The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 14, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 03, 1995
Daniel X Hammer, San Antonio, TX (US);
Cynthia A Toth, Chapel Hill, NC (US);
William P Roach, San Antonio, TX (US);
Gary D Noojin, San Antonio, TX (US);
Other;
Abstract
A novel microfocusing laser surgical probe for use in intraocular surgery combines a high power laser with a gradient index (GRIN) lens to provide sufficient energy density at a focal point inside the eye to achieve laser induced breakdown and destroy fibrovascular membranes resulting from diabetes and other diseases. The gradient index lens steeply focuses the light close to its end so that the energy density of the light widely diverges beyond the focal point to reduce the potential for damage to the underlying retina. The gradient index lens also focuses the light far enough from the end of the lens to prevent damage to the lens itself. In a first embodiment, an open transmission line couples a YAG laser to a gradient index lens so that the light is still collimated when it strikes the lens. This first probe may be articulated by the use of mirrors or other optical devices. In a second embodiment, a tapered optical fiber couples a YAG laser to a gradient index lens to increase the maneuverability of the probe. An air gap separates the end of the optical fiber from the lens to better couple the light energy output from the optical fiber to the lens.