US3736938A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ophthalmic method and apparatus
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1971-11-15
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Granted: 1973-06-05
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Expires: 1991-11-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for removing material and components such as the lens from an eye is described. High speed rotary cutting members at one end of a rod macerate the lens while an annular tubing disposed around the cutting members vibrates ultrasonically to coact with the cutting members in macerating the lens. At the same time, a liquid is supplied to the chamber behind the cornea of the eye. Spiral grooves extending along the rotating rod from the cutting members evacuate the liquid and the macerated material from the eye. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus includes a tube through which liquid is supplied to the operative site of the ultrasonically vibrating tube and the cutting members in the area of the lens.
Inventors
- 👤 J Evvard
- 👤 W Mcgannon
- 👤 D Vargo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 19:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/00736; A61F9/00745; A61M; A61M3/00; A61M3/02; A61M3/0204; A61M3/0208; A61M3/0216; A61M3/0279
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of removing material from an eye comprising the steps of: rotating a tool member comprising a rod having at least one cutting member at one end and a spiral groove extending longitudinally from said cutting edge along Said rod; disposing a tubular sheath over said rod; ultrasonically vibrating said sheath along its longitudinal axis; inserting said rod and sheath through the cornea; supplying an incoming buffered vehicle solution to the anterior chamber of the eye; and engaging matter to be removed with both said sheath and said cutting member to macerate said matter, the macerated material being evacuated from the eye by said spiral groove.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of removing material from an eye comprising the steps of: rotating a tool member comprising a rod having at least one cutting member at one end and a spiral groove extending longitudinally from said cutting edge along Said rod; disposing a tubular sheath over said rod; ultrasonically vibrating said sheath along its longitudinal axis; inserting said rod and sheath through the cornea; supplying an incoming buffered vehicle solution to the anterior chamber of the eye; and engaging matter to be removed with both said sheath and said cutting member to macerate said matter, the macerated material being evacuated from the eye by said spiral groove.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of supplying said solution consists of inserting a hollow needle through the cornea of the eye prior to inserting said tool member and supplying said needle with said buffered vehicle solution at a pressure of from about 15.6 mm to about 25.8 mm of mercury.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said rod is rotated at a speed sufficient to produce pumping evacuation of macerated material and liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for removing matter from the interior of an eye comprising: a rod having at least one cutting edge at one end and at least one spiral groove extending from said cutting edge along said rod; drive means for rotating said rod; a housing disposed over said rod, said housing including a passageway in which said rod rotates freely, said housing being thin-walled adjacent to said one end of said rod to form an annular cutting edge; means for imparting ultrasonic movement to said housing; and means for supplying an incoming buffered vehicle solution to the anterior chamber of the eye.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for removing matter from the interior of an eye comprising: a rod having at least one cutting edge at one end and at least one spiral groove extending from said cutting edge along said rod; drive means for rotating said rod; a housing disposed over said rod, said housing including a passageway in which said rod rotates freely, said housing being thin-walled adjacent to said one end of said rod to form an annular cutting edge; means for imparting ultrasonic movement to said housing; and means for supplying an incoming buffered vehicle solution to the anterior chamber of the eye.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said cutting edge extends radially and slopes in the same direction as the spiral groove.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a stem extends from said housing at an oblique angle to said passageway for connection to said means for imparting ultrasonic movement to said housing, said stem merging into said housing along a curve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 and including a hollow needle for supplying fluid to the eye and a source of liquid connected to said needle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 7 and including flow control means interposed between said hollow needle and said source of liquid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 8 and including a handle, said flow control means being disposed on said handle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said drive means rotates at a speed greater than 1,600 RPM.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said one end of said rod is flat.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said one end of said rod is flush with said annular cutting edge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said drive means rotates said rod at a speed between about 2,600 and 30,000 RPM.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |