Patent US2425550A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4888015A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of replacing an eye lens
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-08-20
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Granted: 1989-12-19
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Expires: 2002-08-20
Abstract
Abstract A method of replacing a human or animal lens is disclosed, along with a tool for use in such procedure and a flexible lens for use as an implant or transplant. The procedure includes the use of a horizontal capsulotomy incision to allow for the removal of the lens from the lens capsule without destruction or removal of any portion of the capsule. No sutures or other unnatural materials are required. A special tool for use in this procedure is disclosed which includes saucer-shaped gripping members which can grip and loosen the lens from the lens capsule and keep the capsule open during the transplant. The implanted lens, which may be of a soft material having a variable focus, is formed from an inert, non-toxic material. When a natural lens or a flexible artificial lens is utilized in the procedure, the natural constriction and relaxation of the ciliary muscles allows for the variation of the focus of the lens in a manner which closely approximates that of the original natural lens.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolph S. Domino
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/14; A61F2/16; A61F2/1662
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A method of replacing a lens comprising: (a) displacing the cornea and the conjunctiva to provide access to the iris; (b) positioning the iris to provide access to the anterior lens capsule; (c) performing a generally horizontal capsulotomy incision in the anterior lens capsule; (d) folding back the superior portion of the capsular incision to expose the apex of the lens; (e) inserting a first portion of a removal tool between the anterior lens capsule and the anterior surface of the lens while inserting a second portion of said removal tool between the posterior lens capsule and the posterior surface of the lens; (f) grasping the lens with said first and second portions of said removal tool and rotating the lens to dislodge it from the capsule and partially remove it from the capsule; (g) removing the lens while keeping the capsule open; (h) inserting a replacement lens into the capsule; (i) withdrawing said removal tool from the capsule; and (j) repositioning the superior capsule flap, the iris, the cornea and the conjuctiva.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A method of replacing a lens comprising: (a) displacing the cornea and the conjunctiva to provide access to the iris; (b) positioning the iris to provide access to the anterior lens capsule; (c) performing a generally horizontal capsulotomy incision in the anterior lens capsule; (d) folding back the superior portion of the capsular incision to expose the apex of the lens; (e) inserting a first portion of a removal tool between the anterior lens capsule and the anterior surface of the lens while inserting a second portion of said removal tool between the posterior lens capsule and the posterior surface of the lens; (f) grasping the lens with said first and second portions of said removal tool and rotating the lens to dislodge it from the capsule and partially remove it from the capsule; (g) removing the lens while keeping the capsule open; (h) inserting a replacement lens into the capsule; (i) withdrawing said removal tool from the capsule; and (j) repositioning the superior capsule flap, the iris, the cornea and the conjuctiva.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said displacement step consists of a 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock superior corneal incision and conjunctival flap.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim wherein said positioning step consists of a 12 o'clock complete iridectomy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said positioning step consists of a dilation of the iris.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A methoid according to claim 1 wherein said capsulotomy is from the 10 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said capsulotomy is performed approximately three millimeters from the apex of the capsule.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said removing step is done with an erisophake
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 or claim 7 wherein during said removing step the capsule is kept open with said removal tool.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of irrigating the lens capsule after said removing step.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of removing subcapsular plaque after said removing step.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said replacement lens is a human lens transplant.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said replacement lens is an animal lens transplant.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said replacement lens is an artificial lens transplant.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein said artificial lens has a variable focus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 14 wherein said lens is made of flexible material.
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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) | 1992-12-18 | 1993-06-19 | 1993-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-18 | 1997-06-19 | 1997-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-06-19 | 2001-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |