enable viewing of the eye during treatment.

[0118] The transducers T generate therapeutic acoustic waves in a direction opposite to the support 31. Each transducer T includes a radiating element for generating acoustic waves. The profile of the radiating element can be adapted to direct and focus the ultrasonic waves at a given point. Alternatively, each transducer T can include one or more reflectors for reflecting, directing, and focusing the acoustic waves generated by the radiating element at a given point.

[0119] like Figure 7 As shown, the side walls 312 and the bottom wall 313 of the support 31 are convex. This makes it possible to limit the adhesion of air bubbles to the walls and thus the presence of air bubbles between the patient's eye and the transducer of the ultrasound generating unit.

[0120] The sidewall 312 extends along the chord plane of the cylindrical crown 311. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the stent. Thus, the thickness of the outer cylindrical crown 311 can be reduced to limit the mass of the ultrasound generating unit 3.

[0121] The side walls 312 and bottom wall 313 define a cavity for accommodating an electronic card for controlling the transducer. The electronic card may include a memory for storing power supply parameters for the transducer. It also includes a connection terminal 323.

[0122] The side wall 312 also includes a flared area for passing one (or more) connection terminals mounted on the handpiece 2, which are intended to contact the transducer to electrically connect the handpiece 2 and the ultrasound generating unit 3. Each connection terminal may include a spring-loaded electrical connector. This allows the different mechanical tolerances associated with the assembly of the handpiece 2 on the bracket 31 to be taken into account.

[0123] 2.2.2. Indexing module

[0124] The indexing module 32 enables different treatment positions to be defined for the transducer mounted on the support 31 .

[0125] The indexing module 32 is made of a transparent material, enabling the surgeon to see the eye through the hollow areas ZE1 , ZE2 of the support bracket 31 .

[0126] So, the situation is:

[0127] - the stent comprises a hollow region, and

[0128] -The indexing module is transparent,

[0129] This allows the practitioner to control the positioning of the treatment device on the patient's eye in real time. This control can be exercised by the practitioner throughout the treatment process. Therefore, the practitioner can ensure that the device does not move throughout the treatment process to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0130] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the indexing module 32 includes:

[0131] - cylindrical barrel 321,

[0132] - one (or more) guide lugs 322a, 322b extending on the outer surface of the cylindrical barrel 321,

[0133] One (or more) indexing tabs 323 provided on the cylindrical barrel 321 .

[0134] The cylindrical barrel 321 may be composed of a plurality of overlapping cylinders having different diameters and heights. The lower end 3211 of the cylindrical barrel 321 is intended to contact the bracket 31. Figure 10 As shown, the upper end (opposite the lower end 3211) of the cylindrical barrel 321 includes a collar 3212 intended to come into contact with the second edge 132 of the ring 1. The collar 3212 constitutes a gripping element that (when the ultrasound generating unit 3 and the ring 1 are assembled) enables the practitioner to rotate the ultrasound generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1 by exerting a downward pressure tangential to the collar 3212. More specifically, the shape and size of the collar 3212 are suitable for the practitioner to grasp the collar 3212 between his thumb and index finger. Once the collar 3212 is grasped between the practitioner's fingers, the practitioner can rotate the ultrasound generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1 (by applying a tangential downward pressure) by pivoting his fingers about the axis A-A'.

[0135] like Figure 10 As shown, the collar 3212 may have a serrated outer surface to limit the risk of the practitioner's fingers slipping on the collar 3212 when the practitioner applies tangential downward pressure on the collar 3212 to cause the ultrasound generating unit 3 to pivot relative to the ring 1 (along the axis AA').

[0136] Advantageously, the collar 3212 includes a hole 3213. The hole 3213 is arranged in the collar 3212 to extend perpendicularly to the positioning mark 136 when the ultrasound generating unit 3 is in a given treatment position. This enables the practitioner to be provided with an indication of the treatment position at which the ultrasound generating unit 3 is positioned.

[0137] The cylindrical barrel 321 also comprises a notch extending along the axis AA′ and having a non-zero height, and in which the indexing tab 323 is housed.

[0138] 2.2.2.1. guide lugs

[0139] The guide lugs 322a, 322b enable:

[0140] - the ultrasonic generating unit 3 can be easily assembled on the ring 1, and

[0141] - enables guiding the rotational movement of the ultrasound generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1 .

[0142] Each guide lug 322 a , 322 b extends radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical barrel 321 .

[0143] 2.2.2.1.1. insert

[0144] In order to mount the ultrasonic generating unit 3 on the ring 1, each guide lug 322a, 322b is intended to cooperate with a corresponding longitudinal slit 138a, 138b provided on the inner surface of the gripping strip 13. In particular, each lug 322a, 322b slides inside the longitudinal slit 138a, 138b associated therewith. Figure 4 Each linear longitudinal slit 138a, 138b extends longitudinally from the second edge 132 of the gripping strip 13 in a direction parallel to the axis AA'.

[0145] Each guide lug 322a, 322b and its associated longitudinal slit 138 together form a guide facilitating assembly and pivoting of the ultrasonic generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1. This makes it possible to ensure a precise and repeatable positioning of the ultrasonic generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1.

[0146] exist Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the indexing module 32 comprises two guide lugs 322a, 322b, each of which is intended to cooperate with a corresponding longitudinal slit 138a, 138b. Each guide lug 322a, 322b has a different corresponding profile. In particular:

[0147] - the first guiding lug 322a has a triangular shape; the first triangular slit 138a (complementary to the shape of the first lug) is intended to cooperate with said first guiding lug 322a,

[0148] - whereas the second guiding lug 322b has a rectangular shape; the second rectangular slit 138b (complementary to the shape of the second lug) is intended to cooperate with said second guiding lug 322b.

[0149] The use of guide lugs 322a, 322b with different profiles (intended to cooperate with longitudinal slits 138a, 138b of complementary shape) makes it possible to provide the practitioner with an indication of the orientation of the ultrasound generating unit 3 relative to the annulus 1, which can only penetrate the annulus 1 in a single direction.

[0150] 2.2.2.1.2. Rotation

[0151] Once the ultrasonic generating unit 3 is mounted on the ring 1, each guide lug 322a, 322b is also intended to cooperate with an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the ring 1 (defined between the second end 122 of the annular skirt 12 and the recessed portion of the cylindrical side elevation 133 of the gripping band 13).

[0152] The annular groove may have a rectangular profile. Figure 11 As shown, each longitudinal slit 138a is connected to the annular groove by one end, such that each longitudinal slit 138a opens into the annular groove.

[0153] 2.2.2.2. Indexing tabs

[0154] The indexing tabs 323 enable the ultrasound generating unit 3 to be reversibly locked in the treatment position relative to the ring 1 .

[0155] More specifically, the indexing tabs 323 enable the (rotational) fixing of the ultrasound generating unit 3 in the ring 1 once the treatment position has been reached.

[0156] refer to Figure 10 , the indexing tab 323 includes:

[0157] - self-restoring elastic legs 3231, which are arranged on the cylindrical barrel 321,

[0158] A cylindrical longitudinal projection 3232 configured to cooperate with the longitudinal slot 135 of the gripping strip 13 .

[0159] 2.2.2.2.1. Elastic legs

[0160] The elastic legs 3231 enable:

[0161] - the protrusions 3232 are capable of engaging in facing slots 135 to prevent (when no tangential downward pressure is applied to the collar 3212 ) the ultrasound generating unit 3 from rotating relative to the ring 1 ,

[0162] - The protrusion 3232 disengages from the already engaged slot 135 to enable (when tangential downward pressure is applied to the collar 3212 ) the ultrasound generating unit 3 to rotate relative to the ring 1 .

[0163] The elastic leg 3231 has a substantially rectangular shape and extends protrudingly from the periphery of the cylindrical barrel 321 in a direction opposite to the bracket 31.

[0164] The resilient leg 3231 is connected to the cylindrical barrel 321 at a pivot connection, the pivot axis of which is tangential to the cylindrical barrel 321 .

[0165] Thus, the elastic leg 3231 can move between the following positions:

[0166] a rest position in which said elastic legs 3231 extend substantially in the extension of the cylindrical body 321 , and

[0167] a disengaged position, in which the elastic legs 3231 are tilted toward the inner side of the cylindrical body 321 .

[0168] When the resilient legs 3231 are in the rest position (protrusions 3232 are received in slots 135), applying tangential downward pressure on the collar 3212 causes the resilient legs 3231 to move from the rest position to the disengaged position. Thus, the practitioner can rotate the ultrasound generating unit 3 (relative to the ring 1) from a given treatment position to a subsequent treatment position.

[0169] 2.2.2.2.2. bulge

[0170] The protrusion 3232 extends radially outward on the outer surface of the elastic leg 3231 .

[0171] As previously mentioned, the protrusions 3232 are intended to cooperate with the slots 135 formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical side elevation 133 of the gripping strip 13. The slots 135 define a succession of treatment positions for the transducer T.

[0172] When the protrusion 3232 of the indexing tab 323 is engaged in the slot 135 , the transducer T is in a treatment position defined by the slot 135 .

[0173] More precisely, when the resilient leg 3231 is in the rest position, then the protrusion 3232 is engaged in the slot 135. The downward force applied by the practitioner:

[0174] - tangent to the collar 3212,

[0175] - in a direction perpendicular to the axis AA', and

[0176] - greater than the threshold

[0177] The elastic legs 3231 are caused to move from the rest position to the disengaged position. Movement of the elastic legs 3231 towards the disengaged position (in which they are tilted towards the inside of the cylindrical barrel 321) causes the protrusions to be released from the slots 135 in which they were received.

[0178] When the elastic legs 3231 are in the disengaged position, a torsional force applied (by the practitioner) to the collar 3212 causes the ultrasound generating unit 3 to rotate about the axis AA' relative to the ring 1, even if the torsional force is less than a threshold value. This causes the protrusion 3232 to move toward a new slot 135 to position the transducer T in a new treatment position.

[0179] In contrast, when the elastic legs 3231 are in the rest position, the application of a torsional force below a threshold value on the collar 3212 (by the practitioner) has no effect: the ultrasound generating unit 3 is prevented from rotating relative to the ring 1 by the cooperation of the protrusions 3232 and the slots 135 in which they are received. This enables the ring 1 and the ultrasound generating unit 3 to be fixed during the simultaneous treatment of two areas of the patient's eye.

[0180] 2.2.2.2.3. Additional optional features

[0181] Advantageously, the indexing module 32 may also include a one-way locking mechanism:

[0182] - enabling the ultrasonic generating unit 3 to rotate relative to the ring 1 in a first direction (for example, in a clockwise direction), and

[0183] - The ultrasonic wave generating unit 3 is prevented from rotating relative to the ring 1 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (for example, in a counterclockwise direction).

[0184] The locking mechanism may for example comprise a first and a second set of teeth (intended to cooperate and) positioned on the cylindrical barrel 321 and the ring 1 respectively, said first and second sets of teeth being asymmetric such that their cooperation enables the ultrasonic generating unit 3 to rotate in a single direction.

[0185] The presence of the one-way locking mechanism ensures that the practitioner always rotates the ultrasound generating unit 3 in the same direction relative to the ring 1 to reach successive treatment positions. This ensures that the patient's eye is treated in all successive treatment positions.

[0186] The indexing module 32 may further comprise a stop mechanism to prevent the ultrasound generating unit 3 from rotating relative to the ring 1 if all consecutive treatment positions have been occupied by the transducer T. This limits the risk of the same area of ​​the patient's eye being treated multiple times.

[0187] refer to Figure 11 The stop mechanism may, for example, include a stud 139 received in an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the ring 1 (defined between the second end 122 of the annular skirt 12 and the recessed portion of the cylindrical side elevation 133 of the gripping band 13). When the guide lugs 322a, 322b abut against the stud 139, the rotation of the ultrasonic generating unit is blocked.

[0188] 3. Use of therapeutic devices

[0189] An example of a procedure for using the device to treat an eye condition such as glaucoma will now be described.

[0190] In one step, the practitioner positions the ring 1 on the patient's eye by grasping the pin 134 of the gripping strap 13 between his thumb and index finger (e.g., his right hand). Figure 3 )'s walls being transparent makes it easier to center the ring 1 on the patient's eye.

[0191] The ultrasonic generating unit 3 is then assembled on the ring 1. To do this, the practitioner inserts the guide lugs 322a, 322b into the longitudinal slits 138a, 138b. Each lug 322a, 322b slides into its associated longitudinal slit 138a, 138b until it reaches the annular groove, so that the transducer is completely immersed in the coupling fluid.

[0192] When the ultrasonic generating unit 3 and the ring 1 are properly assembled, the assembly is filled with coupling fluid. If the volume of coupling fluid introduced into the ring 1 is too large, the excess coupling fluid is discharged at the through-openings 134a provided below each pin 134 of the gripping band 13. During the filling phase, the practitioner holds the ring 1 in place using the pins 134.

[0193] Once the lugs 322a, 322b are positioned in the annular grooves, the practitioner applies a twisting force to the ultrasound generating unit 3 to rotate it relative to the ring 1 and reach the first treatment position. To do this, the practitioner grasps the collar 3212 of the ultrasound generating unit 3 between his thumb and index finger (e.g., his left hand, while the thumb and index finger of his right hand support the ring 1 by means of the pin 134 of the gripping strap 13).

[0194] When the ultrasonic generating unit 3 is in the first treatment position, the longitudinal protrusion 3232 is clamped and received in the longitudinal slot 135 defining the first position. Since the protrusion 3232 is received in the slot 135, the ultrasonic generating unit 3 is prevented from rotating relative to the ring 1.

[0195] The practitioner then begins treating the patient.

[0196] Specifically, the practitioner activates the ultrasound generating unit 3. The transducer T generates high-intensity focused ultrasound waves that are focused at the ciliary body and induce a first set of lesions in the ciliary body.

[0197] Once the first set of lesions has been generated, the ultrasound generating unit 3 is deactivated and moved to a second treatment position.

[0198] To do this, the practitioner applies tangential downward pressure to the collar 3212. When this tangential downward pressure exceeds a threshold, the elastic legs 3231 move from the rest position to the disengaged position. Specifically, the elastic legs 3231 tilt toward the inside of the cylindrical barrel 321. The protrusions 3234 are then released from the slots 135.

[0199] The twisting force applied by the practitioner (even if its value is less than the threshold) causes rotational movement (around axis AA') of the ultrasound generating unit 3 relative to the ring 1. When the ultrasound generating unit 3 reaches the second treatment position, the protrusion engages the slot 135 defining the second treatment position.

[0200] The practitioner may then activate the ultrasound generating unit 3 to create a second set of lesions in the ciliary body.

[0201] The previous steps are repeated for different treatment locations. This enables treatment of different areas around the entire circumference of the patient's eye without moving the ring 1.

[0202] By enabling the ultrasound generating unit 3 to rotate relative to the ring 1 , the treatment device according to the present invention enables more lesions to be generated in the ciliary body than the number of transducers included in the ultrasound generating unit 3 and ensures good treatment efficiency for the practitioner.

[0203] Furthermore, the device described above enables the treatment of multiple areas distributed over the entire circumference of the eye at a lower manufacturing cost than the device described in WO 2021 / 122765, without requiring the practitioner to perform an operation of repositioning the annulus 1 between each ultrasound emission.

[0204] The reader will appreciate that many modifications may be made to the above-described invention without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages described herein.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device for treating an ocular pathology, the device extending along a longitudinal axis (A-A') and comprising: - a ring (1) configured to be positioned on the eye to be treated, said ring (1) comprising: - a frustum (11) intended to come into contact with the eye to be treated, - a gripping strip (13) comprising a cylindrical side elevation (133) and extending above the frustum (11), - an ultrasound generating unit (3) configured to be mounted on the ring (1), said ultrasound generating unit (3) being adapted to be movable in rotation relative to the ring (1) along the longitudinal axis (A-A') to a plurality of successive treatment positions, characterized in that said ultrasound generating unit (3) comprises: - a support (31) comprising at least two transducers and two hollow areas (ZE1, ZE2), - an indexing module (32) defining a succession of treatment positions, said indexing module (32) being made of transparent material and comprising a cylindrical barrel (321) the outer surface of which is intended to be opposite the inner surface of the cylindrical lateral face (133).

2. The therapeutic device according to claim 1, wherein: - the inner surface of the cylindrical side elevation (133) comprises a longitudinal slot (135) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA'), - the indexing module (32) comprises an indexing tab (323) housed in a recess of the cylindrical barrel (321), the indexing tab (323) comprising an elastic leg (3231) and a longitudinal projection (3232) configured to cooperate with the longitudinal slot (135), the longitudinal projection (3232) protruding on the outer surface of the elastic leg (3231) parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA'), the indexing tab (323) being pivotally mounted along a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AA'), the indexing tab (323) being movable between the following positions: a rest position in which the indexing tab (323) extends in line with the cylindrical barrel (321) and the longitudinal projection (3232) is received in the longitudinal slot (135) in the rest position, thereby preventing the ultrasonic generating unit (3) from rotating relative to the ring (1), and Disengaged position, in which the indexing lug (323) is tilted toward the inner side of the cylindrical barrel (321), and the longitudinal protrusion (3232) is disengaged from the longitudinal slot (135) at the disengaged position, thereby allowing the ultrasonic generating unit (3) to rotate relative to the ring (1).

3. The therapeutic device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein The plurality of continuous treatment positions include an initial treatment position, a final treatment position and at least one intermediate treatment position between the initial treatment position and the final treatment position, and the device includes a stopping mechanism for preventing the ultrasonic generating unit (3) from rotating relative to the ring (1) when the ultrasonic generating unit is in the final position.

4. The treatment device according to claim 3, wherein The stopping mechanism comprises: at least one guide lug (322a, 322b) extending on the outer surface of the cylindrical barrel (321) and configured to cooperate with an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the ring (1), the at least one guide lug (322a, 322b) moving within the annular groove during rotation of the ultrasonic generating unit (3) relative to the ring (1), and - at least one stud (139) housed in the annular groove, said at least one stud being in contact with said at least one lug when the ultrasonic generating unit is in the final position.

5. The therapeutic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the cylindrical side elevation (133) of the gripping strip (13) comprises an edge (132) opposite the truncated cone (11), said edge comprising positioning marks, each mark being associated with a longitudinal slot (135) for identifying a treatment position from a plurality of treatment positions, and The cylindrical body (321) comprises a collar (3212) intended to be opposite the edge (132), said collar (3212) comprising a hole extending above the positioning mark when the longitudinal protrusion (3232) is housed in the longitudinal slot (135) associated with said positioning mark.

6. The treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The cylindrical barrel (321) of the indexing module (32) comprises a serrated collar (3212) intended to come into contact with the edge (132) of the gripping strip (13), said collar (3212) forming a gripping device enabling the practitioner to move the ultrasound generating unit (3) in rotation relative to the ring (1).

7. The therapeutic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The gripping strip (13) includes a pair of pins (134) extending radially outward from the cylindrical side elevation (133) and a pair of through openings (134a) allowing any excess coupling fluid contained in the annulus to flow, each through opening (134a) being located below a corresponding pin of the pair of pins (134).

8. The therapeutic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The ring is made of transparent material.

9. The therapeutic device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein The resilient legs (3231), longitudinal protrusions (3232) and longitudinal slots (135) are configured such that if a force applied by a practitioner tangential to the annulus (1) and perpendicular to the axis (A-A') is greater than a threshold value, the force causes the tab (321) to move from the rest position to the disengaged position.

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