Patent US5047009A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5047009A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for ocular perfusion
Assignee: Alcon Research LLC
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Filing: 1990-02-12
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Granted: 1991-09-10
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Expires: 2010-02-12
Abstract
Abstract Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Morris
- 👤 Clark D. Witherspoon
- 👤 William E. Goggans, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:07
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M3/00; A61M3/02; A61M3/0233; A61M3/0204; A61M3/0216; A61F; A61F9/00; A61M2202/00; A61M2202/02; A61M2202/04; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/33; A61M2205/3331; A61M2205/3344; A61M2205/80; A61M3/0202
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second conduit is connected to the liquid infusate reservoir for receiving liquid therefrom and is also connected to said infusate selector valving means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said third conduit receives pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas and is connected to said infusate selector valving means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said infusate selector valving means comprises a valve having a first inlet connected to said second conduit and a second inlet connected to said third conduit and an outlet connected to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that liquid or gas from said second or third conduit may be selectively conveyed to the ocular surgical infusion instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein each of said conduit members comprise a length of flexible silicone tubing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said second and third conduit are formed from twin-bore silicone tubing with one bore serving as a conduit for the liquid infusate and with the other bore serving as a conduit for gas.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir, with said conduit for conveying the pressurized gas extending into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir, with said conduit for conveying the pressurized gas extending into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
245 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; and (e) a gas pressure control means for variably controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
245 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a third conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (d) an infusate selector valving means for selectively connecting either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument such that when said second conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument, and when said third conduit is connected to the surgical infusion instrument, liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir is prevented from being conveyed to the infusion instrument; and (e) a gas pressure control means for variably controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 further comprising an indication means in connection with said gas pressure control means for providing a human audible indication of the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said gas pressure control means for variably controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas provides an audible signal acknowledging a detected audible command signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 further comprising a valve position control means connected to said infusate selector valving means for selectively controlling the connection of either said second or third conduit to the ocular surgical infusion instrument by audible command signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said first conduit for conveying the pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir extends into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein each of said conduit members comprise a length of flexible silicone tubing.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir under pressure with a volume maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas, with said conduit for conveying the pressurized gas extending into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir under pressure with a volume maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas, with said conduit for conveying the pressurized gas extending into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
198 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) a gas pressure control means for variably controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
198 words
An apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure during closed wound intraocular surgery, using a source of continuous pressurized gas at a controlled variable gas pressure, a liquid infusate reservoir having a limited volume for maintaining liquid infusate in the reservoir under pressure with a volume of gas, and an ocular surgical infusion instrument, comprising: (a) a first conduit for conveying pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (b) a second conduit for conveying liquid infusate from the reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; (c) a valving means in communication with said second conduit for controlling the flow of liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to the ocular surgical infusion instrument; and (d) a gas pressure control means for variably controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 16 further comprising an indication means, in connection with said gas pressure control means, for providing a human audible indication of the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said gas pressure control means for variable controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas provides an audible signal acknowledging a detected audible command signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said first conduit for conveying the pressurized gas to the liquid infusate reservoir extends into the volume of gas contained within the reservoir so that the volume of gas contained within the reservoir is in direct communication with the source of continuous pressurized gas.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir with the pressurized gas so that the pressurized gas output from the source of pressurized gas is in direct communication with a pressurized gas pocket within the liquid infusate reservoir; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as in infusate; (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; and (e) supplying pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the ocular surgical infusion instrument and selectively infusing the selecting anterior or posterior ocular chamber with gas or liquid infusate; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir with the pressurized gas so that the pressurized gas output from the source of pressurized gas is in direct communication with a pressurized gas pocket within the liquid infusate reservoir; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as in infusate; (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; and (e) supplying pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the ocular surgical infusion instrument and selectively infusing the selecting anterior or posterior ocular chamber with gas or liquid infusate; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced LIquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir with the pressurized gas; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; (e) supplying pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the ocular surgical infusion instrument and selectively infusing the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber with gas or liquid infusate; and (f) controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals detectable by a gas pressure control means which varies gas pressure in accordance with the detected audible command signal; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced LIquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir with the pressurized gas; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; (e) supplying pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the ocular surgical infusion instrument and selectively infusing the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber with gas or liquid infusate; and (f) controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals detectable by a gas pressure control means which varies gas pressure in accordance with the detected audible command signal; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control directly by the surgeon of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and permitting rapid conversion between liquid and gas infusion during such surgery.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 21 wherein the pressure of the gas supplied from the source of continuous pressurized gas is indicated by a human audible signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as defined in claim 21 wherein said control of the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas by audible command signals includes a human audible signal acknowledging the detected audible command signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as defined in claim 21 wherein said selective infusion of the ocular chamber with gas or liquid infusate is accomplished by audible commands detectable by a valve position control means which selectively connects pressurized gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas or liquid infusate from the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument in accordance with the detected audible command signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 21 wherein said pressurization of the contents of the liquid infusate reservoir is accomplished with the pressurized gas output from the source of continuous pressurized gas in direct communication with the pressurized gas pocket within the liquid infusate reservoir.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) a continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir directly with the pressurized gas such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; and (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) a continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir directly with the pressurized gas such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; and (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir directly with the pressurized gas such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas and so that the pressurized gas output from the source of pressurized gas is in direct in communication with a pressurized gas pocket within the liquid infusate reservoir; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; and (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of ocular perfusion using Gas Forced Liquid Infusion (GFLI), comprising: (a) continuously supplying pressurized gas at a selected variable pressure from a source of continuous pressurized gas having a control means to vary gas pressure; (b) pressurizing the contents of a liquid infusate reservoir directly with the pressurized gas such that the pressure within the liquid infusate reservoir is substantially the same as the pressure produced by the source of continuous pressurized gas and so that the pressurized gas output from the source of pressurized gas is in direct in communication with a pressurized gas pocket within the liquid infusate reservoir; (c) supplying the liquid contents of the liquid infusate reservoir to an ocular surgical infusion instrument for infusion into a selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber as an infusate; and (d) selectively varying the pressure of the infusate within the selected anterior or posterior ocular chamber by controlling the pressure of the gas from the source of continuous pressurized gas; thereby permitting accurate and rapid control of infusion pressure during intraocular surgery and avoiding the deleterious consequences of underpressurization or overpressurization and jetstreaming during such surgery.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-09 | 1995-03-11 | 1995-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-03-11 | 1999-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-09 | 2003-03-11 | 2003-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |