Ophthalmic wound closure devices and methods

Abstract

A method and device for wound closure is provided. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods shown includes a simple and inexpensive modified suture with increased pullout resistance to close wounds in eyes and prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a visualization tool to aid in locating the wound on the eye.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An ophthalmic wound visualization device, comprising:
 a substantially transparent portion to place in contact with an eye near an ophthalmic wound;   a handle to apply pressure to the substantially transparent portion; and   a suture clearance cutaway to facilitate insertion of a suture while the substantially transparent portion is in contact with the eye.   
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 2 , further including one or more frictional protrusions on one side of the substantially transparent portion. 
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 3 , wherein the frictional protrusions include a number of teeth. 
     
     
         5 . An ophthalmic wound visualization device, comprising:
 a substantially transparent portion to place in contact with an eye near an ophthalmic wound; and   a suture clearance cutaway to facilitate insertion of a suture while the substantially transparent portion is in contact with the eye.   
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 5 , wherein the transparent portion is hourglass shaped. 
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 5 , wherein the transparent portion is glass. 
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 5 , wherein the transparent portion is plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 5 , further including one or more frictional protrusions on one side of the substantially transparent portion. 
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 9 , wherein the frictional protrusions include a number of teeth. 
     
     
         11 . A method of suturing an ophthalmic wound, comprising:
 placing a substantially transparent portion in contact with an eye near the ophthalmic wound; and   inserting a suture in the wound through a suture clearance cutaway in the substantially transparent portion while the substantially transparent portion is in contact with the eye.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further including applying pressure to the substantially transparent portion against the eye to move fluid away from the wound prior to inserting the suture. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein applying pressure includes pushing on a handle attached to the substantially transparent portion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further including engaging a portion of the eye with one or more frictional protrusions on one side of the substantially transparent portion prior to inserting the suture.