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US 4,381,007 AGranted
Multipolar corneal-shaping electrode with flexible removable skirt
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorJames D. Doss
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to a multipolar probe using radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea of an eye. The surface of the cornea is flushed continuously with a conductive coolant during operation.
Claims20
An apparatus utilizing radio-frequency electrical energy without a remote electrode for reshaping a cornea comprising:
- a plurality of electrode means having tips;
- housing means disposed about said plurality of electrode means;
- insulating means disposed within said housing means between said electrode means;
- means for positioning said tips of said electrode means adjacent but spaced from a cornea to be reshaped;
- means for producing an alternative voltage in the radio-frequency range;
- means for applying said radio-frequency voltage to said tips of said electrode means and thereby radio-frequency energy in a preselected pattern to the cornea to be reshaped;
- means for flowing an electrically conductive liquid coolant in the vicinity of one said tip, over the cornea, and from the cornea in the vicinity of another tip;
- and
- flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing means for effectively damming said coolant over the cornea so that it does not run off.
6 more elements
An apparatus utilizing radio-frequency energy to reshape a cornea comprising:
- an alternating voltage source;
- first, second, and third tubular electrodes, each having a tip, and each operably connected to said alternating voltage source;
- insulating means disposed between said electrodes to insulate one from another;
- a housing disposed about said electrodes and said insulating means;
- means for positioning said electrode tips a selected distance from the surface of the cornea;
- means for conducting an electrically conductive liquid coolant through at least one of said electrodes onto and over the cornea and then up at least one of the electrodes;
- and
- flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing for retaining said coolant over the cornea.
5 more elements
An apparatus for reshaping a cornea using radio-frequency energy, said apparatus comprising:
- a source of alternating voltage;
- an inner tubular electrode having a tip and operably connected to said alternating voltage source;
- an outer tubular electrode having a tip operably connected to said alternating voltage source and annularly disposed about and spaced from said first tubular electrode;
- annular means for insulating said inner and outer electrodes from one another;
- a housing disposed about said inner and outer electrodes and said insulating means;
- means for positioning said inner and outer electrode tips a selected distance from the cornea;
- means for conducting a liquid coolant onto the cornea and from the cornea;
- and
- flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing for containing the coolant over the cornea.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.