Methods for epi-retinal implantation
First Claim
1. A method for removing a cortical vitreous of an eye, comprising:
- transforming a cortical vitreous from a transparent to a visible condition by mechanically stimulating the transparent cortical vitreous to induce formation of collagen fibrils and contraction thereof; and
separating at least a portion of the cortical vitreous from an adherent retinal surface to form an epi-retinal space.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for epi-retinal implantation of an object into a subject is disclosed. The method includes rendering the normally transparent cortical vitreous visible and separating at least a portion of a cortical vitreous of the subject away from an adherent retinal surface to form an epi-retinal space between the retina and the separated cortical vitreous material. An object to be implanted may be introduced into the epi-retinal space and the object engaged with a surface of the retina. In preferred embodiments, the object may then be adhered to the surface of the retina. A method for implantation of a neural contact structure for contact with neural tissue, for example, neural tissue of the retina within which are ganglion cells to be electrically stimulated is also described. The contact structure comprises a first portion for attachment to a first bodily location, such as the inner surface of the retina, and a second portion interconnected with the first portion via an interconnection and being held in contact with the neural tissue. The interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force which in conjunction with the geometry of said second portion provides a preselected desired pressure of contact against the neural tissue. As adapted for the retina, the interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force developed in response to curvature of the interconnection along the inner radius of the retina.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for removing a cortical vitreous of an eye, comprising:
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transforming a cortical vitreous from a transparent to a visible condition by mechanically stimulating the transparent cortical vitreous to induce formation of collagen fibrils and contraction thereof; and separating at least a portion of the cortical vitreous from an adherent retinal surface to form an epi-retinal space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for implanting an object on a retina of a subject, comprising:
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inducing contraction of at least a portion of a transparent cortical vitreous of the subject so that at least a portion is rendered visible by mechanically stimulating the transparent cortical vitreous to induce formation of collagen fibrils and contraction thereof; separating said visible cortical vitreous from an underlying retina; forming an epi-retinal space defined between said retina and said separated cortical vitreous; enlarging said epi-retinal space; introducing an object into said epi-retinal space; and engaging said object within the retina that is free of said cortical vitreous. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for removing a cortical vitreous from an inner surface of a retina of an eye, comprising:
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removing vitreous material of the eye to expose the retina and associated cortical vitreous; inducing contraction of at least a portion of the cortical vitreous of the eye so that said at least a portion of the cortical vitreous is rendered visible by mechanically stimulating the cortical vitreous to induce formation of collagen fibrils and contraction thereof; separating said visible cortical vitreous from the retina; and removing said cortical vitreous. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification