Treatment of age-related macular degeneration
US7351193B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1098
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is treated by radiation delivered from a miniature x-ray tube inserted via a catheter around the globe of the eye, to a position behind the macula. The process can employ an applicator with several parallel guides, inserted around the eye to receive the catheter with x-ray tube (or an isotope) at a matrix of different positions. Methods are described for properly locating the catheter and x-ray tube, using illumination on the catheter and viewing through the front of the eye, or sensors on the catheter and a scanned beam shone from the front of the eye. Fluorescent material excited by x-rays can also be used. Also described are methods and devices for immobilizing the probe once properly located in the eye, for standoff of the x-ray tube from the target tissue, and for achieving prescription radiation dose in the choroid while eliminating dose to adjacent tissues. The x-ray treatment can be enhanced using a radiosensitizing drug, and can be combined with PDT.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.