Ultrasonic microkeratome
OwnerStephen G. Sladeinventor
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Abstract
The invention relates to medical instruments and methods for performing eye surgery to correct focusing deficiencies of the cornea. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanical instruments known as microkeratomes, and related surgical methods for performing lamellar keratotomies and refractive surgery. The device is designed to create a flap of epithelium, or stroma and epithelial flap as is done now with LASIK. This will enable a new technique, ELF, or Epithelial Laser Flap, which will combine the advantages of LASIK and PRK, an older, but easier technique.
Claims30
An ultrasonic microkeratome device, comprising:
- a cutting head assembly comprising an ultrasonic cutting element suitable for corneal resections.
An ultrasonic microkeratome system, comprising:
- a means for retaining and positioning the eye on which surgery is to be performed;
- a cutting head assembly including an ultrasonic cutting element;
- and
- and a coupling member for detachably coupling the retaining and positioning means and cutting head assembly while permitting movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the retaining and positioning means along a generally arcuate or longitudinal path.
A microkeratome device for use with an eye, said device comprising;
- a base assembly including a suction ring for attachment to said eye;
- a cutting head assembly including an ultrasonic cutting element;
- and
- a drive assembly for driving said cutting head assembly such that said ultrasonic cutting element travels along a predetermined path.
29 The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the suction ring is a straight unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.