Patent ID: 7147648
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for transplanting donor corneal tissue onto a mammalian recipient's eye, comprising: (a) a cutting blade; wherein the dimensions and shape of said cutting blade are adapted to allow said cutting blade to cut a cornea button suitable for transplantation from the donor corneal tissue; (b) a removable, concave base plate comprising a proximal end having a plurality of suction ports, and a distal end having a plurality of suture grooves; wherein said suction ports are adapted to receive and distribute a negative pressure to hold the donor corneal tissue; and wherein said suture grooves have a size and shape adapted to guide a suture needle into the cornea button and through surrounding corneal tissue when the cornea button is placed on the recipient's eye; (c) a concave support block having a bore adapted to receive said base plate; wherein said block is adapted, so that when said base plate is positioned in said bore, said support block and said base plate form a smooth and continuous concave surface that approximates the curvature of the anterior surface of the corneal tissue; and (d) a vacuum device adapted to supply a negative pressure to the cornea button to hold the cornea button on said base plate; wherein: (e) when negative pressure is applied to the donor corneal tissue, a cornea button may be cut from the donor corneal tissue, placed onto to the recipient's eye, and sutured to the remaining corneal tissue of the recipient.