Microkeratome
OwnerCesar C. Carriazoinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microkeratome is provided for performing a lamellar keratotomy of an ocular globe. The microkeratome includes a guide ring assembly adapted for placement on the ocular globe and suction conduit for temporarily fixing the guide ring to the ocular globe. A cutting head containing a cutting blade suitable for corneal resections is also provided. A vertical support assembly is connected to the guide ring and supports the cutting head for rotation about a horizontal axis such that rotation of the cutting head about the horizontal axis moves the cutting blade along an arcuate cutting path into engagement with the cornea of the ocular globe.
Claims16
A microkeratome for performing a lamellar keratotomy of an ocular globe, comprising:
- a guide ring assembly for placement on the ocular globe;
- means for temporarily fixing the guide ring to the ocular globe;
- a cutting head containing a cutting blade suitable for corneal resections;
- and
- a vertical support assembly connected to said guide ring and supporting said cutting head for rotation about a horizontal axis such that rotation of said cutting head about the horizontal axis moves the cutting blade along an arcuate cutting path into engagement with the cornea of the ocular globe.
A method of performing corneal resections for a lamellar keratotomy, comprising:
- supporting a cutting head carrying a cutting blade for rotation about a horizontal axis elevated above the patient's eye;
- and
- inducing rotation of the cutting head about the horizontal axis to move the cutting blade through a pendular cutting path that intersects the cornea.
A method of performing corneal resections for a lamellar keratotomy, comprising the steps of:
- fixing a guide ring to an ocular globe about the globe's cornea so that the cornea extends through and at least partially above the guide ring;
- and
- applying torque to a cutting head carrying a cutting blade and supported for rotation about a horizontal axis elevated above the guide ring by a support system extending vertically from the guide ring, whereby the torque applied to the cutting head moves the cutting blade through a pendular cutting path that intersects the cornea.
A microkeratome for performing a lamellar keratotomy of an ocular globe, comprising:
- a guide ring assembly for placement on the ocular globe such that the globe's cornea protrudes there through;
- means for temporarily fixing the guide ring to the ocular globe;
- a cutting head containing a cutting blade suitable for corneal resections;
- and
- a vertical support assembly connected to said guide ring and supporting said cutting head for rotation about a horizontal axis elevated above said guide ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.