Apparatus and methods for isolating lens capsule fluids
OwnerDavid C. Browninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device to be inserted within a lens capsule during ocular surgery to contain fluids, including therapeutic and optical materials, used for irrigation within the capsule is provided. The device includes a deformable membrane within a ring. One or more ports are provided for irrigation within the capsule. Reduced pressure in an area around the periphery of the membrane may be used for forming a sealing area between the device and the posterior surface of the capsule. Method for inserting the device into the capsule and performing irrigation or aspiration for polishing and for deforming the lens capsule is provided. The device may be placed in an eye for permanent isolation of fluids within the lens capsule from tissue and fluids outside the capsule.
Claims22
A device to isolate fluids within a lens capsule of an eye during a surgical procedure, the lens capsule having an anterior capsule, the anterior capsule having a posterior surface, comprising:
- a ring and a membrane therewithin, the ring being adapted to form a sealing area on the posterior surface from within the capsule, the sealing area being in fluid communication with a first conduit extending outside the capsule;
- and
- a first port in the ring or the membrane, the first port allowing fluid communication from outside the capsule to within the capsule when the sealing area on the posterior surface is formed.
A method for irrigating or aspirating fluid within a lens capsule of an eye, comprising:
- forming an incision and a capsulorhexis in the anterior capsule of the eye, the anterior capsule having a posterior surface;
- placing within the lens capsule a device having a ring and a membrane therewithin, the ring being adapted to form a sealing area on the posterior surface from within the capsule, the sealing area being in fluid communication with a first conduit extending outside the capsule, and a first port in the ring or the membrane, the first port allowing fluid communication from outside the capsule to within the capsule;
- positioning the ring around the capsulorhexis and inside the lens capsule;
- applying a reduced pressure to the first conduit so as to form the sealing area;
- irrigating or aspirating fluid through the first port;
- and
- removing the device from the eye.
A method for placing a fluid within a lens capsule of an eye, comprising:
- forming an incision and a capsulorhexis in the anterior capsule of the eye, the anterior capsule having a posterior surface;
- placing within the lens capsule a device having a ring and a membrane therewithin, the ring being adapted to form a sealing area on the posterior surface from within the capsule, the sealing area being in fluid communication with a first conduit extending outside the capsule, and a first port in the ring or the membrane, the first port allowing fluid communication from outside the capsule to within the capsule;
- positioning the ring around the capsulorhexis and inside the capsule;
- applying a reduced pressure to the first conduit so as to form the sealing area;
- injecting the fluid through the first port into the capsule;
- and
- removing the device from the eye.
A device to isolate fluids within a lens capsule of an eye, the lens capsule having an anterior capsule, the anterior capsule having a posterior surface, comprising:
- a ring and a membrane therewithin, the ring being adapted to form a sealing area on the posterior surface from within the capsule, the sealing area being adapted for fluid communication with a first conduit that is adapted to extend outside the capsule;
- and
- a collar extending from the ring so as to receive a segment of the anterior capsule.
A device to isolate fluids within a lens capsule of an eye, the leans capsule having an anterior capsule, the anterior capsule having a posterior surface, comprising:
- a ring and a membrane therewithin, the ring being adapted to form a sealing area on the posterior surface from within the capsule, the sealing area being adapted for fluid communication with a first conduit extending outside the capsule;
- and
- a pinching arrangement in the ring to retain the anterior capsule within the ring after the sealing area is formed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.