Lithotripsy eye treatment
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of treating a cataract in an eye, the method comprising:
- advancing a distal end of a lithotripsy probe into the eye in proximity with the cataract;
activating the lithotripsy probe to break the cataract into multiple pieces by causing fluid to move forward from a nozzle at the distal end of the lithotripsy probe, wherein causing fluid to move forward from the nozzle comprises generating a shock wave in the nozzle near the distal end of the lithotripsy probe, and wherein an hourglass shape of the nozzle increases a speed of the shock wave at an output opening of the nozzle; and
aspirating the multiple pieces of the cataract out of the eye using suction.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A lithotripsy probe is used to break up cataracts, sinus blockages and other body masses, where the broken materials may be removed by suction. The lithotripsy probe may have a spark generator, a fluid motion generator, or other component for breaking up the body mass.
-
Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A method of treating a cataract in an eye, the method comprising:
-
advancing a distal end of a lithotripsy probe into the eye in proximity with the cataract; activating the lithotripsy probe to break the cataract into multiple pieces by causing fluid to move forward from a nozzle at the distal end of the lithotripsy probe, wherein causing fluid to move forward from the nozzle comprises generating a shock wave in the nozzle near the distal end of the lithotripsy probe, and wherein an hourglass shape of the nozzle increases a speed of the shock wave at an output opening of the nozzle; and aspirating the multiple pieces of the cataract out of the eye using suction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of removing an unwanted structure from an eye, the method comprising:
-
advancing a distal end of a probe into the eye in proximity with the unwanted structure in the eye; generating a spark within the probe to produce a forward moving shock wave force in a fluid in the probe, wherein the forwardly moving shock wave breaks the unwanted structure into multiple pieces, and wherein the forwardly moving shock wave is directed from a nozzle at the end of the probe, the nozzle having an hourglass shape to increase a speed of the shock wave at an output opening of the nozzle; and aspirating the multiple pieces of the unwanted structure out of the eye using suction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
-
Specification