Source: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/9592152.html
Timestamp: 2018-09-22 07:13:28
Document Index: 591426262

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2009', 'Application No. 12172628', 'Application No. 2', '§120', '§119', 'Application No. 60']

Apparatus and method for securing ocular tissue - Refocus Group, Inc.
United States Patent 9592152
An ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye. The ocular fixation device also includes multiple twist picks configured to be turned to secure the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye. The body includes connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body.
Griffis III, Jack C. (Decatur, GA, US)
Ozinga, David G. (Flower Mound, TX, US)
13/413218
Refocus Group, Inc. (Dallas, TX, US)
A61B1/32; A61F2/14; A61F9/007; A61B17/30; A61F9/013
600/236, 606/166, 351/217
Download PDF 9592152 PDF help
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This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,444, filed Jul. 11, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,709,029 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/819,995 filed on Jul. 11, 2006. Both of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
1. An ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed over a sclera or a limbus of an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body; and multiple twist picks configured to attach the body to the sclera or the limbus of the eye and to release the body from the sclera or the limbus of the eye, each opening of the body configured to receive one of the twist picks; wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body after the body is attached to the eye; wherein each twist pick comprises one or more angled projections at an end of the twist pick, each projection configured to (i) enter into the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a first direction and (ii) exit the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a second direction; and wherein each twist pick is rotatable independent of the other twist picks.
2. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a plurality of crossbars.
3. The ocular fixation device of claim 2, wherein: the body comprises a ring, the crossbars extending across the ring; and the crossbars meet at a specified height above the ring.
4. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more connection points includes an elevated area of the body adjacent to a notch in the body.
5. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion.
6. The ocular fixation device of claim 5, wherein the central portion comprises an additional opening configured to enable viewing of the eye through the central portion.
7. The ocular fixation device of claim 5, wherein each projection extending from the central portion comprises one of the multiple openings configured to receive one of the multiple twist picks.
8. The ocular fixation device of claim 7, wherein the one or more connection points comprise one or more additional openings in the projections extending from the central portion.
9. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein the twist picks are located inwards of an outer rim of the body.
10. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein each projection of each twist pick arches circumferentially around an axis of that twist pick.
11. The ocular fixation device of claim 1, wherein the one or more angled projections comprise one or more teeth.
12. An ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed on an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body; and multiple twist picks configured to attach the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye, each opening of the body configured to receive one of the twist picks; wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body after the body is attached to the eye; wherein each twist pick comprises one or more angled projections at an end of the twist pick, each projection configured to (i) enter into ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in one direction and (ii) exit the ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in another direction; wherein each twist pick is rotatable independent of the other twist picks; and wherein the bottom surface of the body comprises a slanted edge configured to lie on a sclera of the eye.
13. A system comprising: a surgical tool; and an ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed over a sclera or a limbus of an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body; and multiple twist picks configured to attach the body to the sclera or the limbus of the eye and to release the body from the sclera or the limbus of the eye, each opening of the body configured to receive one of the twist picks; wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which the surgical tool is mountable on the body after the body is attached to the eye; wherein each twist pick comprises one or more angled projections at an end of the twist pick, each projection configured to (i) enter into the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a first direction and (ii) exit the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a second direction; and wherein each twist pick is rotatable independent of the other twist picks.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a plurality of crossbars.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein: the body comprises a ring, the crossbars extending across the ring; and the crossbars meet at a specified height above the ring.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the central portion comprises an additional opening configured to enable viewing of the eye through the central portion.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein each projection extending from the central portion comprises one of the multiple openings configured to receive one of the multiple twist picks.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the surgical tool is configured to form a scleral tunnel in the sclera of the eye.
20. The system of claim 13, wherein the twist picks are located inwards of an outer rim of the body.
21. A system comprising: a surgical tool; and an ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed on an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body; and multiple twist picks configured to attach the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye, each opening of the body configured to receive one of the twist picks; wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which the surgical tool is mountable on the body after the body is attached to the eye; wherein each twist pick comprises one or more angled projections at an end of the twist pick, each projection configured to (i) enter into ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in one direction and (ii) exit the ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in another direction; wherein each twist pick is rotatable independent of the other twist picks; and wherein the bottom surface of the body comprises a slanted edge configured to lie on a sclera of the eye.
22. An ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed over a sclera or a limbus of an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body, each opening configured to receive one of multiple independently-rotatable twist picks that secure the body to the sclera or the limbus of the eye and release the body from the sclera or the limbus of the eye; wherein the openings extend through the body such that each twist pick is insertable through one of the openings in order to (i) pass one or more angled projections at an end of the twist pick into the sclera or the limbus and physically attach the one or more angled projections to the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a first direction and (ii) physically release the one or more angled projections from the sclera or the limbus of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a second direction; and wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body after the body is attached to the eye.
23. The ocular fixation device of claim 22, wherein the openings are located inwards of an outer rim of the body.
24. The ocular fixation device of claim 22, wherein the body further comprises a ring and a plurality of crossbars extending across the ring that meet at a specified height above the ring.
25. The ocular fixation device of claim 22, wherein: the body further comprises a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion; the central portion is configured to enable viewing of the eye through the central portion; and each projection extending from the central portion comprises one of the multiple openings configured to receive one of the multiple twist picks.
26. An ocular fixation device comprising: a body configured to be placed on an eye, the body comprising multiple openings each extending through the body to a bottom surface of the body, the bottom surface of the body configured to rest on the eye; and multiple twist picks configured to attach the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye, each opening of the body configured to receive one of the twist picks; wherein the body further comprises one or more connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body; wherein each twist pick includes multiple angled projections at an end of the twist pick, each projection configured to (i) enter into ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a first direction and (ii) exit the ocular tissue of the eye in response to rotation of the twist pick in a second direction; and wherein each twist pick is rotatable independent of the other twist picks.
This disclosure is generally directed to surgical devices and more specifically to an apparatus and method for securing ocular tissue.
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a conventional ocular fixation tool. This ocular fixation tool is placed on the surface of a patient's eye and is physically sutured to the sclera of the patient's eye. This ocular fixation tool includes various notches in which a surgical tool can be placed.
FIG. 19 illustrates a second conventional ocular fixation tool having a solid ring with spikes (not shown) that can be depressed into the tissue of a patient's eye. This ocular fixation tool also includes a handle rotatably coupled to the solid ring, where the handle can be used to move and position the tool. In addition, this ocular fixation tool includes a projection from the solid ring, where a surgical tool can be mounted on the projection.
FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a third conventional ocular fixation tool having a handle, a solid ring, and two rotatable arms. The solid ring is rotatably coupled to the handle. The two rotatable arms are coupled to or mounted on the solid ring at a common pivot point. As shown in FIG. 20A, the two rotatable arms are in the open position, and the solid ring may be placed in a desired location on a patient's eye. As shown in FIG. 20B, the two rotatable arms can then be closed, which drives prongs or other extensions on the arms into the tissue of the patient's eye. After that, the handle can be rotated sideways so that a surgeon or tool has clear access to the patient's eye through the rings. In other embodiments, the handle and the solid ring can be omitted, and the two rotatable arms could be used by themselves (the arms can be closed and opened to lock onto and release a patient's ocular tissue). In still other embodiments, the two rotatable arms could lack prongs or other extensions themselves, and the arms could be used to drive pins or other extensions on the solid ring into a patient's ocular tissue.
In a first embodiment, an ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye. The ocular fixation device also includes multiple twist picks configured to be turned to secure the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye. The body includes connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body.
In a second embodiment, a system includes a surgical tool and an ocular fixation device. The ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on the eye and multiple twist picks configured to be turned to secure the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye. The body includes connection points on which the surgical tool is mountable on the body.
In a third embodiment, an ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye. The body includes multiple openings configured to receive multiple twist picks that secure the body to the eye and release the body from the eye. The body also includes connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth example ocular fixation device in accordance with this disclosure;
FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate an eleventh example ocular fixation device in accordance with this disclosure;
FIG. 15 illustrates an example method for ocular fixation in accordance with this disclosure;
FIGS. 16A through 16D illustrate a thirteenth example ocular fixation device in accordance with this disclosure;
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an example twist pick used in an ocular fixation device in accordance with this disclosure;
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a conventional ocular fixation tool;
FIG. 19 illustrates a second conventional ocular fixation tool; and
FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a third conventional ocular fixation tool.
In other embodiments, the ocular fixation device 400 and the surgical tool 450 could be used to facilitate implantation of a scleral prosthesis in a scleral tunnel. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4F through 4I, the surgical tool 450 could be configured to deposit a scleral prosthesis into a scleral tunnel during formation of the scleral tunnel. In this example, the surgical blade 452 includes a central portion 460, a curved cutting blade 462, and two hub arms 464a-464b. The central portion 460 is connected to the surgical tool 450 and can be rotated in multiple directions to move the cutting blade 462 into and out of the scleral tissue of a patient's eye. The hub arms 464a-464b couple the central portion 460 to the cutting blade 462, helping to translate rotation of the central portion 460 into movement of the cutting blade 462.
A prosthesis 466 is engaged with the tail end of the cutting blade 462. The prosthesis 466 could represent any suitable prosthesis, such as any of the prostheses disclosed in the above-incorporated patent documents. As shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, the cutting blade 462 is initially rotated through the scleral tissue of a patient's eye using the hub arm 464b. Eventually, the hub arm 464a engages with the tip of the cutting blade 462, and the hub arm 464b disengages from the cutting blade 462. As shown in FIGS. 4H and 4I, the hub arm 464a then continues to rotate the cutting blade 462 through the scleral tissue and out of the newly formed scleral tunnel. In this example, the prosthesis 466 is pulled into the scleral tunnel upside-down by the surgical blade 452 and disengages from the cutting blade 462. The prosthesis 466 can then be rotated to properly position the prosthesis 466 in the newly-formed scleral tunnel.
As shown here, the dome 604 of the ocular fixation device 600 includes holes 614. The holes 614 in this example are used to align a surgical tool 616 to one or more locations of a patient's eye. The surgical tool 616 includes an alignment portion 618, which has two extensions 620a-620b forming a partial circle around the ocular fixation device 600. Each of the extensions 620a-620b includes an end that can be inserted into one of the holes 614 of the ocular fixation device 600. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the alignment portion 618 of the surgical tool 616 also includes a stopper 622, which can be depressed against the base 602 of the ocular fixation device 600. Collectively, the ends of the extensions 620a-620b and the stopper 622 represent three points that can be used to ensure the proper positioning of the surgical tool 616 on the patient's eye.
In this example, the surgical tool 616 includes two rotatable grasping clasps 624. As shown in FIG. 6B, the grasping clasps 624 could be opened before the surgical tool 616 is pressed onto the patient's eye. As shown in FIG. 6C, when the surgical tool 616 is pressed onto the patient's eye, the grasping clasps 624 rotate (either inward or outward). This helps to secure the surgical tool 616 in place on the patient's eye.
In this example embodiment, the extensions 620a-620b of the surgical tool 616 form a partial circle around the ocular fixation device 600. This allows the surgical tool 616 to be attached or mounted to the ocular fixation device 600 while leaving a large portion of the dome 604 exposed. Among other things, this may allow the use of a positioning tool 626, which can be used to place the ocular fixation device 600 into one or more positions on the patient's eye. Additional details regarding an example positioning tool are provided below.
In this example embodiment, the positioning tool 700 represents a syringe structure having a body 702, a plunger 704 inserted into the body 702, a spring 706, and a suction cup 708. The spring 706 biases the plunger 704 in the open position, meaning the spring 706 pushes the plunger 704 away from the suction cup 708 at the end of the body 702. The end of the plunger 704 can form an air-tight seal within the body 702, and the suction cup 708 can form an air-tight seal with an ocular fixation device.
To place an ocular fixation device on a patient's eye, the plunger 704 can be depressed, such as by a surgeon or other personnel. The suction cup 708 can be placed on the ocular fixation device, such as on the dome of any of the ocular fixation devices described above. The spring 706 is then allowed to push the plunger 704 away from the suction cup 708. The air-tight seals create a vacuum within the body 702 of the positioning tool 700, causing the suction cup 708 to attach to the ocular fixation device. The ocular fixation device can therefore be picked up, moved, and placed in the appropriate position on a patient's eye using the positioning tool 700. Once in the appropriate position (and possibly after the ocular fixation device has been attached to the patient's eye), the plunger 704 can be depressed. This releases the suction cup 708 from the ocular fixation device.
This type of positioning tool 700 represents only one example of the types of tools that could be used to position an ocular fixation device. Any other suitable mechanism could be used to position an ocular fixation device. For example, an ocular fixation device could include a handle, such as a flip-ring that can be used to pick up the ocular fixation device and that can be rotated to the side and laid on the dome or base of the ocular fixation device. Any other suitable handle or other mechanism could be used to allow the ocular fixation device to be handled and positioned.
Although FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a positioning tool 700 for use with an ocular fixation device, various changes may be made to FIG. 7. For example, any other suitable device or technique could be used to place an ocular fixation device on a patient's eye.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth example ocular fixation device 800 in accordance with this disclosure. The embodiment of the ocular fixation device 800 shown in FIG. 8 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the ocular fixation device 800 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In this example, the ocular fixation device 800 includes a base 802, a fixation mechanism 804, and a handle 806. The base 802 may generally be pressed against a patient's eye, such as by pressing the base 802 down on the patient's cornea. The fixation mechanism 804 can then be attached to the patient's sclera, fixing the tool 800 in place and providing clear access to the patient's sclera. The fixation mechanism 804 could use any suitable technique to latch onto the patient's eye, such as prongs that can be forced into the patient's scleral tissue. The handle 806 can be used to raise and lower the fixation mechanism 804 after the base 802 has been pressed onto the patient's eye.
Although FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth example ocular fixation device 800, various changes may be made to FIG. 8. For example, any suitable mechanisms could be used to attach or otherwise associate the ocular fixation device 800 to the patient's eye.
As shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C, the ocular fixation device 900 includes a central portion 902, a support 904 having a tool connection 906, and prongs 908. In some embodiments, the central portion 902 of the ocular fixation device 900 generally fits over the patient's cornea or some other portion of the patient's eye. The central portion 902 of the ocular fixation device 900 may also be centered on the patient's eye. The support 904 may be removably attached to the central portion 902, and the tool connection 906 allows a surgical tool 910 to be attached to the support 904.
The prongs 908 hold the central portion 902 of the ocular fixation device 900 in place on the patient's eye. For example, the prongs 908 could be extended out as shown in FIG. 9A prior to placement on the patient's eye. The prongs 908 could then be pushed or rotated so that the ends of the prongs 908 attach or secure to the patient's eye.
In particular embodiments, the support 904 can be attached in one orientation to the central portion 902, the surgical tool 910 can be attached to the support 904, and a scleral tunnel can be formed. This process could then be repeated, with the support 904 being removed and attached in a different orientation to the central portion 902 so that the surgical tool 910 can form a scleral tunnel at another location on the patient's eye.
As shown here, the ocular fixation device 1000 also includes multiple prongs 1008, which are rotatably coupled to the outer ring 1002. As shown in FIG. 10B, the prongs 1008 can be opened prior to placement of the ocular fixation device 1000 on the patient's eye. As shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, once placed on the patient's eye, each of the prongs 1008 can be rotated such that the ends of the prongs 1008 attach or secure to the patient's eye. To release the ocular fixation device 1000, the prongs 1008 can be rotated again to remove the ends of the prongs 1008 from the patient's eye.
FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate an eleventh example ocular fixation device 1300 in accordance with this disclosure. The embodiment of the ocular fixation device 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A through 13D is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the ocular fixation device 1300 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In this example, the ocular fixation device 1300 includes a ring 1302 having a lever 1304. The lever 1304 is used to control the movement of retractable pins 1306, which can be retracted into and extended out of the ring 1302. For example, the lever 1304 could be placed in the raised position as shown in FIG. 13A to retract the pins 1306 into the ring 1302. The ring 1302 could then be placed on the patient's eye and positioned properly. After that, the lever 1304 can be lowered as shown in FIG. 13B, causing the pins 1306 to extend from the ring 1302 and lock onto the patient's ocular tissue. For instance, the pins 1306 could penetrate the limbus of the patient's eye to a depth of 200 microns. Any suitable mechanism could be used to cause the pins 1306 to retract and extend under the control of the lever 1304.
In this example embodiment, the ocular fixation device 1300 could also include vertical teeth 1308, which may or may not penetrate the surface of the patient's eye. If the vertical teeth 1308 do not penetrate the surface of the patient's eye, the vertical teeth 1308 could still grip the patient's eye and provide lateral fixation, meaning the vertical teeth 1308 may help to prevent sideways motion of the ocular fixation device 1300 on the patient's eye. In addition, as with various prostheses described above, the ocular fixation device 1300 can include one or more connection points 1310 and one or more windows 1312.
Although FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate an eleventh example ocular fixation device 1300, various changes may be made to FIGS. 13A through 13D. For example, the ring 1302, lever 1304, pins 1306, and other elements could have any suitable shape or dimensions. Also, any suitable mechanisms could be used to attach or otherwise associate the ocular fixation device 1300 to the patient's eye.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example method 1500 for ocular fixation in accordance with this disclosure. The embodiment of the method 1500 shown in FIG. 15 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the method 1500 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
An ocular fixation device is placed on a patient's eye at step 1502. This could include, for example, placing any of the ocular fixation devices described above on the patient's eye. The ocular fixation device could include a dome so that the central portion of the patient's eye is covered and protected by the ocular fixation device.
One or more locking rings of the ocular fixation device are rotated to secure the ocular fixation device to the patient's eye at step 1504. This could include, for example, using an external tool to move one or more of the locking rings of the ocular fixation device. This could also include rotating one or more portions of the ocular fixation device to cause one or more of the locking rings to rotate. This could further include rotating one or more tabs coupled to one or more of the locking rings to cause one or more of the locking rings to rotate. Any other suitable technique could be used here to rotate one or more locking rings of the ocular fixation device.
An ocular surgical procedure occurs at step 1506. This could include, for example, forming one or more scleral tunnels in sclera of the patient's eye. Optionally, one or more scleral prostheses or other implants are placed in the patient's eye at step 1507. This could include, for example, inserting the scleral prostheses as the tunnels are being formed (as shown in FIGS. 4F through 4I above). This could also include inserting the scleral prostheses into the tunnels manually or otherwise after a surgical tool has been mounted on the ocular fixation device and used to form the scleral tunnels.
One or more locking rings of the ocular fixation device are rotated to release the ocular fixation device from the patient's eye at step 1508. This could include, for example, using an external tool, one or more portions of the ocular fixation device, or tabs coupled to the locking rings to rotate one or more of the locking rings. The ocular fixation device is removed from the patient's eye at step 1510. Optionally, one or more scleral prostheses or other implants are placed in the patient's eye at step 1511. This could include, for example, inserting the scleral prostheses into the tunnels manually or otherwise after the ocular fixation device has been removed from the patient's eye. One or both of the optional steps 1507 and 1511 show that the ocular fixation device can be used in a variety of ways during a surgical procedure.
Although FIG. 15 illustrates one example of a method 1500 for ocular fixation, various changes may be made to FIG. 15. For example, any suitable surgical procedure could involve the use of ocular fixation. Also, the surgical procedure may, but need not, involve the implantation of one or more scleral prostheses or other implants or elements into the patient's eye. Further, while described as rotating one or more locking rings to secure and release the patient's eye, other techniques (such as those associated with other embodiments of the ocular fixation devices described above) could be used.
FIGS. 16A through 16D illustrate a thirteenth example ocular fixation device 1600 in accordance with this disclosure. The embodiment of the ocular fixation device 1600 shown in FIGS. 16A through 16D is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the ocular fixation device 1600 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In this example, the ocular fixation device 1600 generally includes a body 1602 and multiple twist picks 1604. The twist picks 1604 represent screw-type structures that can attach to and release the ocular tissue of a patient's eye. For example, rotating the twist picks 1604 in one direction may attach the twist picks 1604 to the ocular tissue of the patient's eye, thereby attaching the body 1602 to the patient's eye. Rotating the twist picks 1604 in the opposite direction may release the ocular tissue, thereby releasing the body 1602 from the patient's eye. In this way, the body 1602 can be attached to the patient's eye through simple rotation of the twist picks 1604.
As shown here, the body 1602 includes a central portion 1606 (such as a ring) that defines an opening 1608. The opening 1608 may allow, for example, the body 1602 to be centered on a patient's eye. Extending from the central portion 1606 are multiple bars or other projections 1610. Each projection 1610 includes an opening 1612 through which a twist pick 1604 can be inserted. The projections 1610 also include connection points 1614, which generally represent areas where, for example, a surgical tool for forming scleral incisions can be mounted on the ocular fixation device 1600. In this example, each of the connection points 1614 includes a circular opening or a circular opening with an adjacent smaller tab. However, any other suitable mechanism could be used to mount or otherwise couple any suitable surgical tool to the ocular fixation device 1600.
The body 1602 is generally sized and shaped to lie on a patient's eye, such as by having slanted inner edges 1616 that generally lie on the sclera of the patient's eye. Also, the top surface of the body 1602 around the openings 1612 have recessed areas 1618, which allow tops of the twist picks 1604 to be partially recessed within the body 1602 when the twist picks 1604 are inserted into the openings 1612.
In some embodiments, the body 1602 of the ocular fixation device 1600 is secured to ocular tissue of a patient's eye by placing the body 1602 on the eye and rotating each of the twist picks 1604 (such as by about 180°). At that point, a surgical tool can be mounted on the body 1602, and one or more incisions or other surgical operations could occur in one or more locations. Once completed, the surgical tool can be removed from the body 1602, the twist picks 1604 can be rotated in the opposite direction, and the body 1602 can be removed from the patient's eye.
Although FIGS. 16A through 16D illustrate a thirteenth example ocular fixation device 1600, various changes may be made to FIGS. 16A through 16D. For example, the body 1602 could have any suitable shape or dimensions. Also, any suitable mechanisms could be used to attach or otherwise associate the ocular fixation device 1600 to the patient's eye.
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an example twist pick 1700 used in an ocular fixation device in accordance with this disclosure. The twist pick 1700 could, for example, be used with the ocular fixation devices 1200 and 1600. As shown here, the twist pick 1700 includes two teeth 1702 at the bottom of the twist pick 1700. The teeth 1702 here arch circumferentially around an axis of the twist pick 1700 and are roughly 180° apart. Rotation of the twist pick 1700 in one direction causes the teeth 1702 to dig into ocular tissue of a patient's eye, securing the twist pick 1700 to the patient's eye. Rotation of the twist pick 1700 in the opposite direction causes the teeth 1702 to exit the ocular tissue of the patient's eye, releasing the twist pick 1700 from the patient's eye.
The twist pick 1700 also includes a head 1704 with a slot 1706. The head 1704 can, for example, engage the body 1602 of the ocular fixation device 1600. When the twist pick 1700 is secured to the ocular tissue of a patient's eye, the head 1704 can help hold the body 1602 of the ocular fixation device 1600 to the patient's eye. The slot 1706 in the head 1704 facilitates rotation of the twist pick 1700 using an instrument, such as an instrument similar to a flathead screwdriver.
The twist pick 1700 further includes an O-ring 1708. The O-ring 1708 can help to secure the twist pick 1700 into an ocular fixation device's body, such as in an opening 1612 of the body 1602. Among other things, this can help to prevent the twist pick 1700 from slipping out of the ocular fixation device's body 1602 prior to or after use.
Although FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate one example of a twist pick 1700 used in an ocular fixation device, various changes may be made to FIGS. 17A and 17B. For example, a twist pick may not be removable from an ocular fixation device's body. Also, any other suitable twist pick design could be used to attach an ocular fixation device's body to a patient's eye.
For all of the ocular fixation devices described above, the various components or elements of the ocular fixation devices could have any suitable shapes, sizes, or dimensions. For example, various ones of the ocular fixation devices could have curved bottom surfaces, allowing the ocular fixation devices to generally lie on the surface of a patient's eye. Also, various elements or features of one of the ocular fixation devices could be used with others of the ocular fixation devices. Further, while often described as being attached to or otherwise associated with the patient's eye at the sclera, the ocular fixation devices could be attached to or otherwise associated with the patient's eye at other locations. In addition, the ocular fixation devices are often described as being used to support a surgical procedure involving the implantation of scleral prostheses into scleral tunnels in a patient's eye. However, any other suitable surgical procedure could be performed using the ocular fixation devices.
In particular embodiments, any of the ocular fixation devices described above could be sized such that the teeth, prongs, twist picks, or other fixating means for associating the ocular fixation device with an eye are secured to, contact, are coupled to, or release tissue at or near the limbus of the eye. This region of the eye may be well-suited to this type of procedure as it heals rapidly. However, each of the ocular fixation devices could have any other suitable size or shape.
The use of various mechanisms have been described above for securing or fixating ocular tissue, such as rings or other devices having teeth, prongs, pins, or twist picks. However, ocular fixation devices could use any suitable mechanism for securing or fixating ocular tissue. In this document, the phrases “means for fixating” and “fixating means” refer to any structure or portion thereof that extends from, projects from, forms a part of, or is otherwise associated with an ocular fixation device and that is pressed against, contacts, or penetrates the surface of a patient's eye. These “fixating means” include one or more teeth, prongs, pins, outcroppings, or other extensions or projections coupled to, attached to, extending from, integrated with, or otherwise associated with a ring or other structure placed proximate to the eye. The “fixating means” also include other mechanical structures such as one or more twist picks or sutures. In some embodiments, “fixating means” such as teeth may be planar or angled with respect to the structure with which the means are associated. Moreover, in this document, an ocular fixation device is said to be “associated with” an eye when the ocular fixation device is secured or attached to the eye.
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