An apparatus and method for safely cannulating a blood vessels, including but not limited
retinal blood vessels, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus can consist of a micropipette / microcannula,
micromanipulator and positioner mounted to a base, which is attached to a
wrist rest commonly used in
eye surgery. The micropipette / microcannula is connected to tubing such that a medication may be injected through the micropipette / microcannula into the
blood vessel or conversely, a small quantity of material may be removed from a
blood vessel. Alternatively, a
catheter, wire or
stent may be placed through the micropipette / microcannula to treat or diagnose an area remote from the
insertion site. The ability to cannulate a
retinal blood vessel should be efficacious in the treatment of
vein and
artery occlusion, ocular tumors and other
retinal, vascular and
optic nerve disorders that would benefit from diagnosis and / or treatment. In another embodiment, a self-sealing needle is provided which allows the perforation of a blood vessel or other structure and the minimization of hemorrhaging when the needle is withdrawn from the blood vessel / structure. Another embodiment discloses an
ocular implant needle.