Weighted eyelid implant

Details Weighted eyelid implant Weighted eyelid implant

2001-08-13

2002-11-19

Azpuru, Carlos (Department: 1615)

Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions

Preparations characterized by special physical form

Implant or insert

C623S004100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06482428

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENIDX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to eyelid implants, and more specifically, to weighted upper eyelid implants for assisting and achieving complete eyelid closure and partial re-creation of a natural blinking reflex.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous types of eyelid implants have been provided in the prior art. For example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,728, 4,595,713, and 5,164,188 all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,728
Inventor: Rajan Bawa
Issued: Aug. 11, 1992
An ocular insert for insertion into the cul de sac of the eye which is a substantially circular disc having a concave posterior surface and a convex anterior surface with a radius of curvature less than that of the sclera and a center thickness of less than about 1.5 mm
U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,713
Inventor: Kenneth St. John
Issued: Jun. 17, 1986
A medical implant useful in the regeneration of soft and hard connective tissue, such as cartilage and bone, is disclosed which comprises a copolymer of a major amount of epsilon caprolactone and a minor amount of lactide. Where regeneration of bone tissue, in particular, is desired, the copolymer may further include osteogenic material in powdered or particulate form. If soft tissue regeneration is desired, the copolymer may include chopped carbon fiber. A mass of the copolymer, optionally including additives, may be molded by hand by heating the polymer to a temperature of 115°-160° F., by, for example, immersion in hot water. The mass is then molded to the void to be filled or shape the regenerated tissue is desired to assume, and implanted in the patient. The mass is gradually
U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,188
Inventor: Vernon G. Wong
Issued: November 17, 1992
Encapsulated agents are employed for introduction into the suprachoid of an eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drugs is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to eyelid implants and, more specifically, to weighted upper eyelid implants formed from a non-reactive metal with suture channels for the purpose of assisting complete closure of the upper eyelid and re-creation of a natural blinking reflex while maintaining a cosmetically pleasing appearance.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant having suture channels carved therein.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant that is weighted and formed from a non-reactive metal such as gold.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant wherein the suture channels are for securing the implant to the tissue of the eyelid.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant able to assist in complete closure of the eyelid.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant for partially re-creating a natural blinking reflex.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant which eliminate cosmetically displeasing suture lines on the exterior of the eyelid.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant weighing between substantially 0.6 grams and substantially 2.6 grams.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant having a thickness of substantially 1.0 millimeters or less.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelid implant wherein the suture channels have a depth of substantially 400 microns.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4595713 (1986-06-01), St. John
patent: 5137728 (1992-08-01), Bawa
patent: 5164188 (1992-11-01), Womg
patent: 5542437 (1996-08-01), Blackmore et al.

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