US5334190A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser thermokeratoplasty methods and apparatus
Assignee: Summit Technology Inc
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Filing: 1992-05-08
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Granted: 1994-08-02
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Expires: 2012-05-08
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for correction of optical defects in vision, employing an infrared radiation source and a focusing element, for changing the curvature of the eye by application of focused infrared radiation into the collagenous tissue of the cornea in a controlled manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Theo Seiler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/013; A61F9/008; A61F9/00821; A61F2009/00853; A61F2009/00861; A61F2009/00872
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for performing thermokertoplasty comprising: a radiation source for delivery of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns into a cornea of an eye, and focusing means for focusing radiation from the source into the cornea in a controlled manner such that the focusing means defines a coagulation cone with an apex at a depth less than about 450 microns in the cornea, whereby the radiation effects heat-induced shrinkage of the collagenous tissue of the cornea and thereby changes the corneal curvature.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for performing thermokertoplasty comprising: a radiation source for delivery of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns into a cornea of an eye, and focusing means for focusing radiation from the source into the cornea in a controlled manner such that the focusing means defines a coagulation cone with an apex at a depth less than about 450 microns in the cornea, whereby the radiation effects heat-induced shrinkage of the collagenous tissue of the cornea and thereby changes the corneal curvature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the radiation source is pulsed laser having a repetition rate ranging from about 0.1 Hz to about 20 Hz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the radiation source is a laser having an output wavelength in the range of about 1.8 micrometers to about 2.3 micrometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the radiation source is a laser having an output wavelength of about 2.06 micrometers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the focusing means is integrated into a handpiece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the focusing means includes a lens system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the focusing system is a convergent waveguide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the source includes a handpiece.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an interface-matching means for minimizing transmission losses between the radiation source and the cornea.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the interface-matching means is a fluid medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the radiation source is a laser.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the laser is a Holmium:YAG laser.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the laser is a CoMgF 2 laser.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for selective shrinking of collagen tissue in a cornea of an eye by focusing infrared radiation, the apparatus comprising: a source for generation of a beam of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns, an optical fiber optically aligned with said source to transmit said radiation, and a handpiece optically aligned with said fiber to receive the radiation transmitted through the optical fiber, the handpiece including focusing means for focusing the radiation to a focal point in the cornea, and interface-matching means for minimizing transmission losses between the handpiece and the cornea, such that when the handpiece is placed in proximity to the cornea and the source is activated, a beam of radiation is delivered to a volume of the cornea as a coagulation cone with an apex no greater than about 450 micrometers in depth.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for selective shrinking of collagen tissue in a cornea of an eye by focusing infrared radiation, the apparatus comprising: a source for generation of a beam of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns, an optical fiber optically aligned with said source to transmit said radiation, and a handpiece optically aligned with said fiber to receive the radiation transmitted through the optical fiber, the handpiece including focusing means for focusing the radiation to a focal point in the cornea, and interface-matching means for minimizing transmission losses between the handpiece and the cornea, such that when the handpiece is placed in proximity to the cornea and the source is activated, a beam of radiation is delivered to a volume of the cornea as a coagulation cone with an apex no greater than about 450 micrometers in depth.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for shrinking collagenous tissue in a cornea of an eye comprising generating a beam of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns, transmitting the beam to a focusing assembly having a distal end, which assembly is capable of focusing the beam in front of the distal end, and placing the distal end in proximity to a surface of the cornea of an eye such that the beam is focused into the cornea to define a coagulation cone with an apex at a depth of about 300 to 400 microns in the cornea, and a portion of the collagenous tissue of the cornea is subjected to nearly homogeneous coagulation and, thereby, induced to shrink.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for shrinking collagenous tissue in a cornea of an eye comprising generating a beam of infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 1.8 microns to about 2.3 microns, transmitting the beam to a focusing assembly having a distal end, which assembly is capable of focusing the beam in front of the distal end, and placing the distal end in proximity to a surface of the cornea of an eye such that the beam is focused into the cornea to define a coagulation cone with an apex at a depth of about 300 to 400 microns in the cornea, and a portion of the collagenous tissue of the cornea is subjected to nearly homogeneous coagulation and, thereby, induced to shrink.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-01 | 1998-01-31 | 1998-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-01 | 2002-01-31 | 2002-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-01 | 2006-01-31 | 2006-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |