Patient interface device for laser methods and systems
AssigneeLensar, Inc.
InventorsE. Valas Teuma, John McWhirter, Michael Brownell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical interface device having an opening for an optical path that can be non-circular and having engagement members having gradually varying angles of engagement. An embodiment of the interface device can be a one size fits all device, providing a configuration that fits in all typical eye openings, including narrow palpebral fissures and small eyes, while providing optical path access to features and structures of the eye. An embodiment of the interface device engages the limbus, cornea and sclera.
Claims50
A method of attaching an interface device to a surface of a human eye, the method comprising:
- a. bringing a first flexible contact member into contact with the surface of the human eye;
- b. bringing a second flexible contact member into contact with the surface of the human eye;
- c. wherein, the first contact member and the second contact member define a zone, the zone defining an area on the surface of the eye;
- d. reducing the pressure in the zone, thereby creating a reduced pressure zone and an area of reduced pressure on the surface of the eye;
- e. wherein the area of reduced pressure is in the shape of a non-planar ellipse.
A method of delivering a laser beam to an eye, the method comprising:
- a. attaching an interface device to a surface of a human eye;
- the interface device defining an opening, and comprising an inner contact member and an outer contact member, the method of attaching the interface device comprising:
- i. bringing the inner contact member into contact with the surface of the human eye;
- ii. bringing the outer contact member into contact with the surface of the human eye;
- iii. wherein, the inner contact member and the outer contact member define a zone, the zone defining an area on the surface of the eye, the area on the surface of the eye adjacent to the peripheral of the opening;
- iv. reducing the pressure in the zone, thereby creating a reduced pressure zone and an area of reduced pressure on the surface of the eye;
- v. wherein the area of reduced pressure is in the shape of a non-planar ellipse;
- and,
- b. delivering a laser beam through the opening and into the eye.
An interface device for fixing on a human eye and operably connecting to an ophthalmic therapeutic, monitoring, diagnostic, or evaluative device, the interface device comprising:
- a. a body having an upper and a lower section, wherein the lower section defines a distal end of the interface device for contacting a surface of the eye and the upper section defines a proximal end of the interface device;
- whereby the proximal and distal ends define a device height along a vertical axis of the device;
- b. the lower section of the body defining an outer shape;
- c. the upper and lower sections of the body defining an opening through the device;
- d. the device having a major and a minor axis, wherein when in use the major axis corresponds to a nasal temporal axis;
- e. the lower section having an inner and an outer contact member;
- the contact members each having a distal end;
- wherein the distal ends of the contact members form the distal end of the device;
- f. the inner connect member having a height, and the outer contact member having a height;
- and,
- g. wherein the height of the outer contact member, the height of the inner contact member or both, varies between a point intersecting the major axis and a point intersecting the minor axis.
An interface device for fixing on a human eye and operably connecting to an ophthalmic therapeutic, monitoring, diagnostic, or evaluative device, the interface device comprising:
- a. a body having an upper and a lower section, wherein the lower section defines a distal end of the interface device for contacting a surface of the eye and the upper section defines a proximal end of the interface device;
- whereby the proximal and distal ends define a device height along a vertical axis of the device;
- b. the lower section of the body comprising a ridged annular channel;
- c. the ridged annular channel containing and holding a flexible insert;
- the flexible insert comprising an inner contact member and an outer contact member;
- and forming a flexible annular zone for maintaining a reduced pressure when engaged with a surface of the eye;
- d. the upper and lower sections of the body defining an opening through the device;
- e. the device having a major and a minor axis, wherein when in use the major axis corresponds to a nasal temporal axis;
- wherein the distal end of the device defines a shape of a non-planar ellipse;
- and,
- f. wherein the major axis of the opening at the distal end of the device is from about 1.01 to about 1.25 times larger than the minor axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.