Composite ophthalmic microcannula
First Claim
1. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:
- at least one flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space and having an outer diameter of no more than 350 microns, the communicating element having a proximal end and a distal end;
a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;
and a reinforcing member connected with the communicating element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Microcannulae are constructed with multiple components in a composite design, allowing the microcannulae to have varying mechanical and delivery properties that will enable ophthalmic treatments by minimally invasive means. The microcannula includes at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of 350 microns or less, a proximal connector for introduction of materials, energy or tools. It may also include a reinforcing member attached to the communicating element, which may be designed to create variable stiffness along the length of the microcannula. The microcannula may also include other features such as a signal beacon near the distal tip.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:
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at least one flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space and having an outer diameter of no more than 350 microns, the communicating element having a proximal end and a distal end;
a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;
and a reinforcing member connected with the communicating element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:
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at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of no more than 350 microns, said communicating element having a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid communicating lumen, a proximal connector configured for delivery of fluid, a signal beacon, and a second communicating element configured to deliver the signal beacon, the signal beacon being capable of identifying the microcannula distal tip. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A system for performing ophthalmic surgery, the system comprising:
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a composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of an eye, the microcannula including;
at least one flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space and having an outer diameter of no more than 350 microns, the communicating element having a proximal end and a distal end;
a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;
and a distal opening;
and a lubricating fluid, wherein said distal opening is located to allow delivery of said lubricating fluid into the tissue space around said distal end. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A method of performing ophthalmic surgery, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) forming an incision in an eye to access a tissue space within the eye;
(b) placing a tip of a microcannula into the tissue space;
(c) advancing to the microcannula along the tissue space;
(d) while delivering a lubricating fluid into the tissue space distal to the tip of the microcannula;
- View Dependent Claims (54, 55)
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Specification