Patent ID: 8911495

Claim:
A shape memory polymer plug configured for use in occluding an ocular punctum comprising in a pre-deployed state, a constrained, smooth, and relatively straight but flexible body formed entirely of the shape memory polymer; and in a deployed state, an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; an anchor protruding directly and extending distally away from the distal end surface of the elongate body, wherein at least a portion of the anchor forms a structure that is wider than a diameter of the ocular punctum; and a flange extending from the proximal end of the elongate body in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal orientation of the elongate body; wherein the elongate body, the anchor, and the flange are formed as a monolithic structure entirely of the shape memory polymer which transitions from the pre-deployed state to the deployed state upon exposure to an external stimulus; and the anchor is configured to collapse upon rotation of the elongate body allow for substantially atraumatic removal of the device from the ocular punctum.