Debridement of bodily cavities using debridement fluids
First Claim
1. A method for removing foreign substances from a mammalian body cavity containing an aqueous phase comprising injecting into the cavity at a location near the lower portion of the cavity a water-immiscible, optically clear, biocompatible debridement fluid having a specific gravity greater than water in an amount sufficient to at least partially displace the aqueous phase, removing the aqueous phase and the foreign substances from the cavity at a location near the upper portion of the cavity and removing the debridement fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Foreign substances may be removed from a mammalian body cavity containing an aqueous phase by injecting into the cavity a water-immiscible, optically clear, biocompatible debridement fluid to at least partially displace the aqueous phase, and removing the aqueous phase and the foreign substances. In addition, a method is provided for visualizing a transparent foreign substance in a mammalian body cavity using a water-immiscible, optically clear, biocompatible fluid having a refractive index different from that of water. The debridement fluid may also be used to reposition desirable substances, such as a lens in an ocular cavity, or to remove a secondary membrane from a cavity lining or structure. Preferably, a liquid heavier than water, such as a perfluorocarbon liquid, is used as the debridement fluid.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A method for removing foreign substances from a mammalian body cavity containing an aqueous phase comprising injecting into the cavity at a location near the lower portion of the cavity a water-immiscible, optically clear, biocompatible debridement fluid having a specific gravity greater than water in an amount sufficient to at least partially displace the aqueous phase, removing the aqueous phase and the foreign substances from the cavity at a location near the upper portion of the cavity and removing the debridement fluid.
- 10. A method for visualizing a transparent foreign substance or aqueous phase in a mammalian body cavity comprising injecting into the cavity a water-immiscible, optically clear, biocompatible fluid having a refractive index sufficiently different from the refractive index of the foreign substance or aqueous phase to cause visible refraction at the interface between the foreign substance or aqueous phase and the biocompatible fluid in an amount sufficient to at least partially surround the foreign substance, introducing visible light into the cavity and visualizing the foreign substance as an outline formed at the interface between the fluid and the transparent foreign substance or aqueous phase.
- 15. A method for removing foreign substances from tissue within a mammalian body cavity where the foreign substances form a layer which overlies the tissue, comprising injecting into the cavity a water-immiscible, biocompatible fluid, having a specific gravity greater than water and the tissue, in an amount sufficient to cover the tissue, and mechanically pulling the foreign substances away from the tissue.
Specification