Patent ID: 6551326
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A device for making a circular cut into a lens capsule of an eye, comprising:A. a tubular, substantially straight outer member, having a distal end and a proximal end; B. an inner member comprising a super elastic rod having a distal end and a proximal end; (1) said inner member being slidably, partially enclosed within said outer member; (2) said inner member having means attached thereto for sliding its distal end in and out of said distal end of said outer member, whereby said inner member is constrained to be substantially straight when said distal end of said inner member is constrained within said outer member, and whereby said distal end of said inner member forms a circular loop when unconstrained and extended from said distal end of said outer member; C. cutting means having a cutting edge attached to said distal end of said inner member; (1) said cutting edge being disposed so as make a circular cut when said distal end of said inner member is retracted into said distal end of said outer member from said unconstrained state; (2) said cutting means not being substantially larger than said distal end of said outer member; whereby said distal end of said outer member, with said distal end of said inner member retracted therewithin, may be inserted into an eye through an incision substantially the same size as said distal end of said outer member, and said distal end of said inner member may then be extended within the eye from said distal end of said outer member so as to form said circular loop.