Patent ID: 8206441

Claim:
A device for delivering endothelial tissue into an eye, said device comprising: an elongated handle, generally cylindrical in shape and having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and an opposite proximal end, a rotating button upon said distal end and a nose upon said proximal end; said handle having a chamber extending lengthwise coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said handle, said chamber extending through said nose and a forward tube extending axially outwardly from said nose and coaxial with said chamber, said forward tube being hollow, tapered, and generally elliptical in cross section, said forward tube having a shape adapted to minimize disruption to an eye and the endothelial tissue; an irrigation tube, generally elongated and coaxial with the longitudinal axis, said irrigation tube extending through said forward tube and said chamber and partially into said button, said irrigation tube having a forward end proximate said forward tube and an opposite rearward end proximate said distal end; a flexible platform joining to said forward end of said irrigation tube, said platform gently curving to follow the cross section of said forward tube without folding, said platform adapted to contact the endothelial tissue; wherein a user operates said device with said platform extended outwardly from said forward tube to retrieve or to deliver the endothelial tissue and with said platform retracted into said forward tube for transporting the endothelial tissue within said instrument; said forward tube having a beveled end opposite said nose, said beveled end defining the narrowest width of said forward tube, a second beveled edge rearwardly of said beveled end, said forward tube widening rearwardly from its narrowest width to its maximum width at said second beveled edge, and a third edge rearwardly of said second beveled edge and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; said beveled end and said second beveled edge being mutually parallel and oriented inwardly towards said device; wherein said beveled end is adapted for insertion of said forward tube into a precise incision in an eye; and, wherein said second beveled edge is adapted to abut the eyeball surface so that a user retains said device within an optimal insertion distance in an eye.