Surgery – Instruments – Means for removing – inserting or aiding in the removal or...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-11-06
Smith, Jeffrey A. (Department: 3732)
Surgery
Instruments
Means for removing, inserting or aiding in the removal or...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312433
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.
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 apparatus of the present invention stores, deforms, and delivers a deformable intraocular lens to the eye.
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Butts Maurice D.
Chambers Thomas J.
Klima William L.
Law Offices of William L. Klima, P.C.
Robert Eduardo C.
Smith Jeffrey A.
Staar Surgical Company, Inc.
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