SOFT TIP CANNULA AND METHODS FOR USE THEROF

• US 20100076271A1
• Filed: 04/21/2009
• Published: 03/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Iridex Corporation
• Original Assignee: RetinaLabs.com, Inc.
• Inventors: Humayun, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 8,177,777 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/249
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3937 Visible markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/84 Drainage tubes; Aspiration tips for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/90; for surgical cutting instruments A61B17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 13/003 Blowing gases other than for carrying powders, e.g. for inflating, dilating or rinsing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes

Abstract

A surgical device having a body portion that is gripped by a user, the body portion having a distal end equipped with a soft tip and the proximal end optionally connected to an external vacuum or gas/air source. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in ophthalmic surgical procedures to remove fluid from the eye or introduce gas/air into the eye. The soft tip is fabricated to protect the delicate tissues if the eye and is further modified so as to enhance a user'"'"'s visibility of the device in the surgical field.

Claims

1. A surgical device particularly suitable for ophthalmic surgical procedures comprising:

an elongate body portion;

the elongate body portion having a proximal end and a distal end;

a soft tip at the distal end of the body portion; and

the soft tip being modified so as to enhance a user'"'"'s visibility of the soft tip in the surgical area.

2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the soft tip is formed of a soft material at least partially colored to enhance a user'"'"'s visibility of the soft tip.

3. The surgical device of claim 2, wherein the soft tip material has one or more markings to enhance a user'"'"'s visibility of the soft tip.

4. The surgical device of claim 3, wherein the marking is a fiducial ring.

5. The surgical device of claim 2, wherein the soft tip material is at least partially colored with a fluorescent material.

6. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the soft tip is connected to a light source that illuminates the soft tip.

7. The surgical device of claim 6, wherein the light source further illuminates the surgical site.

8. The surgical device of claim 6, wherein the light source is a fiber optic that illuminates the soft material.

9. The surgical device of claim 6, wherein the light source is a laser transmitting fiber.

10. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the laser transmitting fiber transmits colored beams.

11. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the device is hollow and the device is an aspirating device.

12. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the soft tip is formed of a porous material that allows material to be passed through.

13. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the soft tip has one or more apertures through which material may pass.

14. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the soft tip is hollow.

15. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the device is a non-aspirating device for retinal manipulation or scraping of scar tissue or ocular tissues.

16. The surgical device of claim 1, further comprising a hub at the proximal end of the body portion.

17. A medical device kit, comprising one or more of the surgical devices of claim 1.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the one or more delivery devices are packaged in sterile condition.

19. A method for performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure utilizing the device of claim 1.

20-35. -35. (canceled)