System for packaging and handling an implant and method of use

Abstract

A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.

1 . A method of implanting a corneal implant, said method comprising the steps of: 
 separating a layer of corneal tissue to form an anterior internal surface and a posterior internal surface;    providing an implant applicator tool having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for holding a corneal implant, said second end adapted for handling the implant applicator tool, said first end having a retaining member detachably mounted to said first end;    removing said retaining member from said first end; and    depositing the implant on the posterior internal surface with the implant applicator tool.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first end has an applicator surface which is concave.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the concave implant applicator surface has a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of at least a portion of an implant surface.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applicator surface is a smooth or polished surface.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the applicator surface is recessed.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator surface has at least one opening therethrough.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including: 
 removing said implant applicator tool from a vessel having an opening, said vessel having a volume of fluid stored therein.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the implant applicator tool is connected to a vessel stopper contoured to seal said vessel opening.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  or  7 , further comprising the step of: 
 placing the implant applicator is the vessel so as to maintain the implant in fluid communication with the storage fluid contained therein.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the depositing step comprises: 
 depositing the implant without using a separate device to place the implant on the posterior internal surface.