US5916149A — Shielded illumination device for ophthalmic surge…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 268 words

An illuminated surgical instrument for ophthalmic surgery comprising: an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end; a connector disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, said connector being adapted for connection to a source of illumination and for holding the proximal end of the optical fiber in position to accept light from the illumination source; a handpiece disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber, said handpiece having a handpiece body and a needle extending distally from the handpiece body, said optical fiber extending generally through the handpiece, said handpiece being of a size suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle being of a size suitable for insertion into a cavity in the human body such as the interior of a human eye; means at the distal end of the optical fiber for dispersing light passing from the illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which the light impinges; a shield having a distal end disposed adjacent the dispersing means to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area, said predetermined area being disposed proximal to the needle and spaced transversely therefrom, the distal end of the shield being disposed flush with the distal end of the optical fiber; and a surgical tool disposed adjacent at least a portion of said needle and extending distally beyond said dispersing means, said surgical tool operating in the area on which said light impinges, and being of a size suitable for insertion into a cavity in the human body such as the interior of a human eye.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 268 words

An illuminated surgical instrument for ophthalmic surgery comprising: an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end; a connector disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, said connector being adapted for connection to a source of illumination and for holding the proximal end of the optical fiber in position to accept light from the illumination source; a handpiece disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber, said handpiece having a handpiece body and a needle extending distally from the handpiece body, said optical fiber extending generally through the handpiece, said handpiece being of a size suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle being of a size suitable for insertion into a cavity in the human body such as the interior of a human eye; means at the distal end of the optical fiber for dispersing light passing from the illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which the light impinges; a shield having a distal end disposed adjacent the dispersing means to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area, said predetermined area being disposed proximal to the needle and spaced transversely therefrom, the distal end of the shield being disposed flush with the distal end of the optical fiber; and a surgical tool disposed adjacent at least a portion of said needle and extending distally beyond said dispersing means, said surgical tool operating in the area on which said light impinges, and being of a size suitable for insertion into a cavity in the human body such as the interior of a human eye.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 1 wherein said surgical tool is a surgical pic.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 58 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 2 wherein said surgical pic is mounted on the distal end of a rigid tube, said rigid tube being affixed to the exterior of said needle, and having a fluid pathway disposed therein, the proximal end of said rigid tube being positioned adjacent to, and apart from, said handpiece.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 34 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 3 wherein said rigid tube is an aspirating tube, said proximal end of said aspirating tube being adapted for connection to a flexible suction tube.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 34 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 3 wherein said rigid tube is an irrigation tube, said proximal end of said irrigating tube being adapted for connection to a flexible irrigating tube.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 33 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 3 wherein said surgical pic extends angularly away from said needle, the distal end of said fluid pathway being disposed in said surgical pic.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 6 wherein said surgical pic extends perpendicularly away from said needle.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 3 wherein said surgical pic is an extension of said rigid tube.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 3 wherein said surgical pic is welded to said rigid tube.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 20 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 2 wherein said surgical pic has a tear-drop shaped frontal section.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 1 wherein said surgical tool is a surgical scalpel.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 44 words

The illuminated surgical instrument as set forth in claim 11 wherein said surgical scalpel is mounted on the distal end of a rigid member affixed to said needle and extending distally from said dispersing means, said surgical scalpel including at least one cutting edge.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 181 words

An illuminated surgical instrument comprising: an elongated support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a manipulating grip mounted on the proximal end of said elongated shaft; a tissue manipulating member mounted on the distal end of said elongated shaft, said tissue manipulating member being responsive to movement of manipulating grip to manipulate tissue; a cannula secured to said elongated support shaft, said cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said cannula being positioned adjacent said tissue manipulating member and including a shield; and an optical fiber having a proximal end adapted for connection to a source of illumination, and a distal end including means for dispersing light passing from said source of illumination through said optical fiber to broaden an area on which said light impinges, a distal portion of said optical fiber being secured within said cannula such that said dispersing means is disposed adjacent said shield, said shield being configured to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area, said predetermined area being disposed proximal to said elongated support shaft.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 181 words

An illuminated surgical instrument comprising: an elongated support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a manipulating grip mounted on the proximal end of said elongated shaft; a tissue manipulating member mounted on the distal end of said elongated shaft, said tissue manipulating member being responsive to movement of manipulating grip to manipulate tissue; a cannula secured to said elongated support shaft, said cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said cannula being positioned adjacent said tissue manipulating member and including a shield; and an optical fiber having a proximal end adapted for connection to a source of illumination, and a distal end including means for dispersing light passing from said source of illumination through said optical fiber to broaden an area on which said light impinges, a distal portion of said optical fiber being secured within said cannula such that said dispersing means is disposed adjacent said shield, said shield being configured to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area, said predetermined area being disposed proximal to said elongated support shaft.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 16 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said tissue manipulating member is a surgical scissors.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 16 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said tissue manipulating member is a surgical forceps.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 16 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said tissue manipulating member is a surgical retractor.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 19 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said tissue manipulating member is adapted for use in ophthalmic surgery.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 21 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said shield is a beveled portion of said distal end of said cannula.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 18 wherein said beveled portion includes a plurality of facets.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 25 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 18 wherein said beveled portion is angled at forty five degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of said cannula.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 21 words

The illuminated surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said shield is a radiused portion of said distal end of said cannula.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-06-28	2002-12-28	2003-06-29	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-06-28	2006-12-28	2007-06-29	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-06-28	2010-12-28	2011-06-29	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Shielded illumination device for ophthalmic surgery and the like

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