Staar Surgical Company, Inc.

Other

Teleshaft Company, Inc.

Thomas R Mazzocco

Michael H Frenchik, Jr

Mary T Frenchik

The invention provides an improved system for atraumatic fixation of intraocular lens structures which comprises a deformable, compliant, peripheral frame and a concentrically disposed optical zone portion which, in one embodied form, is resiliently suspended from the frame by a plurality of compliant fibers or webbing. Accordingly, the invention facilitates surgical placement of the intraocular lens structure in the eye without the requirement of sutures, and without iris involvement, thereby providing a safer and more convenient surgical procedure. The unique fixation system may be utilized for placement of intraocular lenses having either a rigid or a deformable optical zone portion in the anterior chamber or posterior chamber of the eye following cataract removal procedures.

Fixation system for intraocular lens structures

The invention provides unique devices for implantation of deformable intraocular lens structures for surgical placement in the eye. In one embodied form, the inventive device comprises a generally cylindrical disarticulating lens holding member at a distal end of the device for receiving an intraocular lens having a deformable optical zone portion therein; a concentrically aligned sleeve for exerting a prescribed compressive force upon the intraocular lens once contained within the lens holding member; and a collar element disposed at a proximate end of the surgical device for facilitating placement of the lens and for effecting release of the compressed lens through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue. Accordingly, by use of the unique implantation tool, an ophthalmic surgeon may inspect the intraocular lens held within the device for appropriate optical characteristics prior to manipulation within the eye, and ensure compression of the deformable lens to a prescribed cross-section for insertion through the small incision made in the ocular tissue and ensure convenient release and placement of the deformed lens, but without widening the ocular wound.

Devices for implantation of deformable intraocular lens structures

The invention provides an improved intraocular lens structure comprising a deformable optical zone portion with prescribed memory characteristics and methods and devices for implantation of such lens in the eye. The unique optical zone portion of the lens can be deformed by compressing, rolling, folding, stretching, or can be deformed by a combination of these techniques to temporarily reduce the optical zone portion to a diameter of about 80% or less of the cross-sectional diameter of the optical zone portion in an unstressed state. After insertion into the eye, the optical zone portion returns to its original configuration, full size and fixed focal length. The inventive methods and devices for implantation permit insertion of the improved lens through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue, thereby providing a safer, more convenient surgical procedure and more comfortable fit for the eye.

Surgical device for implantation of a deformable intraocular lens

The present invention provides an improved golf club having an adjustable length shaft retractable between fully extended and collapsed positions. In one embodied form, the inventive golf club comprises plural concentric telescopic interlocking tubular sections which produce a friction lock between the tubular sections in a fully extended position. When the inventive club is in a fully collapsed position, the proximate ends of the tubular sections are disposed in relation to one another in sufficient distance to permit grasp of a player's hand about one of the tubular sections, but without the occurrence of pinch between proximate ends of the tubular sections. In another embodiment of the invention, a durable lightweight golf bag is provided which provides a convenient means for carrying the inventive golf clubs and associated golfing equipment. Accordingly, the present invention provides improved golf clubs which are more conveniently retracted in a collapsed position without required specialized tools and which minimize the occurrence of pinch of a player's hand when the club is in a retracted position.

Golf club having adjustable length shaft

Methods for implantation of deformable intraocular lenses

The invention provides an improved autoclavable system for packaging of intraocular lens structures. In one embodied form, the inventive system comprises an outer container having at least two optically clear windows arranged in parallel relationship, an inner holding fixture mounted within the outer container for receiving and supporting an intraocular lens structure in alignment with the windows and a liquid medium within the container which substantially duplicates optical transmission characteristics of fluid in the eye. The unique packaging system provides an autoclavable sterile environment for a wide variety of intraocular lens structures prior to implantation which permits visual inspection and measurement of important optical parameters of the lens structure without removal of the lens from the container. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lens holding fixture can also be used as a surgical tool and handling device for the intraocular lens during manufacture, inspection prior to implantation, and manipulation for placement of the intraocular lens structure within the eye.

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Granada Hills, CA, United States of America

Thomas R Mazzocco