Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Thermal applicators
Reexamination Certificate
2011-07-19
2011-07-19
Gibson, Roy (Department: 3739)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Thermal applicators
C604S294000, C604S298000, C128S898000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07981145
ABSTRACT:
In one embodiment consistent with the present invention a method of treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the glands by applying a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands to put the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state and maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions. The glands can then be mechanically treated to express fluid from the glands, wherein the treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in a fluid state. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
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Grenon Stephen M.
Korb Donald R.
Willis Timothy R.
Gibson Roy
Smith Kaitlyn
TearScience Inc.
Withrow & Terranova , PLLC
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