Keratome for performing eye surgery and method for using same
US5989272A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/013
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A keratome (10) and a method for using the keratome (10) for cutting a cornea of an eye (14) are provided which allow an operator to view the cutting operation as it occurs. The keratome (10) includes an annular housing (12) sized to contact the eye (14) and allow a portion (21) of the cornea to protrude therein. A motor housing (22) is mounted to the annular housing (12) for movement with respect thereto in a feed direction. A blade (36) is mounted by the motor housing (22) for movement in a cutting direction transverse to the feed direction, and a motor (26) mounted by the motor housing (22) is drivingly connected to the blade (36) to provide reciprocal movement thereof in the cutting direction. Movement of the motor housing (22) in the feed direction across the eye (14) accompanied by movement of the blade (36) in the cutting direction cuts the portion (21) of the cornea protruding into the annular housing (12), while an operator can view the cutting through the annular housing (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.