University of Miami

Gabriel Simon

Jean-Marie Arthur Parel

William Gerald Lee

Jean-Marc Legeais

Franck L Villain

Qiushi Ren

Izuru Nose

The present invention provides a surgical technique and instrument kit that allows for subtle modification of the corneal curvature by interlamellar injection of a synthetic gel at the corneal periphery while sparing the optical zone. The gel viscosity, volume and disposition within the surgical annular track as well as the diameter of the track, width, depth, and location are all parameters in the refractive change obtained. Following ultrasonic pachymetry performed centrally and at a selected wound entrance located about 2.5 to 3.5 mm from the apex, a one millimeter or so wide, about 75-85% corneal thickness depth radial incision is performed with a micrometric diamond knife adjusted to about 86% corneal thickness. Inserted through the partial-depth incision, a corkscrew-like dissector or helicoidal spatula forms a 360.degree. annular track centered about the apex. A transparent gel is manually injected through the incision, filling the annular channel. Using a surgical keratometer mounted to an operation microscope, the final corneal power is adjusted by massaging and removing the gel as necessary during the primary procedure or subsequent procedures, as the GIAK technique is reversible.

Instruments for use in performing gel injection adjustable keratoplasty

An endoprobe includes a tubular element having a proximal end and a distal end. At least one optical fiber element is disposed within the tubular element. A plurality of laser light outlets are defined through a side wall of the tubular element. The at least one optical fiber element is adapted to conduct laser light from the proximal end of the tubular element to the plurality of laser light outlets, thereby to direct laser light radially of the tubular element. The tubular element is arcuately curved along a portion of its length, adjacent its distal end and the laser light outlets are defined along a radially inner portion of the curved portion.

Laser treatment for retinal detachment

A biocompatible poly(ethylene oxide) gel implant and method for production which can be injected into the human body for tissue replacement and augmentation. The implant is prepared by dissolving a sample of essentially pure poly(ethylene oxide) in a saline solution in a sealed canister, removing all free oxygen from the container and replacing it with an inert gas, such as argon, and irradiating the canister with a gamma ray source to simultaneously crosslink the polyethylene oxide while sterilizing it. The gel can then be placed into a syringe and injected into the body.

Injectable polyethylene oxide gel implant and method for production

A method and device which is used to insert an implant in order for treating an eye with glaucoma in order to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye. The implant is an artificial meshwork. The implant is attached to a guide knife which is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. The knife is then removed leaving the implant in place. During the operation, a prismatic lens with c-shaped vacuum ring is used to help assist the surgeon in viewing the anterior chamber of the eye and stabilizing the eye.

Apparatus for implanting an artifical meshwork in glaucoma surgery

Instrument for initiating an intralamellar channel

Method and apparatus for implanting an artificial meshwork in glaucoma

A biocompatible polyethylene oxide gel implant and method for production which can be injected into the human body for tissue replacement and augmentation. The implant is prepared by dissolving a sample of essentially pure polyethylene oxide in a saline solution in a sealed canister, removing all free oxygen from the container and replacing it with an inert gas, such as argon, and irradiating the canister with a gamma ray source to simultaneously crosslink the polyethylene oxide while sterilizing it. The gel can then be placed into a syringe and injected into the body.

A method and device which is used to insert an implant in order for treating an eye with glaucoma in order to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye. The implant is an artificial meshwork formed into a pocket configuration. The implant is attached to a guide knife which is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. The knife is then removed leaving the implant in place. During the operation, a prismatic lens with c-shaped vacuum ring is used to help assist the surgeon in viewing the anterior chamber of the eye and stabilizing the eye.

Artificial meshwork filter for glaucoma surgery

A method of retinal re-attachment is provide including the steps of providing an optical fiber probe assembly; providing a laser system coupled to the optical fiber probe assembly for delivering at least one laser light beam to the optical fiber probe; making an incision in the conjunctiva; passing at least a portion of the optical fiber probe assembly through the incision; advancing the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly so as to separate the conjunctival-Tenon and scleral planes; positioning the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly over a retinal break area; and delivering the laser light beam from the laser system through the optical fiber probe assembly to the scleral at the locus of the retinal break area thereby to produce localized scleral shrinkage to buckle the scleral so as to relax the retinal break area. An apparatus is also provided to employ the method.

Laser scleral buckling method and instruments therefor

Gel injection adjustable keratoplasty

Surgical cutting heads for use in infusion/aspiration devices for performing surgery on various parts of the body, are disclosed. These cutting heads include, a first tube, having a cutting edge formed in its proximal end and an inner space bounded by the interior surface of this tube. This first tube contains at least one asymmetrical two-sided notch for cutting tissue, which notch proceeds distally from the first tube's proximal end to an apex where the sides of the notch meet. A first side of the notch commences at the first tube's proximal end and is generally in a plane parallel to the first tube's longitudinal axis. The second side of the notch commences at the first tube's proximal end, at a point radially inwardly therefrom, and extends into the first tube's inner space. A second open tube is disposed concentrically around the first tube and has at least one projection located at its proximal end and extending radially inwardly therefrom overhanging the first tube's proximal end. The interior surface of the second tube is opposed to the exterior surface of the first tube, and the respective opposed surfaces of these tubes define a traversable inner space between the tubes.

Growing community of inventors

Barcelona, Spain

Gabriel Simon