Surgery – Instruments – Means for removing – inserting or aiding in the removal or...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-01
2002-05-14
Robert, Eduardo C. (Department: 3732)
Surgery
Instruments
Means for removing, inserting or aiding in the removal or...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06387101
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the introduction of an artificial lens to an eye. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for implanting a deformable intraocular lens into an eye.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of deformable intraocular lenses in the treatment of cataracts and other refractive problems has become commonplace. There are many devices and methods currently in use for the delivery of a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. Complications continue to arise out of the use of these devices and methods, specifically, damage to the ocular tissues and/or damage to the implanted deformable intraocular lens. There is a need for an apparatus and method for delivering a deformable intraocular lens to the eye which does not damage the ocular tissue or the implanted lens.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for introducing a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for introducing a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which deforms a deformable intraocular lens for introduction through a small ocular incision to the eye.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which moves a deformed intraocular lens into the eye.
It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which allows a deformed intraocular lens to release stored energy associated with the lens deformation process in a controlled manner.
It is a sixth object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which provides at least one tool for manipulating a lens within the eye.
It is a seventh object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which may be pre-loaded with a deformable intraocular lens.
It is an eighth object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which may be pre-loaded with a deformable intraocular lens in a non-deformed condition.
It is a ninth object of the present invention to reduce the potential for introduction of user error into the process for the delivery of a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
It is a tenth object of the present invention to further automate the process for delivering a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
It is an eleventh object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which allows a surgeon to view a deformed intraocular lens for determining whether the deformation of the lens is correct for delivery of the lens to the eye.
It is a twelfth object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which allows a surgeon to deform a deformable intraocular lens in preparation for delivery of the lens to the eye without the use of forceps.
It is a thirteenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus including a lens injecting body including a lens receiver configured to be operated between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a nozzle portion provided with a tip portion configured to be inserted through a small incision into an eye, the nozzle portion configured for connection to the lens receiver of the lens injecting body, the nozzle portion and the lens receiver defining a lens delivery passageway, and a plunger slidably disposed relative to the lens delivery passageway and configured to engage a deformable intraocular lens within the lens delivery passageway of the lens receiver and to move the deformable intraocular lens out of the lens delivery passageway into the eye.
It is a fourteenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable lens injecting apparatus which stores a lens in a slightly vaulted configuration.
It is a fifteenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus which deforms a lens in preparation for injection of the lens into the eye by greatly decreasing a radius of curvature introduced to the lens during loading of the lens into the apparatus.
It is a sixteenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus having a lens receiver which stores the lens in a substantially non-deformed state and which deforms the lens in preparation for injection of the lens to the eye.
It is a seventeenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable lens injecting apparatus having a separate lens receiver.
It is an eighteenth object of the present invention to provide a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus having a deformable intraocular lens pre-loaded in a component of the apparatus in a hydrating environment.
It is a twentieth object of the present invention to provide a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus having a lens receiver provided with a pre-loaded lens and stored in a hydrating environment and further configured for connection to the apparatus within the hydrating environment.
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for inserting a deformable intraocular lens through a small incision into an eye. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a lens injecting body including a lens receiver configured to be operated between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a nozzle portion provided with a tip portion configured to be inserted through a small incision into an eye, the nozzle portion configured for connection to the lens receiver of the lens injecting body, the nozzle portion and the lens receiver defining a lens delivery passageway; and, a plunger slidably disposed relative to the lens delivery passageway and configured to engage a deformable intraocular lens within the lens delivery passageway of the lens receiver, and to move the deformable intraocular lens out of the lens delivery passageway into the eye.
The present invention provides an apparatus which stores, deforms, and delivers a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is provided to surgical personnel as a package of separate components, each of which is further discussed below, which are assembled by surgical personnel for use.
A lens injecting body and plunger assembly define a component of the apparatus. A lens receiver which connects to the lens injecting body is provided separately from the lens injecting body and plunger assembly. The lens receiver is preferably provided with a pre-loaded deformable intraocular lens. A nozzle is also provided separately from the lens injecting body. Prior to use of the apparatus, the lens receiver is connected to the lens injecting body and plunger assembly and then the nozzle portion is connected to the lens injecting body and plunger assembly.
Through the use of separate components, the apparatus of the present invention provides a lens injecting body and plunger assembly to which a case specific lens receiver and/or case specific nozzle portion may be connected. In other words, surgical personnel need only become proficient in the use of a single lens injecting apparatus to treat a wide variety of patients according to the present invention.
The lens injecting body of the present invention is configured to provide a base or frame to which the other components of the apparatus are connected and also to provide a defined surface which is specifically configured to be easily hand held and manipulated by surgical personnel. Preferably, a lens injecting body is defined by an elongated, rigid, hollow body having a proximal portion including a finger rest for syringe type use of the apparatus and a distal end having first and second sets of tabs specifically configured to engage holes in a lens receiver and nozzle portion, respectively, according to the present invention.
A plunger according to the present invention is preferably provided with the lens injecting body. The plunger is moved relative to the lens injecting body to propagate a lens through a lens delivery passageway defined by the app
Butts Maurice D.
Chambers Thomas J.
Friedman Robert S.
Wang Flora
Kim William L.
Law Offices of William L. Klima, P.C.
Robert Eduardo C.
STAAR Surgical Company Inc.
LandOfFree
Deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2878750