Claims
- 1. An ultrasonic microkeratome device, comprising:
a cutting head assembly comprising an ultrasonic cutting element suitable for corneal resections.
- 2. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element is a blade.
- 3. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element is a wire.
- 4. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element is retractable.
- 5. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element is removable.
- 6. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, further comprising a guide assembly for placement on the ocular globe.
- 7. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 6, further comprising a support assembly connected to said guide assembly and supporting said cutting head assembly for movement of the cutting element along a cutting path of the cornea of the ocular globe.
- 8. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element vibrates at a very high frequency.
- 9. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, wherein the cutting element vibrates at very high frequencies sufficient to effectuate cutting of the corneal tissue.
- 10. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 1, further comprising a drive assembly for driving said cutting head assembly such that said ultrasonic cutting element travels along a predetermined path.
- 11. The microkeratome device of claim 10, wherein the predetermined path is a generally arcuate or longitudinal path.
- 12. An ultrasonic microkeratome system, comprising:
a means for retaining and positioning the eye on which surgery is to be performed; a cutting head assembly including an ultrasonic cutting element; and and a coupling member for detachably coupling the retaining and positioning means and cutting head assembly while permitting movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the retaining and positioning means along a generally arcuate or longitudinal path.
- 13. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element is a blade.
- 14. The ultrasonic microkeratome of claim 12, wherein the cutting element is a wire.
- 15. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element is retractable.
- 16. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element is removable.
- 17. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element vibrates at a very high frequency.
- 18. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element vibrates at very high frequencies sufficient to effectuate cutting of the corneal tissue.
- 19. The ultrasonic microkeratome system of claim 12, wherein the retaining and positioning means comprises a guide means extending in a generally arcuate or straight path.
- 20. A microkeratome device for use with an eye, said device comprising;
a base assembly including a suction ring for attachment to said eye; a cutting head assembly including an ultrasonic cutting element; and a drive assembly for driving said cutting head assembly such that said ultrasonic cutting element travels along a predetermined path.
- 21. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the predetermined path is a generally arcuate or longitudinal path.
- 22. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element is a blade.
- 23. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element is a wire.
- 24. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element is retractable.
- 25. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element is removable.
- 26. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element vibrates at a very high frequency.
- 27. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the cutting element vibrates at very high frequencies sufficient to effectuate cutting of the corneal tissue.
- 28. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the suction ring is an arcuate unit.
- 29 The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the suction ring is a straight unit.
- 30. The microkeratome device of claim 20, wherein the suction ring is a rotary unit.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/362,305, filed Mar. 7, 2002.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60362305 |
Mar 2002 |
US |