Ophthalmic Devices

Abstract

An ophthalmic device is provided that includes a cannula having a cannula distal end, a lumen, and at least one fluid outlet. The cannula is configured to deliver a fluid. A sleeve is disposed about the cannula, the sleeve having a distal end. A handle is coupled to the sleeve and the cannula, the handle having an actuator. An internal mechanism is coupled to the actuator, the internal mechanism being configured to retract the sleeve relative to the cannula.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 136,031, entitled "OPHTHALMIC DEVICE," filed January 11, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and procedures, and more particularly to ophthalmic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Glaucoma is a disease resulting from elevated intraocular eye pressure (IOP). IOP can increase when the eye's natural drainage (e.g., drainage of ocular humus) is impeded, reduced, or otherwise obstructed. The chamber in front of (e.g., immediately above) the eye's lens is filled with a viscous fluid called aqueous humor. The continuous flow of aqueous humor within the eye provides nutrients to the avascular portions of the eye (e.g., the cornea and lens). This flow also removes waste (e.g., foreign debris) from these tissues. In a healthy eye, as new aqueous humor is secreted from the epithelial cells of the ciliary body, a stream of aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal. From Schlemm's canal, the drained aqueous humor enters the venous flow and is carried along with venous blood leaving the eye. When the eye's natural drainage mechanisms (e.g., Schlemm's canal and / or trabecular meshwork) no longer function properly, IOP begins to increase. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ophthalmic device having a distal tip for delivering fluid to the eye.

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ophthalmic device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the distal end of an example ophthalmic device having an inner cannula surrounded by a sleeve according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the distal end of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 2 with an inner cannula protruding from the sleeve, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an example ophthalmic device showing an inner cannula protruding from a sleeve, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The following detailed description is exemplary and explanatory only and is not intended to limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, where a process, method, article, or device comprising recited elements not only includes those elements but may also include other elements not expressly recited or inherent in such process, method, article, or device. Furthermore, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "example" rather than "ideal." As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and "nearly" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 5% of the stated value. The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is furthest from a user when the device is introduced into a subject's body. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to a user when the device is placed in a subject's body.

[0007] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology are now disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and in modified forms depending on the desired application or implementation.

[0008] The embodiments discussed below relate to medical devices, such as ophthalmic devices, configured for use in the treatment of glaucoma or other ocular conditions, and related methods of use. According to some embodiments, the ophthalmic device may have a distal end including a cannula. The cannula may include an inner lumen and one or more outlet orifices configured to deliver a viscoelastic fluid or other substance into a target site in a patient, such as Schlemm's canal.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the distal end of the cannula may include a collar disposed about an outer surface of the cannula. The collar may be configured to interact with intraocular tissue within the aqueous humor outflow pathway of the patient's eye to facilitate positioning of the cannula or to facilitate fluid transport relative to the eye. For example, the collar may include a radially protruding lip that is fixed or movable to a position proximal to the orifice of the cannula to provide a structure that facilitates positioning the orifice in or near Schlemm's canal.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the collar may be implemented as part of a retractable sleeve. The sleeve may be disposed around the cannula and configured to retract relative to the cannula, thereby pulling on patient tissue by a suction effect. For example, operation of a button or other actuator component disposed on the handle of the device may be configured to retract the sleeve, pulling the trabecular meshwork around the cannula, penetrating the meshwork with the cannula and opening Schlemm's canal to facilitate fluid delivery therethrough.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the mechanism may be configured to retract the sleeve or otherwise move a component of the ocular device with a relatively quick, sharp snap action. Such action may, for example, facilitate aspirating and penetrating patient tissue with the cannula. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanism may operate a pump to inject fluid or a substance through the cannula in coordination with the retraction of the sleeve.

[0012] These and other embodiments are discussed below in connection with the specific examples shown in Figures 1-11. However, those skilled in the art will recognize various modifications and alternative applications. Accordingly, the detailed description provided with respect to these figures and the description provided above should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve to explain various concepts associated with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a medical device, and more particularly, an example of an ophthalmic device 10. In the illustrated example, the ophthalmic device 10 is configured as a medical or minimally invasive surgical instrument configured to interact with ocular tissue to facilitate the injection of a substance into Schlemm's canal or other intraocular site of a patient's eye. However, while the examples herein are described with reference to ophthalmic instruments and procedures, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the ophthalmic device 10 may be readily applied or adapted to a variety of other applications, both medical and non-medical. These may include, for example, other medical procedures involving interaction with patient tissue other than the patient's eye, and other non-medical applications involving the injection or delivery of fluids.

[0014] 1 , an ocular device 10 may include a handle 20 coupled to an ocular component 30. The ocular component 30 is generally configured to interact with ocular tissue and / or to be inserted into an intraocular cavity, such as the anterior chamber of a patient's eye. The ocular component 30 may be configured to facilitate fluid delivery, tissue manipulation, and / or other interaction with the patient's eye.

[0015] As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the ocular component 30 may include an elongated tubular member that protrudes from the distal end of the handle 20 and defines a central longitudinal axis X. The ocular component 30 may have a working length L and a diameter that allows for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye through a corneal incision or other incision in a patient's eye. The working length L, as described herein, may be defined as the exposed length or distance of the ocular component 30 that protrudes from the handle 20, extending from the distal end of the handle 20 to the distal end of the ocular component 30. The working length L may, for example, range between about 16 millimeters (mm) and 40 mm, or more specifically, about 18 mm, although it is contemplated that other dimensions deviating from these examples may be suitable in various implementations. The diameter may vary along or be constant throughout the working length L, and may be, for example, in the range of about 100 micrometers (μm) to 1000 μm, or more particularly about 700 μm, although it is contemplated that other dimensions outside these examples may be suitable in various implementations. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the ocular component 30 may be implemented in a linear geometry (defining a linear central axis X), or the ocular component 30 may be implemented in a curved and / or bent geometry.

[0016] With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the handle 20 may be implemented as the main body of the ophthalmic device 10 and may be configured to be manipulated by the hand of a user or other operator. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the handle 20 may be implemented as an elongated tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. This may allow a surgeon to easily grasp or manipulate the handle 20, for example, by gripping it like a pencil, although it is contemplated that the handle 20 may be implemented with other shapes and configurations, such as a pistol-shaped configuration and / or a finger loop. The outer surface of the handle 20 may include a grip 40 having a contoured shape and / or textured surface (e.g., knurled, ribbed, or other surface texture) to allow a user to easily grip the handle 20. Implementations in which the outer surface of the handle 20 has a straight, uncontoured shape and / or a smooth outer surface are also contemplated.

[0017] The handle 20 may include or be coupled to an actuator 50. The actuator 50 may be coupled to one or more moving parts of the ocular device 10 to provide one or more operating functions that facilitate the performance of an ophthalmic procedure using the device. For example, the actuator 50 may be configured to move one or more parts of the ocular component 30 independently from the handle 20 and / or to move two or more moving parts of the ocular component 30 independently from each other. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator 50 may be configured to actuate a pump, plunger, and / or compression mechanism for transporting fluid through the ocular component 30. The actuator 50 may be configured to move such parts directly or via an internal mechanism disposed within the handle 20, for example.

[0018] 1 , the actuator 50 is implemented as or otherwise includes a mechanical push button disposed on the handle 20 and movable between an undepressed position and a depressed position. While the push button is shown disposed on the side of the handle 20, this may facilitate actuation by a surgeon or other user using their thumb and / or index finger, for example, when the user's hand grasps the handle 20 during a procedure. Additionally or alternatively, implementations are contemplated in which the push button is disposed elsewhere, such as at the proximal end of the handle. Instead of or in addition to a push button, implementations are also contemplated in which the actuator 38 includes a slider, roller wheel, squeeze valve, and / or any other suitable mechanism operable by a user or other operator to actuate a moving part of the ophthalmic device 10.

[0019] 2 and 3 are enlarged views of an example ocular component 30 that may be included in the ocular device 10. Figures 2 and 3 show a distal portion 60 of the ocular component 30 as shown in Figure 1.

[0020] 2 and 3, the ocular component 30 includes a cannula 32 and a sleeve 34 (sometimes referred to herein as a "sheath"). The sleeve 34 is disposed around the cannula 32, and the cannula 32 is disposed within the sleeve 34. The cannula 32 and the sleeve 34 may each be implemented, for example, as a substantially tubular component, in which case the cannula 32 is disposed coaxially with the sleeve 34, and both the cannula 32 and the sleeve 34 are disposed about a central axis X. The cannula 32 and / or the sleeve 34 may each have, for example, an operating length equal to the operating length L of the ocular component 30.

[0021] The cannula 32 and the sleeve 34 may be configured for relative movement with respect to one another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cannula 32 and the sleeve 34 may be movable with respect to one another between a first configuration (shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the distal end of the cannula 32 is substantially covered or surrounded by the sleeve 34, and a second configuration (shown in FIG. 3 ) in which the distal end of the cannula 32 protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve 34. The relative movement may be achieved, for example, by proximal retraction of the sleeve 34 independent of the cannula 32 and the handle 20 and / or by distal deployment of the cannula 32 independent of the sleeve 34 and the handle 20. An actuator 50 may be operatively coupled to the cannula 32 and / or the sleeve 34 to move the cannula 32 and / or the sleeve 34 relative to fixed components of the handle 20.

[0022] The cannula 32 may be configured to deliver fluids or other substances. For example, the cannula 32 may be configured to inject a viscoelastic fluid, such as sodium hyaluronate or chondroitin sulfate. Viscoelastic fluids are very soft, gel-like substances that help to dilate tissue structures and separate them, reopening or widening the aqueous humor flow path and providing sufficient space for proper drainage and intraocular pressure relief. The viscoelastic fluid may also dilate bleeding structures and separate them, thereby clearing obstructions to the field of view and improving visualization. It is also contemplated that the cannula 32 may be utilized to deliver stem cells, drugs, gases (e.g., SF6 or C3F8), and / or dyes (e.g., trypan blue dye). Injected stem cells may, for example, initiate the growth of healthy tissue within the eye (e.g., thereby developing a healthy trabecular meshwork and improving aqueous humor drainage therethrough). The injected dye may, for example, flow through the trabecular meshwork to improve visualization of aqueous humor fluid flow, allowing for determination of areas, if any, of the trabecular meshwork that remain blocked, collapsed, or otherwise impeding aqueous humor flow. Furthermore, although examples are described with respect to injecting a substance, it is contemplated that cannula 32 may additionally or alternatively be utilized to withdraw a substance, such as tissue, blood, aqueous humor, or other material, from Schlemm's canal or other portions of the eye.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, cannula 32 may be implemented as a blunt microcannula having a rounded, blunt, or otherwise non-traumatic tip at its distal end. While implementations in which cannula 32 is implemented with a sharp needle or a traumatic tip at its distal end are also contemplated, a blunt cannula may facilitate penetration of porous patient tissue, such as the trabecular meshwork, while reducing the risk of unwanted trauma to the surrounding tissue.

[0024] The cannula 32 may include one or more orifices 36 disposed on a distal portion of the cannula 32, such as on or near the distal end of the cannula. The one or more orifices 32 may provide one or more fluid transport ports configured to transport a fluid or other substance. For example, the one or more orifices 36 may be configured to provide an outflow port for delivering a viscoelastic substance to Schlemm's canal of the patient's eye. As shown in the example of FIG. 3 , the one or more orifices 36 may be disposed on a side of the cannula 32, which may provide one or more fluid channels penetrating the sidewall of the cannula 32 transversely to the central axis X. Alternatively, other implementations are contemplated in which the orifices are disposed along the central axis X and / or at any other suitable location or locations for transporting fluid to and / or from an intended target site. The orifices 36 may each have a diameter between 30 μm and 70 μm, or, for example, about 50 μm or about 60 μm, although it is contemplated that other orifice diameters outside of these ranges may be suitable for use in various implementations. The cannula 32 may include one or more grooves 38 disposed on a distal portion of the cannula 32.

[0025] 2 and 3, relative movement between the sleeve 34 and the cannula 32 can be configured to selectively cover and expose one or more of the orifices 36 with the sleeve 34. For example, when in a first configuration shown in FIG. 2, the distal end of the sleeve 34 can be disposed at a first axial position distal to the orifice 36 so as to cover or surround the orifice 36, and when in a second configuration shown in FIG. 3, the distal end of the sleeve 34 can be disposed at a second axial position proximal to the orifice 36 so as to expose the orifice 36 outside the distal end of the sleeve 34.

[0026] The ophthalmic device 10 may further include a collar 70 disposed around the tip of the cannula 32 at or near the cannula's distal end. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the collar 70 may be an integral part of the sleeve 34 or may otherwise be fixedly coupled to the sleeve 34 at the sleeve's distal end, in which case the collar 70 may move with the sleeve 34 such that the collar 70 and the cannula 32 are movable relative to one another. The collar 70 may provide structure disposed around the cannula 32 (e.g., on or along the outer diameter of the cannula 32) configured to interact with patient tissue to facilitate placement of the cannula 32. For example, a collar surface 72 at the distal end of the collar 70 may be configured to provide a guiding constraint that manipulates the trabecular meshwork and / or abuts the trabecular meshwork and / or other tissue near Schlemm's canal. This guiding constraint may facilitate placement of the orifice 36 to a desired penetration depth within Schlemm's canal, for example.

[0027] 2 and 3, collar 70 is included as part of the distal portion of sleeve 34. When sleeve 34 and cannula 32 are in the second configuration shown in FIG. 3, collar surface 72 provides a lip that projects radially outward, away from the outer diameter of cannula 32. The lip may abut the trabecular meshwork or other tissue near Schlemm's canal when the device is in the second configuration, such that the penetration depth of cannula 32 is constrained or guided by a predetermined distance between the distal end of cannula 32 and the lip (or collar surface 72 or the distal end of collar 70).

[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an example ocular component 130 that may be included in the ophthalmic device 10. The cannula 132 and sleeve 34 may be movable relative to one another between a first configuration, similar to that shown in FIG. 2 , in which the distal end of the cannula 132 is substantially covered or surrounded by the sleeve 34, and a second configuration (shown in FIG. 4 ) in which the distal end of the cannula 132 protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve 34. The cannula 132 has an exit port 135 at its distal end but does not have any side orifices like the orifice 36 of the cannula 32. In this case, fluid is delivered from the exit port 135 along the central longitudinal axis X. The cannula 132 is shown as a straight cannula.

[0029] 5 and 6 are enlarged views of an example ocular component 230 that may be included in the ophthalmic device 10. The cannula 232 and sleeve 34 may be movable relative to one another between a first configuration, similar to that shown in FIG. 2 , in which the distal end of the cannula 232 is substantially covered or surrounded by the sleeve 34, and a second configuration (shown in FIG. 5 ) in which the distal end of the cannula 232 protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve 34. The cannula 232 has an exit port 235 at the distal end of the cannula 232 and one or more mouthhole ports 236 extending proximally from the distal end of the cannula 232. In this case, fluid is delivered from the exit port 235 along the central longitudinal axis X and from the mouthhole ports 236 in a direction generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mousehole port 236 may be any shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, triangular, etc.

[0030] 7 and 8 are enlarged views illustrating an example ocular component 330 that may be included in the ophthalmic device 10. The cannula 332 and sleeve 34 may be movable relative to one another between a first configuration, similar to that shown in FIG. 2 , in which the distal end of the cannula 332 is substantially covered or surrounded by the sleeve 34, and a second configuration (shown in FIG. 7 ) in which the distal end of the cannula 332 protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve 34. The cannula 332 has an exit port 335 at the distal end of the cannula 332 and one or more wires 336 extending across the exit port 335.

[0031] In embodiments of the present disclosure, each end 337 of the wire 336 can be coupled or connected to a portion of the distal end of the cannula 332, in which case the intermediate portion 338 of the wire may be bent around the exit port 335. For example, the intermediate portion 338 may be configured to bend outward from the distal-most portion of the cannula 332 so as to avoid coring the posterior wall of Schlemm's canal. In this case, fluid is delivered from the exit port 335 along the central longitudinal axis X and past the intermediate portion 338 of the wire 336. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wire 336 may be of any size and thickness.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple wires 336 may cross each other on the exit port 335, as shown in Figure 9. For example, a first wire 336 may extend farther from the distal end of the cannula 332 (e.g., protrude in an arc) than a second wire 336, such that the first wire 336 crosses over the second wire 336. As shown in Figure 9, the wires 336 may be arranged perpendicular to each other in a cross shape. In embodiments of the present disclosure, any number of wires 336 may be arranged on the cannula 332. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the wires 336 may cross each other in any suitable shape.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple wires 336 may be disposed adjacent to one another, e.g., parallel, on the exit port 335, as shown in Figure 10. For example, two wires 336 may be disposed parallel to one another on either side of the central longitudinal axis X, dividing the exit port 335 into three sections. In embodiments of the present disclosure, any number of wires 336 may be disposed on the cannula 332. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the wires 336 may be disposed in any position relative to one another without crossing each other.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 11 , the plurality of wires 336 disposed at the distal end of the cannula 332 may include several wires disposed adjacent to one another without crossing one another (e.g., two parallel wires), and at least one additional wire that crosses over at least one of the other wires (e.g., crosses over two parallel wires perpendicularly).

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the ophthalmic device includes a cannula having a cannula distal end, a lumen, and at least one fluid outlet, configured to deliver a fluid; a sleeve disposed around the cannula and having a sleeve distal end; a handle connected to the sleeve and the cannula, the handle having an actuator; and a retraction mechanism connected to the actuator and configured to retract the sleeve relative to the cannula.

[0036] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the cannula is a straight cannula disposed coaxially with the sleeve along a central longitudinal axis. In embodiments of the present disclosure, in the inactive position of the ocular device, the distal end of the cannula is covered by the sleeve, and in the active position of the ocular device, the distal end of the cannula protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one fluid outlet comprises a single outlet port disposed at the distal end of the cannula.

[0037] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one fluid outlet comprises an outlet port disposed at the distal end of the cannula and one or more mouthhole ports disposed at the distal end of the cannula and extending proximally along a portion of the cannula. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the outlet port and the one or more mouthhole ports form a series of outlets. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the series of outlets is configured to deliver fluid from the outlet port along the central longitudinal axis and from the one or more mouthhole ports in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is in the shape of an arched rectangle. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is in the shape of a square. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is in the shape of a rectangle. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is in the shape of a semicircle.

[0038] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a wire is disposed at the distal end of the cannula, with both ends of the wire connected to the outer surface of the cannula and an intermediate portion of the wire crossing over (i.e., traversing) a single exit port. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion of the wire arches outward beyond the distal end of the cannula. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of wires is disposed at the distal end of the cannula, with each wire having both ends connected to the outer surface of the cannula and an intermediate portion of the wire crossing over a single exit port. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least two of the plurality of wires are disposed adjacent to each other. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of wires are disposed adjacent to each other and parallel to each other.

[0039] In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least two of the plurality of wires are disposed crossing one another. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a first of the two wires extends further distally outward from the distal end of the cannula than a second of the two wires. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a first and second of the plurality of wires are disposed adjacent to one another without crossing one another, and a third of the plurality of wires is disposed crossing at least one of the first and second wires. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator comprises a push button configured to one of actuate the sleeve to retract relative to the cannula and actuate the fluid-transporting mechanism to cause fluid transport through the cannula.

[0040] It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process methods describes an example approach. Based on design or implementation preferences, it is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or all of the blocks described may be performed. In some implementations, any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously.

[0041] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0042] Reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless expressly stated to be so, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if present, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0043] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0044] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items each separated by the word "or" modifies the list as a whole, not each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one item. Rather, the phrase allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to A only, B only, or C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0045] Use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Use of a phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Use of a phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0046] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including those in the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with that customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0047] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed describes example approaches. It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged based on design preferences. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may occur simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. Where present, the accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0048] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that become known in the future to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public in any way, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent terms such as "include," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the interpretation of "comprise" when used as a transitional phrase in a claim.

[0049] While the "Title," "Background," "Summary," "Brief Description of the Drawings," and "Abstract" of this disclosure are incorporated herein into this disclosure, they are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description. This specification is presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the "Description," it is understood that the description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or act. The following claims are incorporated herein into the "Description," with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0050] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims by language, including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to, and no claim should be construed to, cover subject matter that does not comply with 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. a cannula configured to deliver a fluid, the cannula having a cannula distal end, a lumen, and at least one fluid outlet; a sleeve disposed about the cannula, the sleeve having a sleeve distal end; a handle coupled to the sleeve and the cannula, the handle having an actuator; a retraction mechanism coupled to the actuator, the retraction mechanism configured to retract the sleeve into the cannula; 1. An ophthalmic device comprising: An ophthalmic device, wherein the at least one fluid outlet comprises a single outlet port disposed at the distal end of the cannula and a wire disposed at the distal end of the cannula, both ends of the wire being connected to the outer surface of the cannula and an intermediate portion of the wire crossing over the single outlet port.

2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the cannula is a straight cannula disposed coaxially with the sleeve along a central longitudinal axis.

3. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the cannula distal end is covered by the sleeve in the non-operating position of the ophthalmic device, and the cannula distal end protrudes distally from the distal end of the sleeve in the operating position of the ophthalmic device.

4. The at least one fluid outlet comprises: an exit port disposed at the distal end of the cannula; one or more mouthhole ports disposed at the distal end of the cannula and extending proximally along a portion of the cannula; The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , comprising:

5. The ophthalmic device of claim 4 , wherein the exit port and the one or more mouthhole ports form a continuous exit.

6. 6. The ophthalmic device of claim 5, wherein the series of outlets is configured to deliver fluid out of the outlet port along a central longitudinal axis and out of the one or more mouthhole ports in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

7. The ophthalmic device of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is in the shape of an arched rectangle.

8. The ophthalmic device of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is square in shape.

9. The ophthalmic device of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is rectangular in shape.

10. The ophthalmic device of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more mouthhole ports is semicircular in shape.

11. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate portion of the wire arches outwardly beyond the cannula distal end.

12. 2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wires disposed at the distal end of the cannula, wherein for each wire, both ends of the wire are connected to the outer surface of the cannula and an intermediate portion of the wire crosses over the single exit port.

13. The ophthalmic device of claim 12 , wherein at least two of the plurality of wires are disposed adjacent to each other.

14. The ophthalmic device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of wires are arranged parallel and adjacent to each other.

15. The ophthalmic device of claim 12 , wherein at least two of the plurality of wires are disposed crosswise with respect to one another.

16. 16. The ophthalmic device of claim 15, wherein a first of the two wires extends further distally outward from the cannula distal end than a second of the two wires.

17. 13. The ophthalmic device of claim 12, wherein a first and a second wire of the plurality of wires are arranged adjacent to each other without crossing each other, and a third wire of the plurality of wires is arranged so as to cross at least one of the first and second wires.

18. The actuator has a push button, the push button having: actuating the retraction of the sleeve onto the cannula; and activating a fluid-transporting mechanism to effect fluid transport through the cannula; The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , configured to perform one of the following:

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