×

Vitreoretinal instrument

  • US 7,285,107 B1
  • Filed: 09/26/2003
  • Issued: 10/23/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of draining fluid from a subretinal space of an eye and performing a fluid exchange in a vitreous of said eye, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a vacuum source;

    providing an vitreoretinal instrument, comprising;

    a handle; and

    a cannula coupled to said handle comprising;

    a curved distal portion having a plane of curvature and a side port disposed at an angle of about 90 degrees to said plane of curvature;

    a second port disposed away from said side port;

    a first flexible tubing having a distal end fluidly coupled to said side port and a proximal end fluidly coupled to said vacuum source;

    a second flexible tubing having a distal end fluidly coupled to said second port and a proximal end fluidly coupled to said vacuum source; and

    a valve disposed on said handle for selectively opening and closing said second flexible tubing;

    grasping said handle;

    disposing said cannula within said eye so that said side port is in said subretinal space and said second port is in said vitreous above said subretinal space;

    actuating said valve to close said second flexible tubing;

    activating said vacuum source;

    aspirating fluid from said subretinal space via said side port and said first flexible tubing;

    actuating said valve to open said second flexible tubing; and

    aspirating said fluid from said vitreous via said second port and said second flexible tubing while continuing to perform said step of aspirating fluid from said subretinal space.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×