Devices and methods useable for forming small openings in the lens capsules of mammalian eyes
AssigneeOptex Ophthalmologics, Inc.
InventorsSoheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John T. Sorensen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device and system for creating small (e.g., less than 3 mm and preferably about 1 mm in cross dimension) openings in the anterior lens capsule of a mammalian eye to facilitate insertion of lens reduction/removal device(s) and/or cannulae for injecting flowable lens replacement materials into the lens capsule. The device generally comprises a handpiece having an electrosurgical probe extending forwardly therefrom. The electrosurgical probe incorporates an annular tip electrode which is positionable in contact with the lens capsule, to create the desired less than 3 mm opening therein. The annular electrode tip may be either monopolar or bipolar in design.
Claims17
A device useable to form a capsulotomy opening of less than 3 millimeters in cross-dimension, in the lens capsule of a mammalian eye, while allowing the remainder of the lens capsule to remain un-incised and in tact, said device comprising:
- an elongate probe having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis projectable therethrough:
- an annular electrode tip having a diameter of less than 3 millimeters located on the distal end of said elongate probe;
- said annular electrode tip having a lens capsule contacting surface which lies substantially in a plane that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe;
- said probe being thereby insertable into the eye such that the lens capsule contacting surface of the annular electrode tip is in contact with the lens capsule, whereby passage of electrical current through annular electrode tip will create an opening in the lens capsule of less than 3 millimeters in diameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.