US7141048B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vitreoretinal instrument
Assignee: Alcon Inc
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Filing: 2003-09-26
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Granted: 2006-11-28
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Expires: 2023-09-26
Abstract
Abstract An improved instrument for helping to remove subretinal fluid and helping to perform fluid exchanges in vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle and a probe coupled to the handle. The probe includes a curved distal portion having a closed tip with a smooth surface capable of safely touching the retina.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven T. Charles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/00736; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/0008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of displacing subretinal fluid from a space between a retinal detachment or a retinal tear and a choroid of an eye, comprising the steps of: providing an vitreoretinal instrument, comprising: a handle; and a probe coupled to said handle comprising a curved distal portion made from a flexible plastic, said curved distal portion having a smooth dorsal surface capable of safely touching the retina; grasping said handle; disposing said probe within a vitreous cavity of said eye above said retinal detachment or retinal tear with said dorsal surface proximate an inner surface of said retina; and moving said handle so that said dorsal surface contacts said inner surface of said retina and displaces subretinal fluid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of displacing subretinal fluid from a space between a retinal detachment or a retinal tear and a choroid of an eye, comprising the steps of: providing an vitreoretinal instrument, comprising: a handle; and a probe coupled to said handle comprising a curved distal portion made from a flexible plastic, said curved distal portion having a smooth dorsal surface capable of safely touching the retina; grasping said handle; disposing said probe within a vitreous cavity of said eye above said retinal detachment or retinal tear with said dorsal surface proximate an inner surface of said retina; and moving said handle so that said dorsal surface contacts said inner surface of said retina and displaces subretinal fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said probe comprises an optical fiber disposed in said handle and said curved portion, and further comprising the step of transmitting light from said optical fiber and said curved portion to an interior of said eye.
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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) | 2009-11-27 | 2010-05-29 | 2010-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-11-27 | 2014-05-29 | 2014-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-11-27 | 2018-05-29 | 2018-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |