Apparatus and method for extracting cataract tissue
AssigneeOphthalmocare, Inc.
InventorJerry Zelman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and method for extracting cataract tissue in which the cataract is first softened by focusing laser radiation thereon and subsequently a tube inserted through an incision to a position adjacent the cataract. An irrigating liquid is supplied through one portion of the tube and the liquid and cataract fragments removed via an aspiration opening adjacent the tube opening. Fragments which do not readily pass through the aspiration opening are dislodged by vibration or broken up by a paddle like member pivotally mounted adjacent the aspirating opening to engage the fragment and apply a force to break up the same. The tube has a shovel shaped tip which facilitates separation of fragments from the cataract body and facilitates location of the same adjacent the aspiration opening.
Claims22
An apparatus for extracting fragments of cataract tissue comprising:
- a probe adapted for insertion into the eye through an incision for supplying an irrigating liquid to the interior of said eye through an irrigation opening and aspirating that liquid and fragments of cataract tissue through an aspiration opening, said probe having a distal insertion end and a proximal end, said distal end being shovel shaped so as to have a blunt distalmost end and a distal side face sloping from a maximum dimension to a minimum dimension at the blunt distalmost end, said aspiration opening and said irrigation opening being defined through said sloped side face;
- and
- means for dislodging fragments of cataract tissue at said aspiration opening which have not passed through said aspiration opening.
A system for extracting a cataract comprising:
- a laser for producing laser radiation to soften said cataract;
- and
- an extracting device including a probe tube adapted for insertion into the eye through an incision and supplying an irrigation liquid to the interior of said eye through an irrigation opening and aspirating that liquid and fragments of cataract tissue through an aspiration opening, said probe having a distal insertion end and a proximal end, said distal end being shovel shaped so as to have a blunt distalmost end and a distal side face sloping from a maximum dimension to a minimum dimension at the blunt distalmost end, said aspiration opening and said irrigation opening being defined through said sloped side face, and means for dislodging fragments of tissue at said aspiration opening which have not passed through said aspiration opening.
A method of extracting a cataract comprising the steps of:
- focusing laser radiation onto said cataract to soften the same;
- making an incision in the exterior surface of the eye;
- inserting a probe through said incision to a position adjacent said cataract, said probe being adapted for insertion into the eye through an incision for supplying an irrigating liquid to the interior of said eye through an irrigation opening and aspirating that liquid and fragments of cataract tissue through an aspiration opening, said probe having a distal insertion end and a proximal end, said distal end being shovel shaped so as to have a blunt distalmost end and a distal side face sloping from a maximum dimension to a minimum dimension at the blunt distalmost end, said aspiration opening and said irrigation opening being defined through said sloped side face;
- supplying an irrigation liquid to said eye via said irrigation opening in said probe;
- dislodging fragments of cataract tissue from the softened cataract with the shovel shaped tip of the probe to locate such fragments adjacent said aspiration opening;
- aspirating said liquid and said fragments of cataract tissue through said aspiration opening;
- and
- dislodging fragments of cataract tissue at said aspiration opening which have not passed through said aspiration opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.