Corneal endothelium protective device
US5951565A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible and transparent corneal endothelium protective device includes a relatively thin protective barrier portion, and a relatively thicker form-providing rim around the barrier portion. An access opening is provided through at least one of the rim and the barrier portion. The protective device is foldable for insertion through a surgical incision, is resilient such that it springs into shape once positioned in the eye, and is sufficiently flexible such that it may easily be removed through the incision in the eye near the completion of the surgical procedure. Various shapes are provided for the device. The protective device is inserted through the small incision and maneuvered into the space between the iris and the cornea and permitted to unfold. During surgery, instruments and other devices may be passed through the surgical incision and extend through an access opening of the protective device to operate on the lens. The intraocular protective device creates a protective barrier between the corneal endothelium and acoustic shock, instruments, other devices, and cataract fragments. As such, the intraocular protective device prevents damage to the fragile corneal endothelium…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.