Ultrasonic transducer for dispersal of haemorrhages in eyes

Claim 2

Eye treatment apparatus for the in vivo dispersal of a haemorrhage in the vitreous humour of an eye, comprising focussing ultrasonic transducer means adapted, when positioned adajcent the eye sclera, to emit an ultrasonic wave focussed within the vitreous humour sufficient to induce local microstirring to disperse the haemorrhage.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transducer means comprises a transducer housed at one end of a probe and adapted for engagement with a portion of the eye sclera by way of a coupling means.

Claim 4

Eye treatment apparatus for the in vivo dispersal of a haemorrhage in the vitreous humour of an eye, comprising a focussing ultrasonic transducer means having an emitter of ultrasonic waves, and a control system connected to the transducer means for controlling the transducer means so that the emitter, when positioned adjacent and outside the eye sclera, emits an ultrasonic wave focussed within the vitreous humour sufficient to induce local micro-stirring to disperse the haemorrhage. 3. Eye treatment apparatus for the in vivo dispersal of a haemorrhage in the vitreous humour of an eye, comprising a focussing ultrasonic transducer means having an emitter of ultrasonic waves, and a control system connected to the transducer means for controlling the transducer means so that the emitter, when positioned adjacent the eye sclera, emits an ultrasonic wave focussed within the vitreous humour sufficient to induce local microstirring to disperse the haemorrhage. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transducer means and the emitter are housed at one end of a probe. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the control system comprises an RF signal generator, a power amplifier for amplifying an RF signal therefrom, and an output transformer for matching the impedances of the power amplifier output and the transducer input so that the concentration of the ultrasonic waves at the focal point is sufficient to cause said dispersal. 6. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the probe is a hand-held probe. 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the frequency range of the transducer means is from about 1MHz to 3MHz. 8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the power range of the transducer means is from about 0.5W to 5W. 9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the focal length of the transducer means is in the range of 8 to 14mm. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the said focal length is approximately 11 mum. 11. Apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim appendant thereto, wherein the transducer has a fixed focus. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transducer comprises a planar disc resonant in the thickness direction. 13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transducer comprises a partspherical shell or bowl resonant in the thickness direction. 14. Eye treatment apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. CLAIMS Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: Claims 1-3 above have been deleted or textually amended. New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows: 1. Eye treatment apparatus for the non-invasive in vivo dispersal of a haemorrhage in the vitreous humour of an eye, comprising focussing ultrasonic transducer means adapted, when positioned adjacent and outside the eye sclera, to emit an ultrasonic wave focussed within the vitreous humour sufficient to induce local micro-stirring to disperse the haemorrhage. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transducer means comprises a transducer housed at one end of a probe and adapted for engagement with a portion of the eye sclera by way of a coupling means.