Device and method for inserting a biocompatible material into the corneal stroma
OwnerMark L. Mathis, John A. Scholl +2inventors
InventorsMark L. Mathis, John A. Scholl, Robert A. Proudfoot, Thomas A. Silvestrini
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Abstract
This invention is an improved method and kit for producing a desired channel or pathway in the interlamellar space in the corneal stroma for inserting a biocompatible material. The biocompatible polymer may be an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR). The method involves the use of clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors, and optionally channel connectors and finish channel connectors. The kit contains clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors and optionally channel connectors, finish channel connectors and probes.
Claims22
A method for producing an intrastromal channel for inserting a biocompatible material into the corneal stroma of an eye, said method comprising:
- (a) cutting a small incision into the corneal stroma;
- (b) inserting a counter-clockwise dissector blade into the incision and rotating it counter-clockwise to produce a counter-clockwise channel;
- (c) inserting a clockwise dissector blade into the incision and rotating it clockwise to produce a clockwise channel.
A method for inserting a biocompatible polymer into the corneal stroma of an eye, said method comprising:
- (a) cutting a small incision into the corneal stroma;
- (b) inserting a counter-clockwise dissector blade into the incision and rotating it counter-clockwise to produce a counter-clockwise channel;
- and
- (c) inserting a clockwise dissector blade into the incision and rotating it clockwise to produce a clockwise channel.
A kit for use in producing an intrastromal channel for inserting a biocompatible material into a corneal stroma of an eye, said kit comprising in packaged combination:
- (a) a clockwise dissector;
- and
- (b) a counter-clockwise dissector.
A clockwise or counter-clockwise dissector for use in producing an intrastromal corneal channel for inserting a biocompatible material into a corneal stroma of an eye, said dissector being coated with a lubricious polymer.
A depth measuring gauge for use in determining the depth of an incision produced in the corneal stroma, said gauge comprising:
- (a) an upper fork with an upper edge and a lower edge;
- (b) a lower fork with an upper edge and a lower edge;
- and
- (c) a gap between said upper and lower forks;
- wherein the ease of insertion of corneal tissue at the incision into the gap will determine whether the corneal tissue is thicker or thinner than the gap width.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.