Mechanically activated objects for treatment of degenerative retinal disease

US7981062B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IMI Intelligent Medical Implants AG · CH

Inventors

• Alan Y. Chow · Wheaton, US
• George McLean · Palo Alto, US
• Vincent Chow · Bartlett, US
• Jay Cech · Elmhurst, US
• Christopher Michael Bonner · Hattiesburg, US
• Vladimir Gelfandbein · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2009
• Grant date: Jul 19, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2/06
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.