US 5,807,244 A · Single use disposable iris retractor

Abstract

A single use disposable iris retractor tool. The device is flexible at the hook portion end with a sufficient stiffness added to a long leg of the hook for ease of holding during insertion in an eye. A smooth exterior sleeve can be used for adding the stiffness. Alternatively, grooves can be formed on the sleeve. The sleeve can be adhered to the long leg. Alternatively, an angled or looped end on the long leg can hold the sleeve in place. An another alternative does not use a sleeve but instead has an enlarged diameter on the long leg with a grooved exterior. A transparent storage tube can be used that allows the surgeon to view the orientation and location of the hook. The tool helps surgeons control anterior vaulting of retracted iris thus eliminating the obstruction ton the surgical incision. The device also has more clamping power to secure it in position than the other comparative devices currently in use.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A single use ocular surgical tool for the mechanical retraction of an iris by an incision in the iris, comprising:

a longitudinal flexible shaft having a first end and a second end;
a hook formed at the first end of the shaft;
a flexible plastic stiffening sleeve about the longitudinal shaft substantially between the hook and the second end of the shaft, the sleeve having an outer diameter of less than approximately 0.5 mm and being forcep held;
and
a clamp lug for gripping about the exterior of the stiffening sleeve adjacent to the second end of the shaft, wherein the hook and the clamp lug mechanically retract the iris without causing anterior vaulting of the retracted iris.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Single use disposable iris retractor

Life of this patent

Single use disposable iris retractor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19