Corneal heat and stretch method and apparatus

• US 6,364,875 B1
• Filed: 11/02/1999
• Issued: 04/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Proteus Therapeutics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Proteus Therapeutics, Inc.
• Inventors: Stanley, H. Mark III
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US09/432,143
• Time in Patent Office: 882 Days
• Field of Search: 606/27-31, 606/41, 606/42, 606/45, 606/50, 606/107, 606/4-6, 606/21, 606/22, 607/96, 607/98, 607/104
• US Class Current: 606/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/306 holding by means of suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/046 in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/10 Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/013 Instruments for compensation of ocular refraction A61F9/008 takes precedence; Instruments for use in cornea removal, for reshaping or performing incisions in the cornea

Abstract

A method and apparatus to alter the shape of the cornea of an eye provides for heating a portion of the cornea to a temperature not exceeding the collagen shrinkage temperature, and applying a pressure differential to a portion of the cornea. The combined effect of elevated temperature and stretching forces leads to permanent residual strains in preferred directions, and thus to a permanent new shape of the cornea. The method is applicable to the correction or reduction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Claims

1. Apparatus for changing the shape of a subject eye, comprising:

means for controllably heating a predetermined heating zone of the eye to a therapeutic temperature below a collagen shrinkage temperature, and

means for controllably applying a therapeutic pressure differential to a predetermined treatment zone of the eye.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for the application of controllably heated fluid.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for irradiating the predetermined heating zone of the eve with electromagnetic radiation.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for applying a pressure differential is a vacuum manifold comprising a cornea-engaging port in communication with a vacuum means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of ports arrayed circumferentially.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the port is a single annular port.

7. Apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a disposable covering on the cornea-engaging port.

8. Apparatus for changing the shape of a subject eye, comprising:

means for controllably heating a predetermined heating zone of the eye to a therapeutic temperature below a collagen shrinkage temperature, and

means for controllably applying a therapeutic stretching force to a predetermined treatment zone of the eye.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for the application of controllably heated fluid.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for irradiating the predetermined heating zone of the eye with electromagnetic radiation.

11. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for applying a stretching force is a vacuum manifold comprising a cornea-engaging port in communication with a vacuum means.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of ports arrayed circumferentially.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the port is a single annular port.

14. Apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a disposable covering on the cornea-engaging port.

15. Apparatus for changing the shape of a subject eye, comprising:

means for controllably heating a predetermined heating zone of the eye to a therapeutic temperature in a range of 45°

C. to 55°

C. and below a collagen shrinkage temperature, and

means for controllably applying a therapeutic stretching force to a predetermined treatment zone of the eye.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for the application of controllably heated fluid.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for controllably heating is a means for irradiating the predetermined heating zone of the eye with electromagnetic radiation.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for applying a stretching force is a vacuum manifold comprising a cornea-engaging port in communication with a vacuum means.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, comprising a plurality of ports arrayed circumferentially.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the port is a single annular port.

21. Apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a disposable covering on the cornea-engaging port.