Magnetic device for ophthalmic surgery

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an ophthalmic magnetic surgery device. The device includes a magnetic body having an arcuate surface and configured to be intrinsically placed behind a patient's eye. The magnetic body is typically covered with an inert coating. The device further includes an attachment device having an arcuate radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the magnetic body. The attachment device is coupled to the magnetic body and has at least one opening disposed along a circumference of the magnetic body, the at least one opening configured to receive a suture for attaching the magnetic body adjacent a posterior portion of the eye.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] [Related Applications]

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 311,712, filed February 18, 2022, by Emmetrope Ophthalmics LLC, entitled “Ocular Surgical Magnet Apparatus,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. [Technical field]

[0002] This document relates to magnetic surgical devices configured to position a magnetic body behind or within a patient's eye. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] The delivery of cells to target tissues throughout the body has therapeutic promise, and there is a need in the art for improved processes and devices to aid in such delivery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 311,712 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a magnetic surgical device comprising: a magnetic body having an arcuate surface and configured to be intrinsically placed behind a patient's eye, the arcuate surface being between 1 and 400 mm. 2a magnetic body having an area in the range of; an inert coating disposed about the magnet; an attachment device having an arcuate radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the magnetic body, the attachment device further comprising at least one opening coupled to the magnetic body and disposed along a circumference of the magnetic body, the at least one opening configured to receive a suture for attaching the magnetic body adjacent a posterior portion of the eye; an arm having a first end coupled to the magnetic body and a second end of the arm opposite the first end of the arm; and a handle coupled to the second end of the arm, the handle configured to position the magnetic body behind the eye of a patient.

[0006]

[0005] In some embodiments, the arcuate surface has a first arcuate line taken along a first direction of the precision surface and a second arcuate line taken along a second direction perpendicular to the first arcuate line to form a concave surface configured to adjacently and matingly connect with the posterior surface of the eye.

[0007]

[0006] In certain embodiments, the magnetic body has arcuate surfaces in orthogonal directions to form a concave surface configured to adjacently and matingly couple to the posterior surface of the eye.

[0008] In some magnetic surgical devices, the arcuate radius of the attachment device is substantially equal to the arcuate radius of the magnetic body.

[0009]

[0008] In certain magnetic surgical devices, the arm is releasably coupled to the magnetic body and is configured to position the magnet behind the eye and then be released from the magnetic body and removed from behind the eye leaving the magnet in place behind the eye.

[0010]

[0009] In some embodiments, the arm is permanently connected to the magnetic body and is configured to position the magnet behind the eye and then be removed from behind the eye together with the magnetic body.

[0011] In some magnetic surgical devices, the at least one opening comprises a first opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body and a second opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body opposite the first opening. In some embodiments, the first opening and the second opening are formed as a loop coupled to the magnetic body. In some embodiments, the magnetic body has a diameter or length in the range of 1-20 mm.

[0012] Some magnetic surgical devices have a magnetic body that comprises a rare earth magnet or an electromagnet.

[0013] Another aspect relates to a magnetic surgical device comprising a magnetic body configured to be intrinsically placed within a patient's body and an attachment device coupled to the magnetic body. In some embodiments, the magnetic body is configured to be intrinsically placed behind a patient's eye. A particular magnetic body comprises an arcuate surface. In a particular embodiment, the arcuate surface comprises a first arcuate line taken along a first direction of the precision surface and a second arcuate line taken along a second direction orthogonal to the first arcuate line to form a concave surface configured to adjacently matingly couple to a posterior surface of the eye.

[0014]

[0013] Certain magnetic bodies have arcuate surfaces in orthogonal directions to form a concave surface configured to adjacently matingly couple to the posterior surface of the eye, and in some embodiments, the attachment device has an arcuate radius of curvature substantially equal to the concave surface of the magnetic body.

[0015]

[0014] Some attachment devices include an arm having a first end connected to the magnetic body and a handle connected to a second end of the arm opposite the first end of the arm, the handle being configured to position the magnetic body behind the eye.

[0016]

[0015] In certain embodiments, the arm is releasably coupled to the magnetic body and is configured to position the magnet behind the eye and then be released from the magnetic body and removed from behind the eye leaving the magnet in place behind the eye.

[0017]

[0016] In certain embodiments, the arm is permanently connected to the magnetic body and is configured to position the magnet behind the eye and then be removed from behind the eye together with the magnetic body.

[0018]

[0017] Certain attachment devices include at least one opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body, the at least one opening configured to receive a suture for connecting the magnetic body adjacent to a posterior portion of the eye. In some embodiments, the at least one opening includes a first opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body and a second opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body opposite the first opening. In certain embodiments, the first opening and the second opening are formed as a loop connected to the magnetic body.

[0019] Some magnetic bodies have a diameter or length in the range of 5 to 20 mm. In a particular embodiment, the magnetic body has a diameter or length in the range of 25 to 400 mm. 2 The arcuate surface has an area in the range of

[0020] Some magnetic bodies include rare earth magnets or electromagnets.

[0021] In some embodiments, the magnetic body comprises an inert coating disposed around the magnet.

[0022]

[0021] These and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the accompanying claims, if any.

[0023]

[0022] The drawings depict certain non-limiting embodiments and implementations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a representation of a frontal lateral view of a person or patient, centered on the patient's left eye. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view perpendicular to the field of view shown in FIG. 1A and taken along section line 1B shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1C is another cross-sectional side view representation of a patient's eye and eye socket, similar to that shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient's eye shown without the context of the surrounding eye socket or other structures and tissues. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a perspective view of a magnetic body. [Figure 3B] 3B shows a perspective view of another non-limiting example of a magnetic body similar to that of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] 3C illustrates a top view of another non-limiting example of a magnetic body similar to the magnetic body of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4A] Shown is a cross-sectional side view of the entire eye with the lens to the left and the optic nerve to the right, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the posterior portion of the eye showing further detail of the macula and fovea. [Figure 4B] Further shown is a magnetic surgical device that is to be placed within the patient and behind or adjacent to the area or tissue to be treated, such as the patient's eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025]

[0032] Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention described herein are to be understood as merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention, and references to details of the illustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

[0026]

[0033] Detailed aspects and applications of the disclosure are described below in the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the technology. Unless otherwise noted, the words and phrases in the specification and claims are to be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art.

[0027]

[0034] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. It should be noted that there are many different alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed technology can be applied. The full scope of the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the examples described below.

[0028]

[0035] The terms "exemplary," "embodiment," or various forms of these terms are used herein to mean serving as an embodiment, example, or illustration. Any aspect or design described as "exemplary" or as an "embodiment" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, the examples are provided for clarity and understanding only and are not intended to limit or constrain in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure. It should be understood that numerous additional or alternative embodiments of differing scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0029]

[0036] When a range of values ​​is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment by use of the antecedent "about." All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0030]

[0037] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprises" and "including" and variations of these words, such as "comprises" and "comprising," mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other elements.

[0031]

[0038] This specification includes detailed embodiments of the present disclosure as necessary. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure that can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in this specification should not be interpreted as limitations, but merely as a basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure. The following specific examples may allow the disclosure to be more fully understood. However, they are merely provided as guidance and do not imply any limitations.

[0032]

[0039] The present disclosure will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or illustrated herein, and that the terminology used herein is intended to describe specific embodiments by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention as set forth in the claims. As used herein, the term "plurality" means more than one. When a range of values ​​is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment by use of "about." All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0033]

[0040] The present disclosure, its aspects, and its implementations are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. It is contemplated that many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art may be used with specific implementations from the present disclosure. Thus, for example, even if a specific implementation is disclosed, such implementations and implementation components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or the like known in the art for such systems and implementation components that are not inconsistent with the intended operation.

[0034]

[0041] While the disclosure may include embodiments in many different forms, certain embodiments have been shown in the drawings and are described in detail herein, with the understanding that the disclosure should be considered as illustrative of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and that it is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments depicted.

[0035]

[0042] All amounts, ratios, and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated. The singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are equivalent to "a," "one," and "the," each of which refers to one or more, unless otherwise indicated by the context of the specification. Thus, for example, reference to "a process" includes reference to one or more of such processes.

[0036]

[0043] The disclosure of a range includes the range itself as well as any subsumed therein, including the endpoints. For example, a disclosure of a range of 2.0 to 4.0 includes not only the range 2.0 to 4.0, but also 2.1, 2.3, 3.4, 3.5, and 4.0 individually, as well as any other numbers subsumed within the range. Furthermore, a disclosure of a range, for example, 2.0 to 4.0, also includes subsets such as 2.1 to 3.5, 2.3 to 3.4, 2.6 to 3.7, and 3.8 to 4.0, as well as any other subsets subsumed within the range. As used herein, "about," "approximately," and "substantially" mean within a percentage difference of 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% or less. Similarly, a disclosure of a Markush group includes the group as a whole as well as any individual members and subgroups subsumed within the group.

[0037]

[0044] The present disclosure provides systems and devices for using a magnet placed inside a patient to attract and orient magnetic cells 200, including placing a magnetic surgical device 135 behind the patient's eye 10, for example adjacent to the posterior portion of the patient's eye 10. The placement of the magnet may be spatially separated and independent from the injection of new cells, yet overlapped in time, allowing the positioned magnet and magnetic field 180 to orient and position the magnetic cells 200 at a desired location.

[0038]

[0045] Included in the drawings is a representation of a front side view of a person or patient, centered on the patient's left eye 10. The patient depicted in FIG. 1A is a human patient, but other animal patients may also benefit from the ophthalmic surgical magnet apparatus disclosed herein. FIG. 1A further illustrates that an incision 20 may be made in the skin around the eye 10, such as through the skin above or below the outer portion of the eye 10, or under the eyelid, entering the conjunctiva. Other incision sites may be selected based on the location of the ophthalmic magnet apparatus and the portion of the eye 10 to be treated.

[0039]

[0046] Included in the drawings is Figure 1B, a cross-sectional side view perpendicular to the field of view shown in Figure 1A and taken along section line 1B shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1B shows additional features of eye 10, including ciliary body 30, conjunctiva 40, anterior chamber 50, cornea 60, iris 70, lens 80, orbit 90, optic nerve 100, retina 110, choroid 120, and sclera 130.

[0040]

[0047] Included in the drawings is Figure 2A, which is another cross-sectional side view of a patient's eye 10 and eye socket similar to that shown in Figure 1B. Figure 2A differs from Figure 1B in that it shows magnetic surgical device 130 positioning a magnetic body 140 behind a patient's eye 10 where no magnet was previously placed. The magnetic body 140 is shown being placed by an arm 160 of magnetic surgical device 135 to which the magnetic body 140 is coupled, which extends through an incision in the skin and around a desired portion of the patient's eye 10. The arm 160 and magnetic body 140 can be steered and positioned by a handle 150 coupled to the arm 160.

[0041]

[0048] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a patient's eye 10 shown without the context of the surrounding eye socket or other structures and tissues. Similar to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B shows (but with a larger magnification) a magnetic surgical device 135 positioning a magnetic body 140 at the back or posterior portion of the patient's eye 10, such as over the macula or in areas where retinal cells have deteriorated, been damaged, or are otherwise not functioning properly and are to be replaced or augmented with new magnetic stem cells 200. FIG. 2B further shows a catheter 170 that may be used to place new magnetic stem cells at or near the site of the damaged retina. In some embodiments, the catheter 170 has a connection to a pump 210. FIG. 2B also shows a sclerotomy and choroidal fistula 220, a subretinal cannulation 230, and a Healon lifter retina 240. The magnetic body 140 may be positioned prior to placement of the new magnetic cells 200 to aid in positioning and alignment of the magnetic cells 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, the magnetic body 140 may create a magnetic field 180 that draws the magnetic cells 200 to a desired location. The size, shape, location, and orientation of the magnetic body 140 may be configured to match or approximate the size, shape, location, and orientation of the damaged portion of the eye 10 and of the area where the new magnetic cells 200 are to be positioned.

[0042]

[0049] 2B thus illustrates a magnetic surgical device 135 having a magnetic body 140. The magnetic body 140 has an arcuate surface and is configured to be placed intrinsically behind a patient's eye 10, the arcuate surface being between 1 and 400 mm. 2 Or 25~400mm 2 or 1-25mm if the treatment area is narrow or small. 2A degree of adhesion is desired. The magnetic surgical device 135 includes an inert coating disposed around the magnet. The magnetic surgical device 135 includes an attachment device having an arcuate radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the magnetic body 140. The attachment device further includes at least one opening coupled to the magnetic body 140 and disposed along a circumference of the magnetic body 140, the at least one opening configured to receive a suture 190 for attaching the magnetic body 140 adjacent to the posterior of the eye 10. The magnetic surgical device 135 includes an arm 160 having a first end coupled to the magnetic body 140 and a second end of the arm 160 opposite the first end of the arm 160. The magnetic surgical device 135 may include a handle 150 coupled to the second end of the arm 160 and configured to position the magnetic body 140 behind the patient's eye 10.

[0043]

[0050] The arcuate surface of the magnetic body 140 comprises a first arcuate line taken along a first direction of the precision surface and a second arcuate line taken along a second direction perpendicular to the first arcuate line to form a concave surface configured to adjacently matably couple to the posterior surface of the eye 10. The magnetic body 140 may comprise an arcuate surface in an orthogonal direction to form a concave surface configured to adjacently matably couple to the posterior surface of the eye 10. The arcuate radius of curvature of the attachment device may be substantially equal to the arcuate radius of curvature of the magnetic body 140. The arm 160 may be releasably coupled to the magnetic body 140 and configured to position the magnet behind the eye 10 and subsequently be released from the magnetic body 140 and removed from behind the eye 10 leaving the magnet behind the eye 10. The arm 160 may be permanently connected to the magnetic body 140 and configured to position the magnet behind the eye 10 and then be removed from behind the eye 10 together with the magnetic body 140.

[0044]

[0051] The at least one opening may comprise a first opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body 140 and a second opening disposed along a periphery of the magnetic body 140 on an opposite side to the first opening. The first and second openings may be formed as a loop connected to the magnetic body 140. The magnetic body 140 may have a diameter or length in the range of 1-20 mm, 5-20 mm, or 1-5 mm for smaller treatment areas. The magnetic body 140 may comprise a rare earth magnet or an electromagnet.

[0045]

[0052] The fixed / rare earth magnets, electromagnets, or superconducting magnets may have sufficient magnetic field density uniformity and magnetic field gradient to orient the cells and hold the cells in place. The details of the magnetic field strength may vary depending on the needs, so a stronger magnetic field / gradient may be used when the magnet needs to act over a larger distance over a larger area or surface of the damaged cells, and a weaker magnetic field / gradient may be used when the magnet can be localized closer to the implanted particles and / or the target tissue. The magnetic cells 200 may be oriented with a first magnetic field of a first strength to the target tissue, and the magnetic field 180 may then be modulated (or thereabouts) to refine the movement of the cells and shape the tissue. Rather than using a strong first magnetic field to move the cells, the magnetic field 180 may be modulated to a second magnetic field of a second strength weaker than the first strength to simply hold the cells in the desired location until the desired cell adhesion is achieved.

[0046]

[0053] The magnetic field 180 may also be modulated by activating different zones, portions, or areas of the magnet or magnetic body 140 to promote migration movement of cells to specific areas. Cell migration may be directed in real time while observing cell placement, such as when the cells include visual markers and are visually observed during placement. Cell placement may also be observed or monitored indirectly or in any other suitable manner. In some cases, multiple layers or stacks of cells may be placed with a delay between each stacking step, allowing time for the first layer to adhere, and then adding a subsequent second (or any number, or 1+nth) cell layer, etc. In some cases, the first and subsequent cell layers have the same or similar footprint, while in other cases the subsequent cell layers may have different footprints or contain different cell types.

[0047]

[0054] The magnetic material 140 can be placed inside the patient rather than being applied externally, such as by applying a magnet as a patch from the outside of the eyelid to the surface of the eye with the magnet centered over the cornea (thus driving, pushing or pushing the magnetic cells 200, such as magnetic human corneal endothelial cells suspended in the anterior chamber, towards the endothelium). The magnetic material 140 would be placed inside the patient and proximate to the area to be treated, such as within the patient's eye socket or at the back of the eye 10 (so as to attract or draw the magnetic cells 200 to a desired location on or under the neural retina of the eye 10).

[0048]

[0055] The magnetic material 140 can be left in place for a desired length of time during which the cells begin to attach, bind, attach, or grow into place. For example, the magnet may be left in place for 5 minutes to 7 days, and in some cases more typically 1 hour to 3 days. The magnetic field 180 assists in attaching the donor nanoparticle-bound cells (such as photoreceptor cells or retinal pigment epithelial cells or stem cells) to the host / patient vitreous or subretinal Bruch's membrane surface, after which there is no need for additional magnetic field 180 application once natural cell attachment has occurred. The internal magnet may be removed.

[0049]

[0056] For applications in which cells are not drawn and held in place, some non-adherent cells can be eliminated, thereby reducing the number of non-adherent cells that would otherwise die and remain free-floating or localized away from the desired binding site.

[0050]

[0057] Over time, the nanoparticles on the surface of the donor cells are degraded from the surface by natural proteolytic mechanisms and washed into the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber. Similarly, over time, the intracellular nanoparticles inside the donor cells are released from the cells by natural mechanisms and washed into the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber. The small size of the magnetic particles would allow them to drain through the veins, or through the lymphatics, or through the trabecular meshwork and other natural drainage pathways without clogging these pathways or increasing intraocular pressure. Delivery of magnetic cells 200 to the inner retinal surface for retinal cell therapy should allow improved retinal function and removal of associated fluids from the cell injection. The retina will then be more functional thanks to the prevention or replacement or both of loss of retinal cells or retinal pigment epithelium or any combination of these cell types, thereby improving the patient's vision, reducing edema, and reducing pain typically associated with edematous tissues or organs.

[0051]

[0058] Included in the drawings is FIG. 3A, which shows a perspective view of the magnetic body 140 with the concave surface or back side of the magnetic body 140 facing up or toward the viewer, the concave surface being sized to matingly couple with the outer curvature of the patient's eye 10. If the magnetic body 140 is configured to matingly couple with other tissue structures, the mating surface of the magnetic body 140 may be adapted accordingly. FIG. 3A also shows a number of attachment devices 135 coupled to the magnetic body 140. There may be two, three, four, several dozen, one to a hundred, or any desired number of attachment devices that include loops, rings, or openings configured to receive sutures for stitching to connect the magnetic body 140 to the patient.

[0052]

[0059] Included in the drawings is Figure 3B, which shows a perspective view of another non-limiting example of a magnetic body 140 similar to the magnetic body 140 of Figure 3A. The magnetic body 140 of Figure 3B differs from the magnetic body 140 of Figure 3A in that it shows the attachment device 135 formed as an opening within the outer periphery of the magnetic body 140.

[0053]

[0060] FIG. 3C, included in the drawings, shows a top view of another non-limiting embodiment of a magnetic body 140 similar to the magnetic body 140 of FIG. 3B, showing an attachment device 135 formed as four elongated openings arranged around and offset within the outer periphery of the magnetic body 140, although any desired number of openings can be present.

[0054]

[0061] Included in the drawings is Figure 3B, which shows a perspective view of another non-limiting example of a magnetic body 140 similar to the magnetic body 140 of Figure 3A. The magnetic body 140 of Figure 3B differs from the magnetic body 140 of Figure 3A in that it shows the attachment device 135 formed as an opening within the outer periphery of the magnetic body 140.

[0055]

[0062] FIG. 3C, included in the drawings, shows a top view of another non-limiting embodiment of a magnetic body 140 similar to the magnetic body 140 of FIG. 3B, showing an attachment device 135 formed as four elongated openings arranged around and offset within the outer periphery of the magnetic body 140, although any desired number of openings can be present.

[0056]

[0063] Included in the drawings is Figure 4A, which shows a cross-sectional side view 250 of the entire eye 10 with the lens 80 to the left and the optic nerve 100 to the right, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the posterior portion of the eye 10 depicting further details of the macula and fovea 360. Figure 4A also shows (not shown to scale) a magnetic surgical device 135 coupled to the posterior portion of the sclera 130, behind the retina 110, to provide a magnetic field 180 that directs the placement of newly inserted magnetic cells 200, such as RPE cells or photoreceptor cells or retinal ganglion cells or stem cells.

[0057]

[0064] 4A further illustrates a magnetic surgical device 135 positioned within the patient and behind the eye 10 to attract the new cells to a desired location within the eye 10, such as near or behind the fovea 360. In other cases, the magnetic surgical device 135 may be positioned at the retina 110 or positioned away from (or offset laterally from) the fovea 360 at or near the macula, thus avoiding introducing the new cells (e.g., by catheter 170 or cannula) in a manner or in a delicate location that may damage the patient's vision and eyesight. In any case, placement may be determined according to the patient's needs, the desired patient outcome, and the acceptable risks. In some cases, but not limited to, the magnetic surgical device 135 may be positioned at the retina 110 or at or near the macula away from (or offset laterally from) the fovea 360, thereby improving the patient's vision without the risk of inserting cells near the fovea 360 or other delicate or vulnerable structures that could potentially be damaged, such as the fovea 360.

[0058]

[0065] Additional features shown in FIG. 4A include neurons 260, ganglia 270, inner plexiform layer 280, inner nuclear layer 290, photoreceptors 300, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) 310, introduced new cells 320, capillaries 330, choroid 340, optical release 350, and Bruch's membrane 370.

[0059]

[0066] FIG. 4B, included in the drawings, further illustrates the magnetic surgical device 135 to be placed inside the patient and on or adjacent to the back surface of the area or tissue to be treated, such as the patient's eye 10. The magnetic surgical device 135 is positioned by maneuvering the attached arm 160, which may subsequently be removed or detached after placement (release 380). After removal of the arm 160 (revealing the detached arm 400), the magnetic body 140 may remain until the desired attachment of new magnetic cells 200 is achieved. After the desired attachment is achieved, the magnetic body 140 may remain in situ or alternatively may be removed by reattaching the arm 160, disengaging the attachment device 135, and removing the magnetic body 140. If the magnet is small and is to be placed, the placed magnet may be a battery-powered electromagnet that operates as a magnet when the battery runs out and ceases to generate the magnetic field 180 or after a desired period of time.

[0060]

[0067] The attachment device 135 may comprise any suitable attachment configuration including one or more of the following: (i) openings, rings, or loops for sutures; (ii) adhesive; and (iii) retractable teeth, tines, barbs, hook fasteners, or prongs that can be housed within the magnetic body 140 and actuated by mechanical (twisting or engaging a button or lever) or electromechanical motion, etc., with or through the arm 160. When the attachment device 135 selected comprises an adhesive, the adhesive may be covered with a release surface 390 of a backing or inert material that can protect the adhesive until the magnetic body 140 is in proximity to the treatment site. The backing thus protects the adhesive during positioning of the magnetic body 140, and can then be removed using a removal device such as a line or string. In other cases, the adhesive may be uncoated but positioned so that it does not bind to the treatment site until activated by moisture, temperature, magnetic field 180, or other suitable stimulus, such as a stimulus delivered by magnetic surgical device 135, a stimulus delivered from outside magnetic surgical device 135, or a stimulus delivered by a substance at or near the treatment site.

[0061]

[0068] It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, but that substantially any components may be utilized that are not inconsistent with the intended operation of the method and / or system implementations for such embodiments. Thus, for example, while examples of specific components may be disclosed, such components may be configured in any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measure, density, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like that are not inconsistent with the intended purpose, method, and / or system of the implementation. Where the above description refers to a particular implementation or embodiment, it will be readily apparent that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit thereof, and that these principles and modifications may be applied to other such embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0062]

[0069] It is contemplated that many additional types of materials, components, methods, and procedures known in the art may be used with particular implementations from this disclosure. Thus, for example, even if a particular implementation is disclosed, such implementations and implementation components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or the like known in the art for such systems and implementation components that are not inconsistent with the intended operation.

[0063]

[0070] Many additional embodiments are possible, and further embodiments are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 eyes 20 incision 30 Ciliary body 40 Conjunctiva 50 Anterior chamber 60 Cornea 70 Iris 80 crystalline lens 90 Orbital 100 Optic Nerve 110 Retina 120 Choroid 130 Sclera 135 Magnetic surgery device, attachment device 140 Magnetic material 150 Handle 160 Arm 170 Catheter 180 Magnetic field 190 Sutures 200 new magnetic cells 210 Pump 220 Scleral incision and choroidal fistula 230 Subretinal Cannulation 240 Healon lifter retina 250 Cross-sectional side view of the entire eye 260 Neurons 270 Ganglia 280 Inner plexiform layer 290 Inner nuclear layer 300 Photoreceptors 310 Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) 320 New Cells 330 Capillaries 340 Choroid 350 Optical Release 360 fovea 370 Bruch's membrane 380 Release 390 Peeling surface 400 Detachable Arm

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic surgical device comprising: a magnetic body configured to be intrinsically placed behind a patient's eye, the magnetic body having a concave arcuate surface configured to conform to a posterior surface of the eye; an inert coating disposed around the magnetic body; an attachment device coupled to the magnetic body, the attachment device including: (i) an arm and a handle configured to position the magnetic body behind the eye; and (ii) at least one suture-receiving portion coupled adjacent to the periphery of the magnetic body; A magnetic surgical device comprising:

2. 1. A magnetic surgical device comprising: a magnetic body configured to be intrinsically placed behind a patient's eye, the magnetic body having an arcuate surface configured to conform to a posterior surface of the eye; an attachment device coupled to the magnetic body, the attachment device including an arm with a handle, the arm configured to position the magnetic body behind the eye; A magnetic surgical device comprising:

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The apparatus wherein the arcuate surface has curvature in two orthogonal directions.

4. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The deposition device includes an arcuate portion having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the arcuate surface.

5. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, The suture-receiving portion is disposed adjacent the periphery of the magnetic body and includes at least one opening configured to receive a suture.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, The at least one opening comprises a first opening and a second opening disposed opposite the first opening.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, The apparatus, wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed as a loop coupled to the magnetic body.

8. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The device, wherein the arm is releasably coupled to the magnetic body and is configured to be removed while leaving the magnetic body in place behind the eye.

9. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The arm is permanently coupled to the magnetic body.

10. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The magnetic body has a diameter or length in the range of 1 to 20 mm.

11. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The apparatus, wherein the magnetic body comprises a rare earth magnet or an electromagnet.

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