Intraocular implant

Abstract

The invention relates to an intraocular implant (10) comprising: - a central body (12) of generally toroidal shape that is hollow and open towards the centre of the central body (12), the central body (12) being configured to receive a secondary intraocular implant, in particular an intraocular lens; - at least two fasteners (14) connected to the central body (12) and also distributed around the central body (12) to enable the implant to be fastened in the eye (1) of a patient, each fastener (14) comprising a portion (14-1) which is proximal with respect to the central body (12) and a portion (14-2) which is distal with respect to the central body (12), the proximal portion (14-1) being formed by an elastic handle attached to the central body (12) and the distal portion being formed by an elastic anchoring member (14-2) attached to the elastic handle (14-1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Intraocular implant

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to an intraocular implant. The invention applies in particular to the treatment of cataracts, but it is also possible to envisage, for certain embodiments, for example the treatment of aniridia.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Figure 1 shows schematically the structure of a human eye 1. In particular, the cornea 3, the capsular bag 5, the lens 7 and the aqueous humor 9 are referenced.

[0007] Cataracts are partial or total clouding of the lens 7 that threaten long-term vision. They affect more than one in five people over the age of 65 and nearly two in three over the age of 85. Cataracts are usually treated with surgery. As such, they are one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. Nearly 4,700,000 people undergo surgery in Europe each year.

[0008] In the most common version of this procedure, the crystalline lens 7 of eye 1 is removed and then replaced by an intraocular implant, consisting of a converging lens made of artificial biomaterial whose power is adapted to the characteristics of the operated eye. More precisely, cataract surgery involves incising the capsular bag 5, then injecting an intraocular lens (or "IOL") into it in order to restore the patient's visual acuity.

[0009] However, some complications of the operation can lead to a rupture of the capsular bag 5, resulting in displacement of the intraocular lens in the vitreous cavity. The surgeon is therefore unable to continue the operation. In this case, the selected intraocular lens can no longer be used and the surgeon must then consider a new operation to replace the defective capsular bag and then implant a new intraocular lens.

[0010] Such a complication, especially when it occurs during surgery, is a source of concern for the patient because he or she must consider repeating the procedure for ophthalmic surgery. It also wastes the surgeon's time and involves additional costs for the healthcare system because the current operation must be interrupted and then a new operating protocol implemented at a later date. In addition, between the two operations, the patient's visual comfort is severely restricted.

[0011] Furthermore, it is noted that dislocation or total absence of the lens can also occur, for example:

[0012] • following diseases of the elastic tissue or certain ocular pathologies, which weaken the lens-capsular bag-zonule complex, or

[0013] • following violent contusive trauma. To at least partially alleviate one or more of these situations, it is advisable to replace the capsular bag 5 with an intraocular implant to then allow an intraocular lens to be positioned there, in particular to avoid interrupting an operation in progress and its subsequent reprogramming.

[0014] Document WO2021016678 discloses an artificial capsule of the lens of the human eye for the insertion of intraocular lenses whose use is required in ophthalmic surgery involving a complication in which the surgeon is unable to implant the intraocular lens in a conventional manner, mainly in cases of surgical, traumatic or secondary injuries to diseases that cause the degradation or fragility of this structure. The prosthesis has a hollow structure, so that in the center, in the vision area, there is only the optical part of the lens, allowing light rays to pass without interference.

[0015] However, the operation to implant this capsular bag appears complex.

[0016] US 5,628,795 describes an ophthalmic implant made of a biocompatible material and capable of being implanted by a surgeon into the ciliary sulcus or residual natural capsular bag of a patient's eye after cataract surgery to serve as a receptacle for an intraocular lens.

[0017] This device is attached by fasteners in the form of straight or curved hooks that pass through the implant. Attaching this implant is complex and tedious for a surgeon.

[0018] CN114504428A relates to an artificial capsular bag and an implantation instrument and method thereof. The artificial capsular bag comprises a capsular bag body and at least three fixation lines. The capsular bag body is provided with a capsular bag cavity and at least three fixation holes distributed in the circumferential direction. By means of this artificial capsular bag, the capsular bag environment is reconstructed for patients with severe capsular bag damage and patients whose lens capsular bags are displaced.

[0019] This implant also proves to be complex to use and requires too much time for a surgeon.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] The invention aims in particular to provide an intraocular implant which is easier to use and which makes it possible to reduce the operating time of a surgeon.

[0022] To this end, the invention relates to an intraocular implant comprising:

[0023] - a central body of generally hollow toric shape and open towards the center of the central body, the central body being configured to accommodate a secondary intraocular implant, in particular an intraocular lens,

[0024] - at least two attachments connected to the central body and equally distributed around the central body to allow the intraocular implant to be attached in the eye of a patient, each attachment comprising at least one proximal portion relative to the central body and one distal portion relative to the central body, the proximal portion being formed by an elastic loop attached to the central body, in particular configured to be in contact with the ciliary body and / or the sclera of the eye in the implanted state, and the distal portion by an elastic anchoring member, in particular configured to anchor the intraocular implant in the intrascleral flap of the eye in the implanted state, the distal portion being attached to the elastic loop.

[0025] The elastic loop interposed between the central body and the elastic anchoring member of the distal part makes it possible to provide the elasticity necessary to adapt the central body of the implant to the dimensions of the ciliary body and / or the sclera of the eye while providing a means of stable positioning of the implant due, on the one hand, to the formation of several points of contact between the elastic loop and the ciliary body and / or the sclera (at least two points of contact per elastic loop and at least two elastic loops) and, on the other hand, due to the anti-torsion function produced by the geometry of the elastic loop.

[0026] Thanks to the intraocular implant according to the invention, it is possible to quickly compensate for a loss or dislocation of the capsular bag and thus avoid rescheduling surgery in the event of accidental rupture of the capsular bag. In particular, it is possible to consider using the same incisions for injecting the capsular implant that were made by the surgeon for implanting an intraocular lens before its dislocation. Thus, the surgeon's intervention time is minimized and the patient no longer has to return for a second eye operation.

[0027] The intraocular implant may have one or more of the following characteristics alone or in combination.

[0028] The elastic anchoring member comprises, for example, an elongated base attached to the elastic handle and a top.

[0029] The top has, for example, at least one leg extending from the elongated base, such as two legs extending on either side of the elongated base.

[0030] The at least one leg may have grooves or through or blind holes.

[0031] The at least one leg may extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the elongated base, in particular in the same plane, the apex being oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the elongated base.

[0032] Alternatively, the at least one leg may extend towards the central body at an angle of less than 90° with the base. The top may, for example, have an arrowhead shape, with the legs extending towards the central body at an angle between them of less than 180°.

[0033] At least one vertex may be curved at the end towards the central body or at least one vertex may be rounded towards the central body. The vertex may have a loop, in particular an oblong loop. The oblong loop extends in particular on either side of the elongated base. The oblong loop may be oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the elongated base, in particular in the same plane. The loop may also be inscribed in a curve, such as an arc of a circle, the half-loops extending towards the central body.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, the central body of generally toric shape has, in a cross-section, a general “V” shape having a flattened base and the opening of the branches of which is directed towards the center of the central body. The anterior branch intended to be closest to the cornea in the implanted state may have a washer shape. The posterior branch intended to be furthest from the cornea in the implanted state may have a perforated bowl shape, such as a truncated cone shape.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the central body of general toric shape has, in a cross-section, a general “U” shape having a flattened base and the opening of the branches of which is directed towards the center of the central body. The anterior branch intended to be closest to the cornea in the implanted state may have a washer shape. The posterior branch intended to be furthest from the cornea in the implanted state may have a washer shape. The anterior and posterior branches are parallel to each other.

[0036] The width of the elastic shackle is, for example, greater than the width of the top of the elastic anchoring member.

[0037] The elastic loop comprises in particular two attachment branches to the central body and an elastic beam connecting the two attachment branches in particular so as to define with the central body an opening of generally kidney-shaped shape. The elastic beam connects for example the attachment branches while being set back from the attachment branches, the distal part of the attachment being arranged at the level of the elastic beam.

[0038] The attachment branches can be rounded. For example, they fit into a circular shape.

[0039] The base of the elastic anchoring member can be attached centrally to the elastic handle.

[0040] The cross-sectional area of ​​the base end closer to the apex may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base end closer to the loop, to reduce the risk of withdrawal from the ciliary body and / or sclera. For example, the base is frustoconical in shape.

[0041] The intraocular implant can be made from a single piece.

[0042] The intraocular implant is in particular produced by injection molding in a biocompatible material chosen in particular from the group of the following materials: silicones, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylates, acrylics. At least one part of the at least two attachments makes for example an angle of less than 90° with a plane in which an anterior part of the central body extends.

[0043] More specifically, the base of the distal part, connecting a vertex to the elastic loop, or the elastic loop and the base of the distal part, may make an angle of less than 90° with a plane in which the anterior part of the central body such as the washer extends, in particular so as to orient the base of the distal part, or the elastic loop and the base of the distal part, towards the posterior part.

[0044] A vertex of the elastic anchoring member of the distal part may extend in a plane making an angle of less than 90° with a plane parallel to that in which an anterior part of the central body extends.

[0045] More precisely, the vertex can extend in a plane making an angle less than 90° with a plane parallel to that in which the washer extends.

[0046] The implant may have two attachments or two pairs of attachments, two attachments being diametrically opposed respectively.

[0047] The central body may have at least one, or even several, radial notches.

[0048] The central body is for example at least partially colored, notably on the surface of the posterior part or in the mass.

[0049] The implant may also include an electronic component, in particular a sensor and / or a communication antenna, integrated by overmolding into the central body.

[0050] The invention also relates to a treatment kit for overcoming a dislocation or absence of the lens of the eye, comprising an intraocular implant injector and an intraocular implant as defined above preloaded in a receiving chamber of the intraocular implant injector.

[0051] The invention may also relate to a method of implanting an intraocular implant as defined above, in which

[0052] - incisions are made in the membranes of the eye at the level of the zonule of Zinn,

[0053] - injects the intraocular implant with an intraocular implant injector through one of the incisions,

[0054] - the top of each elastic anchoring member is brought out by an associated incision.

[0055] In one aspect, an intraocular lens may be placed within the central body of the intraocular implant.

[0056] Brief description of the figures

[0057] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0058] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a simplified side diagram of a cross-section of the eye; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a top view of an intraocular implant according to one embodiment;

[0059] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the intraocular implant of Figure 2,

[0060] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the intraocular implant of Figure

[0061] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the intraocular implant similar to that of Figure 4, but of a variation,

[0062] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5 of another alternative embodiment of the intraocular implant,

[0063] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a top view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0064] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0065] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0066] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the intraocular implant,

[0067] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0068] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0069] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an intraocular implant according to another embodiment,

[0070] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a treatment kit for compensating for a dislocation or absence of the lens of the eye,

[0071] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the treatment kit of Figure 14 and an eye during a step of a method of implanting the intraocular implant into the eye for treatment to overcome a dislocation or absence of the lens,

[0072] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 is a side view of the eye of Figure 15 with the intraocular implant in place, and

[0073] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 is a sectional and perspective view showing the intraocular implant of Figure 16 placed in the eye.

[0074] Detailed description

[0075] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

[0076] In Figures 2 to 4, an intraocular implant 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically and respectively in a top view, in perspective and in cross-section.

[0077] The intraocular implant 10 comprises a central body 12 and at least two attachments 14 (two attachments 14 in FIGS. 2 to 4), (also called “haptics”) connected to the central body 12. In FIG. 2, an attachment 14 is surrounded by a dotted line.

[0078] The central body 12 has a generally hollow toric shape and is open towards the center C of the central body 12.

[0079] As can be better seen in Figure 3 and in particular Figure 4, the central body 12 of generally toric shape has, in a cross-section, a general “V” shape having a flattened base 12-1 and the opening of the branches 12-2 and 12-3 of which is directed towards the center C of the central body 12. In Figure 4, with respect to the sheet of drawings, the “V” is rotated 90° with respect to a vertical running from the top to the bottom of the sheet.

[0080] As seen in Figure 4, the branch 12-2 is the anterior branch which is intended to be closest to the cornea 3 in the implanted state. This part of the central body 12 has for example a washer shape referenced 12-4 with an opening 12-5 as seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4. For example, the opening 12-5 has a diameter between 5mm and 10mm, in particular 7mm. The opening 12-5 can also serve as a visual reference for positioning, in particular for the orientation of the toric axis of the implant 10.

[0081] The posterior branch 12-3, that is to say the one intended to be furthest from the cornea 3 in the implanted state, has for example a perforated bowl shape 12-6, in particular a truncated cone shape, with an opening 12-7. For example, the opening 12-7 has a diameter between 2mm and 8mm, in particular 4mm. It is therefore understood that the diameter of the opening 12-7 is between 40% and 80% of the diameter of the opening 12-5.

[0082] Thus the central body 12 defines an open receptacle where a secondary intraocular implant, in particular an intraocular lens, can be housed and held between the branches 12-2 and 12-3 of the central body 12, the openings 12-5 and 12-7 allowing light rays to pass through in the implanted state of the intraocular implant 10 with a secondary intraocular implant such as an intraocular lens. The light rays entering the eye and reaching the retina are almost unaffected by the intraocular implant 10, but only by the intraocular lens which will be arranged in the intraocular implant 10.

[0083] The central body 12 therefore makes it possible, in the implanted state, to fulfill the functions of a capsular bag 5 and is configured to accommodate a secondary intraocular implant, in particular an intraocular lens. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment which differs from that of Figures 2 to 4 by the fact that the central body 12 has, in a cross-section, a general “U” shape having a flattened base 12-1 and the opening of the branches 12-2 and 12-3 of which is directed towards the center C of the central body 12.

[0084] According to the embodiment of Figure 5, not only the front part 12-4 has a washer shape but also the rear part 12-8. In other words, the front branch 12-2 and the rear branch 12-3 have a respective washer shape, the branches 12-2 and 12-3 being parallel to each other.

[0085] Finally, the difference in diameter of the 12-5 and 12-7 openings is greater, the diameter of the 12-5 opening between 2-9mm being greater than that of the 12-7 opening between 2-9mm.

[0086] We return to the embodiment of figures 2 to 4 to detail an example of an embodiment of the fasteners 14.

[0087] As seen in the aforementioned figures, the at least two attachments 14 are connected to the central body 12 and equally distributed, that is to say regularly distributed, around it to allow the attachment of the intraocular implant 10 in the eye of a patient as will be explained in more detail later.

[0088] Each fastener 14 comprises at least one proximal portion 14-1 relative to the central body 12 and a distal portion 14-2 relative to the central body 12. The proximal portion 14-1 is formed by an elastic loop attached to the central body 12 which also serves as an “anti-torsion” means. The distal portion 14-2 is formed by an elastic anchoring member (also referenced 14-2) attached to the elastic loop 14-1.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment, the elastic anchoring member 14-2 comprises a base 14-3 of elongated shape attached to the elastic handle 14-1 as well as a top 14-4, at the end of the base 14-3 of elongated shape. The top 14-4 can be oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the base 14-3, in particular in the same plane. As can be seen in the example of Figure 3, the elastic anchoring member 14-2 has a general “T” shape.

[0090] The top 14-4 of the elastic anchoring member 14-2 may be made in the form of a loop, in particular oblong, extending on either side of the elongated base. The oblong loop may be oriented perpendicular to the base 14-3 of the “T”.

[0091] At least a portion of the at least two fasteners 14 may make an angle α of less than 90° with a plane in which a front portion 12-4 of the central body 12 extends.

[0092] More precisely, the at least one attachment 14, and in particular the base 14-3 or the elastic loop 14-1 and the base 14-3 of the distal part 14-2 between the central body 12 and the apex 14-4, can make an angle a of less than 90° with a plane in which the washer 12-4 extends, in particular so as to orient the base 14-3 or the elastic loop 14-1 and the base 14-3, towards the posterior part (opposite the cornea 3 in the implanted state) (see figures 4, 12, 13).

[0093] Tilting the attachments 14 backward may be advantageous for better positioning the intraocular implant 10 in its optimal optical plane while maximizing the space with the posterior surface of the iris in order to avoid any contact and risk of complications such as pigment dispersion or iridocyclitis when the intraocular implant 10 is implanted. In addition, the angle α may be chosen to better position the implant 10 and more specifically the central body 12 relative to the iris. It is thus possible to move the central body 12 closer to or further from the iris.

[0094] When the base 14-3 is inclined relative to the plane of the washer 12-4 and the elastic handle 14-1, the top 14-4 can extend in a plane parallel to that of the washer 12-4 (figures 12, 13).

[0095] When the elastic bail 14-1 and the base 14-3 are inclined relative to the plane of the washer 12-4, the apex 14-4 may extend in the same plane as the elastic bail 14-1 and the base 14-3 (Figure 4).

[0096] According to another example, the apex 14-4 of the elastic anchoring member 14-2 of the distal part 14-2 extends in a plane making an angle p less than 90° with a plane parallel to that in which an anterior part 12-4 of the central body 12 extends.

[0097] Here, for example, the vertex 14-4 can extend in a plane making an angle p less than 90° with a plane parallel to that in which the washer 12-4 extends.

[0098] The apex 14-4 is then inclined towards the posterior part (opposite the cornea 3 in the implanted state), as visible in figures 6 and 17.

[0099] Angling the 14-4 vertices towards the posterior part makes it easier to bury them in the scleral flap.

[0100] According to another example visible in particular in figure 5, the at least one fastener 14 extends in the plane of the washer 12-4 of the central body 12. The top 14-4, the base 14-3 and the elastic handle 14-1 extend in the same plane.

[0101] As can be seen very clearly in Figure 2 in top view, the width L1 of the elastic loop 14-1 (in the plane of the washer 12-4 and in a direction perpendicular to the elongation of the base 14-3) can be greater than the width L2 (in the same direction) of the top 14-4 of the elastic anchoring member 14-2 of general “T” shape. The width L1 is for example 5.3 mm and the width L2 2 mm.

[0102] The elastic loop 14-1 comprises two attachment branches 14-1a to the central body 12 and an elastic beam 14-1b connecting the two attachment branches 14-1a so as to define with the central body 12 an opening 14-1c for example of oblong shape, and in particular kidney-shaped (see figure 3). The attachment branches 14-1a are for example rounded at the corners of the opening 14-1c, to better follow the shape of the ciliary body and / or the sclera. The attachment branches 14-1a are for example inscribed in a circular shape.

[0103] The resilient beam 14-1 b may connect the attachment legs 14-1 a by being located set back (radially) from the attachment legs 14-1 a. The rounded corners projecting beyond the resilient beam 14-1 b allow the distal portion 14-2 of the attachment 14-4 to be reattached at an area of ​​the resilient beam 14-1 b set back from the attachment legs 14-1 a. Thus, each elastic loop 14-1 may have, on the one hand, two contact zones with the ciliary body and / or the sclera at the attachment branches 14-1 a and may, on the other hand, facilitate the deformation of the elastic beam 14-1 b of the attachment 14 when the surgeon pulls on the apex 14-4 to anchor the implant 10 without moving or deforming the implant 10 because the retracted elastic beam 14-1 b is not in contact with the ciliary body and / or the sclera.

[0104] The elastic beam 14-1b may have a smaller section than that of the attachment branches 14-1a in order to concentrate the deformations at the level of the attachment 14 without modification of the central body 12.

[0105] Each elastic loop 14-1 makes it possible to form two contact zones with the ciliary body and / or the sclera. The number of contact zones per attachment 14 being at least two, it is possible to limit the number of attachments 14 required per implant 10 to stabilize it in the eye, which makes it possible to limit the number of incisions made.

[0106] An implant 10 having only two attachments 14 thus makes it possible to have four contact zones with the ciliary body and / or the sclera, making it possible to stabilize the centering of the implanted intraocular implant 10 by limiting twisting or deformation, while allowing the implant 10 to be light and with only two micro-incisions made in the eye at implantation, which reduces the risks of infection.

[0107] The base 14-3 of the elastic anchoring member 14-2 is of elongated shape and attached in particular centrally with respect to an elastic loop 14-1. The cross-section of the end of the base 14-3 which is closer to the apex 14-4 may be larger than the cross-section of the end of the base 14-3 which is closer to the loop 14-1, in order to prevent possible withdrawal from the ciliary body and / or the sclera. The base 14-3 is for example of frustoconical shape.

[0108] In Figures 2 to 6, the intraocular implant 10 comprises two attachments 14 which are diametrically opposed.

[0109] Figure 7 shows another embodiment in which the intraocular implant 10 comprises two pairs of attachments 14 which are equally distributed, that is to say regularly distributed, on the circumference of the central body 12 so that two attachments 14 are respectively diametrically opposed. Figure 8 shows another embodiment for which each attachment 14 comprises several proximal parts 14-1 and a distal part 14-2. The N elastic loops 14-1 (or proximal parts) have N-1 common attachment branches 14-1a. In the example, the attachments 14, here two, each have three respective proximal parts 14-1, the elastic loops 14-1 having two common attachment branches 14-1a. The elongated base 14-3 of the elastic anchoring member of the distal part 14.2 is for example attached to the center of the central elastic loop 14-1.

[0110] Figure 9 shows another embodiment which differs in particular from the embodiment of Figures 2 to 8 by the fact that the central body 12 and more specifically the anterior part 12-2, here the washer 12-4, and / or the posterior part 12-8, here the cup 12-6, has(have) at least one, or even several radial notches 12-10. These notches 12-10 make it possible to better absorb the mechanical stresses when the intraocular implant is inserted using an intraocular injector as will be described later. For example, the washer 12-4 has two notches 12-10 which are diametrically opposed. More specifically, they can be positioned so that they are aligned with the elongated bases 14-3. Also as an example the bowl 12-6 has four notches 12-10 which are diametrically opposed in pairs and regularly distributed.For the bowl 12-6, the two radial notches 12-10 are for example positioned so that they are aligned with the elongated bases 14-3.

[0111] Figure 10 shows an alternative to the previous figures which differs by a cross-shaped top 14-4 of the elastic anchoring member 14-2, the cross-shaped having a voluminous oblong shape, which can be truncated at an angle α relative to the face of the washer (or front part 12-4) as described previously.

[0112] In this case, the cross-shaped apex 14-4 may include grooves or through or blind holes, five in number according to the example of figure 10 and referenced 14-5. This embodiment where the apex 14-4 will be in the implanted state present in the intra-scleral flap makes it possible to promote the natural circulation of the uvea and to reduce the risk of glaucoma.

[0113] Figure 11 shows two other embodiments of the vertex 14-4 of the distal portion 14-2. In this example, the vertices 14-4 are made in the form of hooks.

[0114] According to a first variant (on the right in the diagram of figure 11), the apex 14-4 of the distal part 14-2 has two legs each extending perpendicularly to the base 14-3, on either side of the base 14-3, forming a “T”. The end of the apex 14-4 is for example inscribed in a curve, such as circular, the ends of the legs also being able to be curved towards the elastic handle of the proximal part 14-1.

[0115] According to a second variant (on the left in the diagram of figure 11), the apex 14-4 of the distal part 14-2 has a single tab extending perpendicular to the base 14-3, on one side of the base 14-3, forming an “L”. The end of the apex 14-4 is for example inscribed in a curve, such as circular, the end of the tab also being able to be curved towards the elastic handle of the proximal part 14-1.

[0116] The apex 14-4 of the distal portion 14-2 in the shape of a "T" or "L", oriented generally perpendicular to the base 14-3, may include grooves or through or blind holes 14-5.

[0117] Although Figure 11 illustrates attachments 14 of different embodiments, it is of course possible that the intraocular implant 10 has attachments 14 having the same variant embodiment of the vertices 14-4.

[0118] According to another embodiment not shown, the vertex 14-4 has a loop forming part of a curve, such as an arc of a circle, the half-loops extending towards the central body.

[0119] According to another embodiment not shown, the vertex 14-4 has an “X” shape for example, the center of which is attached to the base 14-3.

[0120] According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, the top has at least one leg extending from the elongated base 14-3 forming an angle of less than 90° with the base 14-3. The top has, for example, two legs extending on either side of the elongated base, the top 14-4 having, for example, an arrowhead shape, the legs forming an angle between them of less than 180°.

[0121] According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, the top 14-4 has two rounded arms, for example in an arc of a circle, extending towards the central body 12.

[0122] The intraocular implant 10 is made, for example, from a single piece and, for example, from a single material.

[0123] More specifically, the intraocular implant 10 is produced by injection molding in a biocompatible material chosen in particular from the group of the following materials: silicones, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylates, acrylics.

[0124] Particularly for silicones, we can consider those of the RTV type. For acrylates, these can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic or it can be a hybrid copolymer with a hydrophilic core with a hydrophobic surface.

[0125] In the case where implantation via an intraocular injector is considered as will be described later, flexible hydrophilic (HEMA, etc.) or hydrophobic (silicones, acrylics, etc.) materials are chosen.

[0126] Figure 12 shows a particular embodiment aimed at use for the treatment of aniridia (pigmentation defect of the iris). As can be seen in this figure, the central body 12 and in particular the posterior part 12-8 is at least partially colored, in particular on the surface or in the mass. Of course, it is also possible to consider coloring the anterior part 12-4, partially or completely. In the latter case, this anterior part with the opening 12-5 can play the role of a diaphragm.

[0127] Figure 13 shows another embodiment according to which the intraocular implant 10 further comprises an electronic component, in particular a sensor 16 and / or a communication antenna 18, integrated by overmolding into the central body 12, in particular in the anterior part 12-4. The electronic component may also comprise a micro-screen for projecting information in the form of images or writing directly into the user's eye.

[0128] It is advantageous that the intraocular implant 10 can be implanted by known and widely used and approved techniques using an intraocular implant injector.

[0129] Such intraocular implant injectors are for example known from documents WO1997015253A1 and W02006077349A1.

[0130] Figure 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a treatment kit 30 for compensating for a dislocation or absence of the lens of the eye, which comprises an intraocular implant injector 32 and an intraocular implant 10 for example according to one of the exemplary embodiments set out above. The intraocular implant injector 32, the operation of which is very close to that of a syringe as described in the cited documents, has a receiving chamber 34 in which the intraocular implant 10 is preloaded to be injected into the eye through an incision of approximately 2.2 to 2.4 mm or less, made in the eye by the surgeon.

[0131] The injector 32 shown in Figure 14 has a pivoting cover 36 for closing the receiving chamber 34 after loading the intraocular implant 10 as well as an injection liquid used during implantation by injection.

[0132] An example of a method of implanting the intraocular implant 10 described above involves a surgeon making incisions in the membranes of the eye at the zonule of Zinn.

[0133] Then, as shown in Figure 15, the intraocular implant 10 is injected with the intraocular implant injector 32 through one of the small incisions, typically about 2.2 mm in length. In Figure 15, it can be seen that the implant, which is very flexible, conforms to the tubular walls of the tip of the injector 32.

[0134] Once injected into the eye, the intraocular implant 10 returns to its shape as shown in Figures 2 to 13.

[0135] To then fix the intraocular implant 10, the surgeon brings out the apex 14-4 of each elastic anchoring member 14-2 through an associated incision, by pulling the apex 14-4 of each elastic anchoring member 14-2, which locally deforms the elastic loop 14-1 then releasing the apex 14-4 to allow its anchoring in the ciliary body and / or the sclera, the attachment 14 returning to its initial shape. The intraocular implant 10 in the implanted state is shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0136] The vertices 14-4 in the form of loops as shown in figures 2 to 9 and 12 and 13 or in the form of hooks as shown in figure 11, facilitate the work of the surgeon because they can easily be hooked for example by operating instruments having at their ends a micro-hook, then pulled through the incision.

[0137] For the embodiment of Figure 10, the surgeon may use an operating instrument with micro-forceps at one end.

[0138] Once the intraocular implant 10, which is to replace the defective or missing capsular bag, is in place, the surgeon can then place an intraocular lens in the central body of the intraocular implant 10 which will be held between the anterior 12-4 and posterior 12-8 parts of the central body 12. Finally, the surgeon can close the incisions, in particular using a suture liquid.

[0139] It is therefore understood that the intraocular implant 10 makes it possible to easily compensate for a defective or missing capsular bag. In addition, this intraocular implant 10 can be used to treat aniridia and include electronic components making it possible to increase the range of possible functions of this intraocular implant 10. In the latter case, but also generally as an alternative implantation operation, it is also possible to envisage inserting the intraocular implant 10 via a larger incision and not resorting to implantation via an injector 32 as described above if the size of the electronic component is too large and / or the flexibility of the electronic component is too low.

Claims

Claims

1. Intraocular implant (10) comprising: - a central body (12) of generally hollow toric shape and open towards the center of the central body (12), the central body (12) being configured to accommodate a secondary intraocular implant, in particular an intraocular lens, - at least two attachments (14) connected to the central body (12) and equally distributed around the central body (12) to allow the attachment of the intraocular implant (10) in the eye (1) of a patient, each attachment (14) comprising at least one proximal part (14-1) relative to the central body (12) and one distal part (14-2) relative to the central body (12), the proximal part (14-1) being formed by an elastic loop attached to the central body (12) and the distal part (14-2) by an elastic anchoring member (14-2) attached to the elastic loop (14-1).

2. Intraocular implant (10) according to claim 1 wherein the elastic anchoring member (14-2) comprises an elongated base (14-3) attached to the elastic loop (14-1) as well as a top (14-4).

3. An intraocular implant (10) according to claim 2 wherein the cross-section of the end of the base (14-3) which is closer to the apex (14-4) is larger than the cross-section of the end of the base (14-3) which is closer to the elastic loop (14-1).

4. An intraocular implant (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3 wherein at least one apex (14-4) is oriented generally perpendicular to the base (14-3) and / or curved at the end towards the central body (12) or the apex (14-4) is rounded towards the central body (12).

5. Intraocular implant (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the width (L1) of the elastic loop (14-1) is greater than the width (L2) of the top (14-4) of the elastic anchoring member (14-2).

6. An intraocular implant (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the base (14-3) of the elastic anchoring member (14-2) is centrally attached relative to the elastic loop (14-1).

7. Intraocular implant (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the apex (14-4) of the elastic anchoring member (14-2) is made in the form of a loop, in particular oblong.

8. Intraocular implant (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the apex (14-4) of the elastic anchoring member (14-2) has for example at least one leg extending from the elongated base, such as two legs extending on either side of the elongated base.

9. Intraocular implant (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one leg comprises through or blind grooves or holes (14-5).

10. Intraocular implant (10) according to one of the preceding claims in which the central body (12) of generally toric shape has, in a cross section, a general "V" shape having a flattened base (12-1) and the opening of the branches (12-2, 12-3) of which is directed towards the center (C) of the central body (12), the anterior branch (12-2) intended to be closest to the cornea in the implanted state having a washer shape (12-4) and the posterior branch (12-3) intended to be furthest from the cornea in the implanted state having a perforated bowl shape (12-6).

11. Intraocular implant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 in which the central body (12) of generally toric shape has, in a cross section, a general "U" shape having a flattened base (12-1) and the opening of the branches (12-2, 12-3) of which is directed towards the center (C) of the central body (12), the anterior branch (12-2) intended to be closest to the cornea in the implanted state having a washer shape (12-4), the posterior branch (12-3) intended to be furthest from the cornea in the implanted state having a washer shape (12-4).

12. An intraocular implant (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the elastic loop (14-1) comprises two attachment branches (14-1a) to the central body (12) and an elastic beam (14-1b) connecting the two attachment branches (14-1a), the elastic beam (14-1b) being set back relative to the attachment branches (14-1a), the distal portion (14-2) of the attachment (14-4) being arranged at the elastic beam (14-1b).

13. Intraocular implant (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the attachment branches (14-1 a) are inscribed in a circular shape.

14. Intraocular implant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the at least two attachments (14) makes an angle (a) of less than 90° with a plane in which an anterior portion (12-4) of the central body (12) extends.

15. Intraocular implant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a vertex (14-4) of the elastic anchoring member (14-2) of the distal part (4-2) extends in a plane making an angle (P) less than 90° with a plane parallel to that in which an anterior part (12-4) of the central body (12) extends.

16. An intraocular implant (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein it comprises two attachments or two pairs of attachments (14), two attachments (14) being respectively diametrically opposed.

17. An intraocular implant (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the central body (12) has at least one or more radial notches (12-10).

18. Intraocular implant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central body (12) is at least partially colored, in particular on the surface of the posterior part (12-8) or in the mass.

19. An intraocular implant (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the intraocular implant (10) further comprises an electronic component (16, 18), in particular a sensor and / or a communication antenna, integrated by overmolding to the central body (12).

20. Treatment kit (30) for compensating for a dislocation or absence of the lens of the eye, characterized in that it comprises an intraocular implant injector (32) and an intraocular implant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, preloaded in a receiving chamber (34) of the intraocular implant injector (32).

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