Method for eye lens removal using cavitating microbubbles

US11166846B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US
• The United States Government represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs · US

Inventors

• Robert H. Grubbs · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Marshall L. Stoller · San Francisco, US
• Ying Han · Cheshire, US
• Frank L. Brodie · Redondo Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 9, 2021
• Expiry date: May 15, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F9/00745
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical method of cataract fragmentation and extraction via microbubble cavitation is described. In particular, gas-filled microbubbles are injected into a lens capsule of a subject's eye, and cavitation of the microbubbles is activated by applied ultrasound energy. The ultrasound energy can be applied from an external device. The cavitation fragments cataract tissues without damaging other tissue, such as the lens capsule. Fragmented lens material is then aspirated from the lens capsule. The method can be used alone or in conjunction with other methods, such as phacoemulsification.