Patent ID: 7678078
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. An intravitreal injection system, comprising: a transfer mechanism, said transfer mechanism including a nozzle member and an integral microneedle-guide platform assembly, said microneedle-guide platform assembly having an integral microneedle and an integral guide platform, said nozzle member having an internal formulation chamber that is adapted to receive and contain a pharmacological agent formulation therein, said microneedle having a first end that is in communication with said nozzle member and a second ejection end, said guide platform having an eye contact surface and a predetermined degree of flexibility, whereby said guide platform substantially conforms to the surface of the sclera of an eye and positions said microneedle-guide platform assembly proximate the pars plana area of said eye when in an engagement position thereon, said guide platform further having a lumen disposed centrally thereof that is adapted to receive and guide said microneedle therethrough and into an intravitreal compartment of an eye and suction means that provides an eye engagement force and seals said guide platform to said pars plana area of said eye when said guide platform is in said engagement position, said microneedle-guide platform assembly including anchoring means for anchoring said microneedle in said intravitreal compartment of said eye and microneedle piercing depth means for controlling the penetration depth of said microneedle into said intravitreal compartment of said eye to a range of approximately 0.1-1.0 mm when in said engagement position; and a jet injector having force generating means that is adapted to generate sufficient force to expel said pharmacological agent formulation from said nozzle member and through said microneedle with an injection pressure in the range of approximately 50-1000 psi.