Devices and methods for improved followability in laser-based ocular procedures
AssigneeAlcon Inc.
InventorsFrancisco Javier Ochoa, John Morgan Bourne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and methods are disclosed for improved followability in laser-based ocular procedures. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic instrument comprises a projection located at the distal end of the shaft or cannula, the projection having a distal surface in proximity to the distal end of the optical fiber, the distal surface adapted to be positioned facing the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument. An example method includes delivering laser energy through an optical fiber to the treatment area, wherein the distal surface of the projection inhibits bubbles formed during the procedure from moving distally away from the distal end of the ophthalmic instrument.
Claims20
An ophthalmic instrument comprising:
- a shaft having a distal end adapted to be inserted into an eyeball of a patient toward a treatment area;
- an optical fiber for delivering laser energy to the treatment area, the optical fiber having a distal end adapted to be positioned facing the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument;
- and
- a projection located at the distal end of the shaft, the projection having a distal surface in proximity to the distal end of the optical fiber, wherein:
- the distal surface is adapted to be positioned facing in a distal direction towards the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument,
- the distal surface is concave, and
- the distal surface is configured to minimize repulsion during use of the ophthalmic instrument by changing bubble dynamics.
An ophthalmic instrument comprising:
- a shaft having a distal end adapted to be inserted into an eye of a patient toward a treatment area;
- an irrigation sleeve comprising a proximal hub adapted to be coupled to a housing of the ophthalmic instrument and a distal tube adapted to fit around the shaft;
- an optical fiber for delivering laser energy to the treatment area, the optical fiber having a distal end adapted to be positioned facing the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument;
- and
- a projection located at the distal end of the shaft, the projection having a distal surface in proximity to the distal end of the optical fiber, the distal surface adapted to be positioned facing the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument,
- wherein the distal tube of the irrigation sleeve has a distal end, an end opening at its distal end adapted to fit around the distal end of the shaft, and at least one side opening at its distal end proximate to the end opening adapted for irrigation fluid to flow therethrough.
A method of performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure, the method comprising:
- inserting a distal end of an ophthalmic instrument into an eye of a patient toward a treatment area, the ophthalmic instrument comprising a shaft, an optical fiber, and a projection;
- positioning the distal end of the ophthalmic instrument adjacent the treatment area such that a distal end of the optical fiber faces the treatment area and such that a distal surface of the projection faces in a distal direction towards the treatment area, wherein the distal surface is concave;
- and
- delivering laser energy through the optical fiber to the treatment area;
- wherein the distal surface of the projection inhibits bubbles formed during the procedure from moving distally away from the distal end of the ophthalmic instrument.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.