×

Capsularhexis device with retractable bipolar electrodes

  • US 8,157,797 B2
  • Filed: 01/12/2009
  • Issued: 04/17/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A capsularhexis device, comprising:

  • a tubular insertion cartridge having a proximal end for engagement to a handpiece and a distal end for insertion into an eye;

    a shaft portion configured for longitudinal translation within the tubular insertion cartridge and comprising first and second electrical leads for electrical connection to an external power source; and

    a cutting portion having a connecting end, joined to the shaft portion, and a free end, the cutting portion comprising first and second superelastic electrode layers separated by an electrically insulating layer and electrically connected to the first and second electrical leads, respectively;

    wherein the capsularhexis device has an extended configuration, in which the cutting portion is external to the tubular insertion cartridge and forms a cutting loop with a gap in a periphery of the cutting loop, and a retracted configuration, in which the cutting portion is contained substantially within the insertion cartridge such that the connecting end is farther from the distal end of the insertion cartridge than a remainder of the cutting portion;

    wherein the first and second superelastic electrode layers comprise first and second elongated superelastic strips, each having a length approximately equal to or greater than the perimeter of the cutting loop, a thickness, and a height; and

    wherein the first and second superelastic strips sandwich the insulation layer for at least a portion of the length and height of the superelastic strips.

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