Single-handed operation
Enhances physician control and ensures a safer procedure.
ANTERIOR CHAMBER PARACENTESIS, SIMPLIFIED
Built for one-handed ocular fluid sampling, designed to lose less along the way.
OcuTap™ is a single-use device for anterior chamber paracentesis. It’s designed to replace the two-handed syringe technique with one-handed, button-controlled operation and a vial built to ship straight to the lab.
FDA review underway
Single-handed.
Controlled.
Efficient.
The OcuTap difference
OcuTap is engineered to optimize fluid isolation and facilitate the evaluation of ocular inflammation, giving eye care professionals an efficient, precise tool that integrates smoothly into diagnostic workflows. Our vision is simple: make eye testing more reliable and accessible for everyone, using cutting-edge technology to enhance anterior chamber paracentesis and improve the evaluation of ocular fluid in inflammation cases.
We collaborate closely with clinics and labs to refine and elevate existing processes. Backed by a team of expert consultants in medical devices, virology, and microbiology, we also partner with top engineering firms, distributors, and industry leaders to bring our vision to life.
THE CLINICAL NEED
The disease burden of uveitis is significant
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4 million
new cases globally each year
A large, recurring population needs reliable anterior-chamber sampling.
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3rd
leading cause of blindness in the US
Faster, better-characterized diagnosis can protect sight.
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1/3
have an underlying infection
Molecular sampling helps identify the cause, not just the symptom.
THE DEVICE
A device built for the procedure room
The OcuTap is a single-use paracentesis device designed to simplify aqueous humor extraction with a detachable vial that ships directly to the lab, eliminating manual sample transfers.
- Designed for one-handed control
- Designed to reduce the need for an assisting hand
- Closed-system design intended to maintain sample integrity
INNOVATION
The goal: streamlining eye fluid collection
Current standard of care
Traditional eye fluid collection uses a 30-gauge needle and a 1-mL syringe, requiring extreme precision to avoid complications like iris bleeding or vision loss. The needle is inserted between the cornea and sclera to access the aqueous humor, a critical step in diagnosing infections and other eye conditions.
OcuTap device
Our targeted design focuses on a controlled, micro-precision tip architecture. This system is intended to capture localized fluid samples quickly, mitigating common collection barriers in clinical environments.
FEATURES
Designed for efficiency
OcuTap is designed with both the user and patient in mind. Its ergonomic, one-handed operation simplifies fluid collection and streamlines sample preparation for shipping, reducing the risk of fluid loss and saving valuable time.
Actuation button
Ensures reliable control over fluid flow and withdrawal.
Luer hub
Compatible with standard commercial needles for easy use.
Removable sample vial
Prevents sample loss and minimizes the need for transfer.
Internal vacuum
Provides controlled fluid collection, reducing loss.
DIFFERENTIATORS
OcuTap design objectives
Our novel technology has several key differentiators that set it apart from the current standard of care.
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Minimized sample loss
Engineered for localized contact to capture necessary sample volumes cleanly.
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Controlled fluid withdrawal
Designed with a smooth, micro-scale interface intended to support patient comfort during collection.
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Streamlined workflow
Built to complement standard clinical sampling steps without requiring intensive retraining.
Instructions for use
Watch the video demonstration of the OcuTap procedure or follow the detailed, step-by-step instructions.
The following protocol outlines the intended engineering functionality of the OcuTap device. These instructions are provided for informational and investigational purposes only, pending official regulatory clearance.
Procedure video
Video transcript
The OcuTap has been carefully crafted to improve comfort, control, and efficiency for liquid biopsy of ocular fluid.
First, the device is primed by pulling back the collection tube to an extended position. A click will sound to lock it into place. A needle is attached.
The device is inserted into the eye at the limbus following standard procedures for anterior chamber paracentesis. Collection of the fluid is started with depression of the central button. This opens the valve and allows for steady, smooth, and reliable fluid collection. The users can release the button to stop the fluid if needed.
The system’s design prevents fluid or pressure spikes during collection, and the one-handed operation improves physician control during the procedure, which improves safety for the patient and limits complications.
When the procedure is complete, the button is released and the device is safely withdrawn from the eye. A final push of the button clears the fluid from the internal pathway of the device into the collection tube.
The procedure is complete when the collection tube is twisted to remove it from the device. The device is discarded safely in the sharps container, and a cap is placed on the collection tube for shipping.
Procedure steps
Attach needle
Securely attach a sterile needle (not included) to the device. Do not remove the needle cap at this time.
Prime the device
Pull back the collection tube until it reaches an extended position and clicks into place.
Uncap needle
Carefully remove the protective cap from the needle, ensuring the tip remains sterile and does not come into contact with any surrounding surfaces prior to insertion.
Insert & collect fluid
Insert the device into the eye at the limbus, strictly following standard anterior chamber paracentesis procedures. Once safely positioned, depress the central button to open the valve and begin the collection of fluid. If necessary at any point, release the button to immediately stop the fluid flow.
Withdraw device
Once the collection is finished, release the button and carefully withdraw the device from the eye.
Clear internal pathway
Give the button a final push to move any remaining fluid from the internal pathway into the collection tube.
Remove collection tube
Twist the collection tube to detach and remove it from the primary device.
Dispose and secure
Cap the barrel, and safely discard the syringe body in a sharps container. Place a cap securely on the collection tube for shipping and analysis.
Stay informed on OcuTap’s regulatory progress
OcuTap is pending FDA clearance, anticipated by the end of 2026. Sign up to get updates and we’ll email you when there’s meaningful news to share.
REFERENCES & CITATIONS
- 4 million new uveitis cases globally each year.García-Aparicio, Á., García de Yébenes, M. J., Otón, T., & Muñoz-Fernández, S. (2021). Prevalence and incidence of uveitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 28(6), 461–468.Cleveland Clinic. (2024, March 25). Uveitis: Symptoms, causes, treatment & types. my.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- Uveitis as the third leading cause of blindness in the United States.UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. (2024). Uveitis Clinical Overview & Patient Care. University of California, Irvine. ophthalmology.uci.edu (opens in a new tab)
- 1/3 of uveitis cases with an underlying infection.Joltikov, K. A., & Lobo-Chan, A.-M. (2021). Epidemiology and risk factors in non-infectious uveitis: A systematic review. Frontiers in Medicine, 8, Article 695904.
- Investigational-device notice referenced in the hero badge, banner, and footer.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 812.5 — Labeling of investigational devices.