University of Miami

The Institute for Eye Research Limited

William Gerald Lee

Jean-Marie Arthur Parel

Gabriel Simon

Jean-Marc Legeais

Franck L Villain

Izuru Nose

Arthur Ho

Viviana Fernandez

A one-piece capsulorhexis device is presented comprising a membrane having a curved, flexible substantially discoid flap-valve member shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag inner surface, and at least one integral, flexible retainer shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag outer surface.

One-piece minicapsulorhexis valve

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

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 surgical cutting head includes an outer tube rotatably housing an inner tube. At the distal end of the inner tube is curled cutting wings characterized by a portion of the wall of the inner tube being radially displaced inwardly. The distal end of the inner tube also has v-shaped cutting notches. The distal end of the outer tube has a projecting guard having a poriton which overlies the cutting wings and the distal edge of the inner tube.

Surgical cutting heads with curled cutting wings

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 surgical instrument is provided having a tubular body including a distal portion, a proximal portion and a mid portion. A cutting member having a cutting edge is longitudinally received within the tubular body for guided reciprocal movement therein between a cutting position wherein the cutting edge extends from the distal portion and a non-cutting position wherein the cutting edge is retracted within the tubular body. A urging mechanism is also provided within the mid portion of the tubular body for urging the cutting member to the cutting position. A vacuum source is coupled to the cutting member at a proximal end thereof and provides a vacuum directed to the distal portion to hold tissue to be cut. A method of cutting the tissue is also provided.

Capsule suction punch instrument and method of use

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

Miami Beach, FL, United States of America

William Gerald Lee