Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means

• US 20020042612A1
• Filed: 01/10/2001
• Published: 04/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Antonio G. Mendez, Larry L. Hood
• Original Assignee: Antonio G. Mendez, Larry L. Hood
• Inventors: Hood, Larry L., Mendez, Antonio G.
• Application Number:
  US09/759,684
• Publication Number:
  US 20020042612A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00178 Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00761 Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00886 Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00988 Means for storing information, e.g. calibration constants, or for preventing excessive use, e.g. usage, service life counter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/143 multiple needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1475 Electrodes retractable in or deployable from a housing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/036 abutting on tissue or skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00844 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00853 Laser thermal keratoplasty or radial keratotomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00865 Sclera
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00872 Cornea
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0079 using non-laser electromagnetic radiation, e.g. non-coherent light or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/008 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0133 Knives or scalpels specially adapted therefor

Abstract

A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide current at a predetermined power, frequency and time duration. The probe has a sharp tip that is inserted into the stroma of the cornea. The tip has an insulated stop that controls the depth of tip penetration. Current flows into the cornea through the probe tip to locally heat and denature the corneal tissue. The denatured tissue causes a subsequent shrinkage of the cornea. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye.

Claims

1. A thermokeratoplastic probe that is connected to an electrical power supply, comprising:

a handle;

a tip that extends from said handle, said tip having a sharp point that can be inserted into a stroma of a cornea.

2. The probe as recited in claim 1, further comprising a stop that is attached to said tip and which limits the insertion of said tip into the cornea.

3. The probe as recited in claim 1, wherein said tip has an insertion length no greater than 400 microns.

4. The probe as recited in claim 1, wherein said tip is supported by a spring beam that extends from said handle.

5. A thermokeratoplastic probe system, comprising:

a handle;

a tip that extends from said handle, said tip having a sharp point that can be inserted into a stroma of a cornea;

a power supply connected to said tip, said power supply provides a pulse of current at a power no greater than 0.2 watts and for a time duration no greater than 1.0 seconds, such that the current flows into the cornea through said inserted tip to denature the cornea.

6. The system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a stop that is attached to said tip and which limits the insertion of said tip into the cornea.

7. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein said tip has an insertion length no greater than 400 microns.

8. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein said tip is supported by a spring beam that extends from said handle.

9. A method for denaturing a cornea, comprising the steps of:

a) inserting a tip into a stroma of a cornea;

b) energizing said tip with electrical current to heat and denature the cornea; and

,

c) removing said tip from the cornea.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the steps of repeating steps a)-c) a plurality of times in a pattern about the cornea.