Eye compression device with illumination function
The scleral compression device with integrated illumination addresses the challenge of limited dexterity in ophthalmic surgeries by enabling hands-free manipulation and illumination, facilitating procedures like vitrectomy and retinal detachment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-16
AI Technical Summary
Conventional ophthalmic surgical procedures face challenges in simultaneously utilizing lighting instruments, intervention tools, and compression devices due to the limited dexterity of surgeons, who often need both hands for manipulation and cannot easily access the surgical site with additional hands.
A scleral compression device with integrated illumination, featuring a handle with a built-in light source or optical fiber, allowing for hands-free manipulation and illumination of the eye during procedures.
Enables simultaneous and efficient use of compression and illumination functions without requiring additional hands, enhancing visibility and control during ophthalmic surgeries like vitrectomy, retinal detachment, and macular hole repairs.
Smart Images

Figure 2026512480000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] Over the years, many dramatic advancements have occurred in the field of ophthalmic surgery. Regardless of the particular procedure, several types of tools are commonly used. For example, an intervention tool that directly participates in and affects a part of the eye may be utilized. A common example of such a tool is the vitrectomy probe used in vitrectomy. Vitrectomy is the removal of some or all of the vitreous humor from the patient's eye. In some cases where the surgery is limited to the removal of cloudy vitreous humor, vitrectomy can account for a large part of the procedure. However, vitrectomy can be associated with cataract surgery, retinal repair surgery, macular pucker formation, or surgery to address many other problems.
[0002] In assisting with vitrectomy or other intervention procedures as described above, the eye can be illuminated. Thus, direct or microscope-assisted visualization can be enhanced for the surgeon performing the intervention procedure. This is often achieved by using a shunt, which is a simple and fairly uniform lighting device. In both cases, the vitrectomy probe needle and the body of the shunt are each inserted through a cannula pre-positioned on the surface of the eye. Each cannula provides a structural support conduit strategically positioned at an offset location in the anterior part of the eye, such as the pars plana. In this way, the probe needle or shunt may be inserted so as to be guided into the eye in a manner that avoids damage to the patient's lens or cornea.
[0003] Naturally, several additional tools may be required to successfully perform vitrectomy or other such interventions. In some situations, this may include the use of a depressor. A depressor is an instrument configured to intentionally and temporarily impart a scleral depression to an offset eye position. The concept is generally to help the surgeon forcibly manipulate the position of the eye. For example, a surgeon may want to address a peripheral eye problem that, without some manipulation, might not have adequate access to address. Similarly, manipulating the eye with a depressor may be done as an examination issue rather than to position the eye to address a known problem. In fact, in many situations, simply introducing a depressor into the eye, even before any repositioning or further manipulation of the eye is performed, reveals minor injuries or surface problems. In this sense, depressors can often be used as quality control instruments to help surgeons evaluate the eye in accordance with procedures such as the vitrectomy described above.
[0004] As described above, similar to cannula placement, the compression device attaches to the eye at an offset scleral position. Specifically, as the eye is examined or positioned to address further issues, the compression device can be pressed between the fornix and the sclera at various circumferential positions. To obtain a complete picture of the eye's condition while the compression device is in use, this involves pressing the device against the sclera near the fornix and repeating this action perhaps 10 to 20 or more times as the device is positioned and repositioned clockwise or counterclockwise around the eye.
[0005] In addition, it should be recalled that in the vitrectomy example described above, compression devices may be introduced near the end of the procedure, either as an examination and quality control issue, or to assist in positioning the eye to address peripheral issues. In any case, this implies that lighting instruments and vitrectomy probes are already in place. However, surgeons only have two hands. Furthermore, the limited terrain of such eye procedures means that it is generally difficult for any hand other than the surgeon's to enter the space around the eye. Thus, surgeons are often left with the option of temporarily removing either a lighting instrument or one of the vitrectomy instruments, awkwardly introducing another surgeon's arm into the area, or taking some other undesirable step. Consequently, in practice, conventional procedures are hindered from making the most effective use of lighting tools, intervention tools, and compression devices simultaneously. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A compression device for manipulating the eye during surgical procedures. The compression device includes a handle having an internal channel. A light source may be coupled to the handle (for example, a chandelier or optical fiber may be attached to the distal end of the handle, or the chandelier or optical fiber may be attached directly to the head of the compression device). In some embodiments, the light source is coupled to the distal end of the compression device, and the light is directed through the internal channel to a window in the head of the compression device. In some embodiments, a chandelier or optical fiber is attached directly to the head to provide light to the window (in some embodiments, a cable / optical fiber leading to the chandelier may be fixed within a channel along the body of the handle). The window may be a transparent or translucent window located on the arcuate surface of the head of the compression device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scleral compression device with lighting function that houses a lighting fixture. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the scleral compression device shown in Figure 1, revealing the internal channel. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scleral compression device with illumination function. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a lower perspective view of the scleral compression device with illumination function shown in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a magnified view of the illuminated scleral compression device from Figure 3, which houses the lighting device. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter for securing the lighting device shown in Figure 3 within the compression device shown in Figures 4A and 4B. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an oblique overview of a scleral compression device with illumination function used to assist in ophthalmic surgery. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a top view of the scleral compression device with illumination function, showing the horizontal arc shape on the surface of the compression device. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a front view of the surface of a scleral compression device with illumination function. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a side view of the scleral compression device with illumination function, showing the vertical arc shape on the surface of the compression device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart summarizing one embodiment of employing a scleral compression device with illumination function to assist in ophthalmic surgery. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] Many details are provided in the following description to provide an understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described may be carried out without these specific details. Furthermore, numerous variations or modifications may be adopted within the scope of the embodiments specifically described.
[0009] Embodiments are described with reference to certain types of vitrectomy probe surgical procedures. In particular, procedures for removing vitreous fluid to address vitreous hemorrhage are shown. However, the tools and techniques detailed herein may be used in a variety of other methods. Specifically, embodiments of scleral compression devices with illumination capabilities may be used to assist tools such as vitrectomy probes when addressing retinal detachment, macular packers, macular holes, vitreous floatations, diabetic retinopathy, or a variety of other ocular conditions. Similarly, such compression devices may be used to facilitate the evaluation of the eye after such procedures. In any case, considerable benefits can be realized insofar as surgical procedures are assisted by the use of scleral compression devices with built-in illumination capabilities.
[0010] Referring here to Figure 1, an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scleral compression device 100 with illumination function housing a lighting fixture 150 is shown. The fixture 150 includes a light source 155 for emitting light 160, as shown. The lighting fixture 150 may be a conventional chandelier using a conventional light-emitting diode (LED) source, or another type of readily available fixture 150 commonly used in surgical ophthalmic procedures. For example, the fixture 150 may be an internal illuminator or another optical fiber interface. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, no modification to a conventional lighting fixture 150 is required for use as described herein. Naturally, other compression device embodiments utilizing an external light source of the chandelier lighting fixture 150 may be available (e.g., Figure 3). Furthermore, in some embodiments, a dedicated chandelier (i.e., non-conventional) designed to be coupled with the compression device 100 may be used.
[0011] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the fixture 150 may be received by a compression device 100 along the central axis 175. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment shows a tubular housing including a coupling segment 125 and a channeling segment 130. Alternatively, the housing may be considered as a single monolithic tubular component. Further referring to Figure 2, the segments of the housing reflect, in the illustrated embodiment, that a coupling mechanism 200 is provided at the rear of the housing corresponding to the coupling segment 125 to secure the lighting fixture 150. In one embodiment, the linear housing of the coupling segment 125 and the channeling segment 130 is cumulatively about 2.5 to 3.5 inches long, and the coupled fixture 150 extends about 0.25 to 0.75 inches into its interior, where it is stably secured. Other dimensions are also possible.
[0012] At the other end of the housing relating to the lighting device 150 is a transition segment 140 of the compression device 100. Here again, the housing can be considered as a single tubular component. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the transition segment 140 is highlighted separately in that it constitutes a part of the housing that forms an angle away from the central axis 175. Furthermore, as will be discussed later, this segment 140 may be made of a stable but malleable material such as platinum. This allows the surgeon to shape or bend this segment in the patient's fornix 350 for the possibility of placing the compression device 100 hands-free (see Figure 3).
[0013] Referring further to Figure 5, the compression device 100 comprises a head 190 including a surface 180 for bonding with the eye 550 in order to impart a compression function to the outer surface of the sclera 570 as described herein. In one embodiment where the head 190 is not completely transparent, the surface 180 still includes a window that allows light 160 from the lighting device 150 to emerge through the housing segments 125, 130, and 140. In one embodiment, the window is an amorphous thermoplastic molded compound for increased clarity. In another embodiment, substantially the entire head 390 may be made of such a transparent material (see, for example, Figure 3). In any case, once the compression device 100 is positioned as shown in Figure 5, this may facilitate the distribution of light 160 into the eye 550 as an aid in intraocular surgical procedures. Such illumination may be beneficial for illustrated vitrectomy, to address retinal destruction, to assist in vitreous basal incision, or for any number of other procedures.
[0014] Referring here to Figure 2, and further to Figure 1, a side section view of the scleral compression device 100 is shown, showing the internal channel 215. In this embodiment, the channel 215 includes a coupling region 220, a collimating region 230, and a transition region 240. As suggested above, the coupling region 220 houses a coupling mechanism 200. This mechanism 200 may consist of a tubular insert fixed within the distal end of the channel 215 to reduce the channel diameter and securely accommodate the lighting instrument 150 of Figure 1. That is, as will be further detailed below, a simple friction-force or clamp-fit of the instrument 150 by the mechanism 200 may be sufficient to securely fix the instrument 150 in place for ophthalmic surgery. Of course, in other embodiments, the mechanism 200 may be a more complex design, such as being a compressible material for clamp-fitting or including key or locking features that match the corresponding features of the instrument 150. Furthermore, the mechanism 200 does not have to be a separate insert as shown. Rather, the diameter of the coupling segment 125 may be small enough to simply securely fasten the instrument 150, or it may have a key mechanism or other mode for fastening the instrument 150 for the treatment proposed above.
[0015] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, channel 215 includes a collimated region 230. This region 230 does not necessarily have to be part of channel 215. In some embodiments, the light source 155 in Figure 1 may appear directly in the transition region 240 of channel 215 when the lighting fixture 150 is inserted into the coupling region 220. In other embodiments, some distance (e.g., the collimated region 230) may exist. As described above, the fixture 150 in Figure 1 may extend into the distal end of the compression fixture 100 by about 0.25 to 0.75 inches or less. In some embodiments, this configuration may prevent the light source 155 from physically joining with the internal structure of the transition segment 140, allowing the structure of the channeling segment 130 to perform a collimating function. That is, the optical path 210 of light 160 from the light source 155 in Figure 1 may be channeled or collimated by moving along the collimated region 230 before reaching the transition segment 240. Thus, the amount of light that ultimately reaches the surface 180 can be maximized. In one embodiment, the channeling segment 130 is made of metal, and the inner surface defining the collimating region 230 is polished to further increase the amount of light reaching the surface 180.
[0016] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, the channel 215 of the compression device 100 terminates in a transition region 240 defined by the transition segment 140, and finally reaches the surface 180 as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, this segment 140 is separately secured by a snap-fit ring 250. However, any number of different mounting features (e.g., friction fit, adhesive, etc.) may be used. In any case, in some embodiments, the discretely distinct features of the transition segment 140 are due to the fact that the transition segment 140 is angled away from the axis 175 as shown in Figure 1, and due to the malleability of the segment 140. Both of these embodiments of the transition segment 140 will be further described in relation to the use of the compression device 100 to assist in eye surgery.
[0017] In some embodiments, a malleable biocompatible metal such as platinum, titanium, or a suitable alloy may be used for the transition segment 140. Further, similar to the channeling segment 130, the inner surface 275 may be a polished metal that helps avoid light absorption, ensures that the change in direction of the optical path 210 into the transition region 240 is assisted, and improves the light reaching the surface 180 again. Other materials (e.g., plastics) may be used for the transition segment 140.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the enhanced film squeezer 300 with an illumination function is shown. In this embodiment, substantially the entire head 390 is in an integral form composed of a transparent material such as an amorphous thermoplastic molding compound for enhancing clarity.
[0019] In some embodiments, the light source for the embodiment of FIG. 3 is a chandelier or optical fiber line 320 that extends along the lengths of the body 325, the transition segment 340, and the coupling 350, as shown from below (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Thus, the light of the optical fiber is provided directly to the head 390 without the need to channel or collimate the light with respect to the head 390. This can be a significant benefit for embodiments where the transition segment 340 is manipulated or shaped to any substantial degree to assist in a surgical procedure as shown in FIG. 5. That is, regardless of the amount of shaping of the transition segment 340, the line 320 reaches the head 390 without concern about how to collimate or channel the light.
[0020] In some embodiments, the body 325 may have a bending portion located at a length (L) from the distal end of the head 390. In some embodiments, the length (L) may range from approximately 10 to 30 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments, the length (L) of the head 390 may range from approximately 15 to 25 mm (e.g., 20 mm). In some embodiments, the body 325 may be flexible to allow a range of bending angles (e.g., from straight (0 degrees) to right angle (90 degrees) as shown in FIG. 3). For example, the bending angle may range from approximately 20 degrees to 70 degrees (e.g., 38.86 degrees or 51.14 degrees). In some embodiments, for example, as seen in FIG. 5, the bending angle may be even greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the bending angle may be fixed (e.g., when the body 325 is made of a rigid material).
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a bottom perspective view of the strong film compressor 300 with lighting function of FIG. 3 is shown. In this figure, the optical fiber line 320 is inserted into and fixed within a channel 400 that penetrates the body 325 and the transition segment 340 and ultimately reaches the head 390. In some embodiments, the internal channel 400 is defined by alternating tabs 475 of the housing configured to secure an optical fiber line (e.g., an optical fiber line attached to a chandelier) attached to a lighting device from the proximal end opposite the head 390 along the housing through the housing to the head 390. The alternating tabs 475 of the body 325 are used to help securely fix the line 320 within the lower channel 400. Other mechanisms for fixing the optical fiber line within the channel (e.g., friction fit, adhesive, etc.) are also contemplated.
[0022] In one embodiment, the head 390 has tapered ends to facilitate initial placement in the eye 550, as shown in Figure 5. In addition, in some embodiments, the head 390 is fixed to the coupling 350 using gate features that also provide connection points for a frame that provides peripheral support for positioning the body 325 and the transition segment 340. Various dimensions may be used for the head 390 as needed to accommodate different eye sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the width (W) of the head 390 may be in the range of approximately 10 to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the head 390 may be in the range of approximately 15 to 25 mm (e.g., 20.85 mm). As a further example, in some embodiments, the height (H) of the head 390 may be in the range of approximately 2 to 8 mm (e.g., 5 mm). In some embodiments, the cross-section of the main body of the head 390 (taken in the height direction of the head) may be circular with a diameter (e.g., a diameter in the range of approximately 2 to 8 mm (e.g., 5 mm)) that approximates the height (H) of the head 390. As described above, the head 390 may taper toward the end, so that the diameter may also taper toward the end (it may be non-circular, for example, flat as shown in Figure 4A). Other dimensions and cross-sectional configurations are also possible. In some embodiments, the compression device 300 may have a similar bending angle to that provided above with respect to Figure 3, within a similar depth (D) range to that provided above with respect to Figure 3.
[0023] Referring here to Figure 4B, a magnified view of the illuminated scleral compression device 300 of Figure 3, housing the optical fiber line 320. More specifically, the line 320 is shown fixed to the adapter 450 just before being inserted into the head 390. The press-fit of the adapter 450 secures the end of the line 320 through a sizable passage 410 (see Figure 4C). In this way, the line 320 may be of various diameters and can still be accommodated by the same compression device 300. Once secured by the adapter, the adapter itself can be press-fitted into the fitting portion of the channel 400 for insertion of the illuminated optical fiber 320 end into the transparent head 390 for use.
[0024] Referring here to Figure 4C, a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter 450 is shown in isolation. This figure shows a slit 430 that facilitates the sizing of the passage 410. For example, in one embodiment, the adapter 450 is a single piece of biocompatible polymer shape 460 that allows for expansion of the passage 410 in the slit 430 to accommodate the line 320. Once positioned through the passage 410, the single piece of adapter 450 shape 460 can naturally return to form the slit 430 closed until the line 320 is securely fixed within the passage 410. As an example, in some embodiments, the compression device 300 may be made to directly accept a 25-gauge chandelier within the head 390 without using the adapter 450, or it may be configured to accept a 27-gauge chandelier inserted into the adapter to facilitate fitting between a smaller chandelier and the head 390. Other chandelier / adapter sizes are also possible.
[0025] Referring here to Figure 5, a strabismic view of the scleral compression device 100 of Figure 1, used to assist in ophthalmic surgery, is shown. Naturally, the compression device 300 of Figure 3 can be used in the same manner as described herein. In any case, the vitrectomy needle 575 from the probe 501 is used to address ocular problems such as treating bleeding in a given ocular region 510. Naturally, this begins with the needle 575 of the probe 501 being inserted into a pre-positioned cannula 530 and directed toward the region 510. Suction can be applied, and the port 577 of the probe 501 can be used to aspirate blood and vitreous fluid from the bleeding. The cannula 530 is to be positioned offset in the sclera 570. In this way, the more delicate cornea 590 and lens 580 can be avoided. Similarly, the optic nerve 560 is also extremely delicate. Therefore, visibility may be important to ensure that the needle 575 does not unintentionally come into contact with the nerve 560 or other delicate features located posterior to the eye 550.
[0026] Continuing to refer to Figure 5, and further to Figure 1, the scleral compression device 100 is a lighting device. That is, as described above, light 160 can be emitted from the surface 180. In certain other circumstances, the lighting device 150, as shown in Figure 1, may include a filter to adjust the light for improved visibility. However, in the embodiment of Figure 5, the light 160 exits the surface 180 and is directed through the outer surface of the sclera 570. Thus, a natural filter for the light is presented by the sclera 570. Therefore, no additional measures are needed to adjust the light 160.
[0027] The compression device 100 in Figure 5 is shown with an angle 500 in the shape of the hand at the transition segment 140. That is, it should be noted that this segment 140 already forms a certain angle as described above. Furthermore, this segment 140 may be intentionally malleable in its structure (however, in some embodiments, the segment 140 may be fixed). The shape of the head may allow the surgeon to press the head 190 of the compression device 100 between the sclera 570 and the fornix 555. As used herein, the term fornix 555 is intended to refer to a loose fold of soft tissue that surrounds the eye 550 in a generally circumferential direction. In Figure 5, a single region of such a fold is shown as the fornix 555. However, it should be understood that the fornix 555 surrounds the eye 550 as a whole. Thus, for example, the illustrated fornix 555 on the right side of the eye 550 may be shown on the left side or in any location in the circumferential direction around it. In any case, the pressing of the head 190 between the fornix 555 and the sclera 570 can provide some degree of compression. Again, in one embodiment, the surgeon may impart an increased hand-shaped angle 500 on the transition segment 140 so that the compression device 100 can be held in place without the use of the hands in the illustrated manner. In this particular situation, this means that the surgeon does not need to occupy his hands with either the writing instrument 150 or the compression device 100 while the compression device 100 is pressed into place.
[0028] As described later, the surface 180 of the compression device 100 generally takes an arc or concave shape to roughly coincide with the convex shape of the eye 550. Nevertheless, as shown, some compression occurs that pushes down the sclera 570. This may be done to obtain operational or interactive control over the eye 550, particularly in peripheral locations, to assist in the procedure or as a matter of post-procedure examination. For example, note the visual appearance of minor surface damage 515 that is evident after the compressed use of the compression device 100. This damage 515 may be treated for examination. In one embodiment, the surface 180 of the compression device 100 may be sufficiently large horizontally to allow examination of the entire circumference of the eye 550 by having several circumferential indentations, as described. More specifically, the surface 180 may occupy at least about 10% to 30% (e.g., 16%) of the interface with the eye 550, for example, about 25% of the interface with the eye 350, i.e., more than 90°. Other percentages are also possible.
[0029] Referring here to Figures 6A-6C, different diagrams of the compression device 100 are shown, focusing on the configuration of the bonding. For example, Figure 6A is a top contour view of the scleral compression device 100 with illumination function of Figure 1, showing a horizontal arcuate shape 600 on the surface 180 of the compression device 100. Naturally, embodiments of the compression device 300, such as that shown in Figure 3, can have the same configuration. This horizontal arcuate shape 600 means that it roughly matches the corresponding convex shape of the patient's eye 550, as described above. In the embodiments shown, the configuration 600 may include a surface 180 extending over a partial circumference of about 1.5 centimeters (cm) to about 3 centimeters for bonding with a human eye 550 with a diameter of 2-3 cm, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, as described above, 16% (for example) or more of the eye 550 can be bonded by the pressed head 190 of the transition segment 140 (again, as shown in Figure 5).
[0030] Referring now to Figure 6B, and further to Figure 5, a front view of the surface 180 of the illuminated scleral compression device 100 of Figure 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the entire surface 180 may be transparent and very clear. That is, as described above, light 160 passes through, for example, the sclera 570 to reach the region of interest 510. Therefore, unlike other applications where the lighting device 150 of Figure 1 may be introduced directly into the eye 550 by intervention, there may be no particular rationale for filtering light 160 to enhance visibility. Rather, this effect may be achieved by the sclera 570 itself. Of course, in some embodiments, the surface may be semi-transparent.
[0031] Continuing to refer to Figure 6B, at least the material of surface 180 may be a biocompatible amorphous thermoplastic molding compound. Such materials are particularly well suited to injection molding during manufacturing while retaining optical clarity. Of course, other materials may also be used for surface 180.
[0032] Referring here to Figure 6C, and further to Figure 5, a side view “bean” contour diagram of the illuminated scleral compression device 100 of Figure 1 is shown, revealing a vertical arc-shaped morphology 601 on the surface 180 of the compression device 100. Here again, this concave morphology 601 means that it joins with the convex eye 550 and sclera 570 in a shape-matched manner. However, unlike the horizontal morphology 600 shown in Figure 6A, the vertical arc-shaped morphology 601 is not necessarily intended to occupy an arbitrary predetermined amount of ocular surface. For example, the use of the compression device 100 for post-treatment examination of the eye 550 can be efficiently achieved by using a compression device 100 having a substantial horizontal arc-shaped morphology 600. However, the vertical morphology 601 does not affect this particular aspect of the use of the compression device 100. The morphology 601 can be well suited to the compression device 100 as long as the vertical morphology 601 is of sufficient size and shape to fit the eye 550 and avoid being potentially coarse.
[0033] Referring here to Figure 7, a flowchart is shown summarizing an embodiment of employing a scleral compression device with illumination to assist in ophthalmic surgery. A lighting device (which may be conventional or specific to this particular application) is inserted into the distal end of the scleral compression device as described in 720. In some embodiments, the lighting device may be inserted directly into the head of the scleral compression device (see, for example, Figures 4A-B). In this embodiment, a cable or optical fiber leading to a chandelier may be secured to the handle of the compression device, for example, via a tab along a channel in the handle body (see, for example, Figure 4A). The compression device may be used to physically manipulate the eye (see 760). However, as shown in 780, it may also be used simultaneously to provide illumination into the eye through the patient's sclera. Thus, minimally invasive surgical procedures may also be simultaneously assisted, as described in 740.
[0034] The embodiments described herein include tools and techniques to assist various different ophthalmic surgeries using scleral compression devices incorporating illumination features. This means that illumination is not sacrificed due to the surgeon running out of hands in procedures in which the scleral compression device is introduced. Furthermore, the embodiments of the scleral compression device used may assist in stable, hands-free positioning. Thus, the introduction of the compression device may further reduce the number of hands required to perform the procedure while actually providing illumination.
[0035] While the foregoing description illustrates several embodiments, features of other embodiments and / or embodiments disclosed but not detailed above may be adopted. Furthermore, those skilled in the art and the technical field to which these embodiments belong will see that other alternative and modified forms of the described structures and methods of operation can be implemented without departing significantly from the principles and scope of these embodiments. In addition, the foregoing description should not be read as relating only to the exact structures described and shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather as supporting them in accordance with the following claims, which will have their maximum and most appropriate scope.
Claims
1. A compression device for physically joining to the outer surface of the eye in assisting surgical procedures, A housing for surgical manipulation, comprising a housing including an internal channel, A head coupled to the housing having a transparent or translucent portion, the head assists in the coupling, and the housing comprises a head that houses a lighting device in the channel to direct light to the transparent or translucent portion, The internal channel is defined by alternating tabs of the housing, which are configured to secure the optical fiber line attached to the lighting device along the housing from the proximal end opposite the head through the housing to the head. Compression device.
2. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the surface has a concave arc shape, and the joint occupies at least a portion of the eye in the circumferential direction.
3. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent or translucent portion is made of an amorphous thermoplastic molding material.
4. The compression device according to claim 1, further comprising a transition segment of the housing for accommodating the head, wherein the transition segment is angled away from the axis of the rest of the housing.
5. The compression device according to claim 4, wherein the transition segment is made of a malleable material.
6. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber lighting device is inserted into the head via an adapter.
7. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber lighting device comprises a chandelier that is inserted directly into the head.
8. A set of surgical instruments for use in ophthalmic surgery, A scleral compression device having a head for bonding to the outer surface of the sclera of the eye in assisting the aforementioned surgery, and a housing for housing a lighting device for supplying light to the head, wherein the scleral compression device comprises a housing for operation by a surgeon, the housing including an internal channel defined by alternating tabs of the housing configured to secure an optical fiber line attached to the lighting device, and a head coupled to the housing having a transparent or translucent portion, the head being further coupled to the lighting device, An invasive surgical ophthalmic instrument for performing the aforementioned ophthalmic surgery, wherein the surgery is visually supported by the light emanating from the head surface at the junction with the sclera, and A surgical instrument set equipped with the necessary components.
9. The surgical instrument set according to claim 8, wherein the head has the contour of a kidney bean, with a tapered end for being pressed between the sclera and the fornix of the eye during the joining process.
10. The surgical instrument set according to claim 8, wherein the lighting device is one of the following: the optical fiber line terminating in the head, and the chandelier incorporating the optical fiber line and detachably coupled to a tubular housing.
11. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the head is a single-piece structure and is substantially transparent with respect to the end of the line in the head.
12. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the optical fiber lighting device is inserted into the head via an adapter.
13. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the optical fiber lighting device comprises a chandelier that is inserted directly into the head.
14. A method of performing ophthalmic surgery, Attaching an optical fiber to a scleral compression device, wherein the scleral compression device is a housing for surgical manipulation, comprising a housing including an internal channel and a head coupled to the housing having a transparent or translucent portion, the internal channel being defined by alternating tabs of the housing configured to secure an optical fiber line attached to a lighting device along the housing from the proximal end opposite the head through the housing to the head, and the lighting device being coupled to the head to deliver light to the transparent or translucent portion, The process involves advancing invasive surgical instruments into the eye, The scleral compression device is attached to the outer surface of the sclera of the eye for its physical manipulation, When performing the aforementioned surgery, direct the light from the surface of the compression device into the eye towards the surgeon. A method that includes this.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising coupling the lighting device to the compression device before bonding in order to assist in the direction of the light.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the lighting device is coupled to the optical fiber line, and the coupling includes securing the end of the line to an adjustable-sized passage of an adapter adjacent to the head.
17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the optical fiber lighting device comprises a chandelier that is inserted directly into the head.
18. The head of the scleral compression device is pressed between the sclera and the fornix of the eye, With respect to the compression device, the surgery is performed in a way that does not involve using hands. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: