Insertion system for corneal implants
First Claim
1. A corneal implant insertion system comprising:
- an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
a holding space at the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the holding space is defined between a top distal portion having a width and a bottom distal portion having a width, wherein the top distal portion is generally flat across its width and the bottom distal portion is generally flat across its width;
a slot through the top distal portion of the elongated body, wherein the slot extends to a leading edge of the elongated body;
a corneal implant retained within the holding space; and
a fluid disposed in the holding space such that the corneal implant is retained within the holding space in an unstressed configuration due to the surface tension of the fluid.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Provided therein are apparatuses, systems and methods for storing and retrieving a corneal implant and for delivering the corneal implant in or on the cornea. In an embodiment, a insertion system comprises an inserter for delivering a corneal implant to a desired location in or on the cornea. The inserter has a holding space at its distal end for holding a corneal implant therein. A solution may substantially fill the holding space with the corneal implant to keep the implant hydrated and to hold the implant in the holding space by the surface tension of the solution. The corneal implant may be preloaded in the holding space of the inserter and stored in a storage container filled with storage fluid, e.g., saline, until use. To deliver the corneal implant, the inserter is positioned at the desired location, and the corneal implant released from the holding space of the inserter.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A corneal implant insertion system comprising:
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an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end; a holding space at the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the holding space is defined between a top distal portion having a width and a bottom distal portion having a width, wherein the top distal portion is generally flat across its width and the bottom distal portion is generally flat across its width; a slot through the top distal portion of the elongated body, wherein the slot extends to a leading edge of the elongated body; a corneal implant retained within the holding space; and a fluid disposed in the holding space such that the corneal implant is retained within the holding space in an unstressed configuration due to the surface tension of the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification