Infusion device and method

Abstract

An ophthalmic infusion support and associated methods are shown. Example infusion support devices include a base unit, a fixation device coupled to the bottom surface of the base unit, and an infusion tube holding device configured to hold a loop of an infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising:
 a base unit having a bottom surface and a top surface;   a fixation device coupled to the bottom surface of the base unit to attach to a patient; and   an infusion tube holding device coupled to the top surface of the base unit, wherein the infusion tube holding device is configured to hold a loop of an infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the fixation device includes adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 2 , wherein the fixation device includes a peel off backing covering the adhesive. 
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the infusion holding device includes adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 4 , wherein the infusion holding device includes a peel off backing covering the adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface is curved to match a patient's face contour. 
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the infusion tube holding device includes an angled top surface projecting away from the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the infusion tube holding device includes a pair of infusion tube holding devices. 
     
     
         9 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the infusion tube holding device includes at least one integrally formed infusion tube holding device. 
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 1 , wherein the infusion tube holding device is formed from a resilient material. 
     
     
         11 . An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising:
 a base unit having a bottom surface and a top surface;   a fixation device coupled to the bottom surface of the base unit to attach to a patient; and   a pair of infusion tube holding devices coupled to the top surface of the base unit, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices are configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in a loop that projects upward from the patient.   
     
     
         12 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 11 , wherein the fixation device includes adhesive. 
     
     
         13 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 12 , wherein the fixation device includes a peel off backing covering the adhesive. 
     
     
         14 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 11 , wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices include resilient clips. 
     
     
         15 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 11 , wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices are integrally formed with the base unit. 
     
     
         16 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 13 , wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices are integrally formed with the base unit. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising:
 inserting a cannula into a patient's eye;   coupling an infusion tube to the cannula;   forming a loop with the infusion tube that projects upward from the patient at an angle;   fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient; and   coupling the infusion tube to an ophthalmic infusion support that holds the infusion tube at the angle.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient includes adhering an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient includes peeling an adhesive backing off to expose an adhesive, and placing the adhesive in contact with the patient. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein placing the adhesive in contact with the patient includes placing the adhesive directly in contact with skin of the patient. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein placing the adhesive in contact with the patient includes placing the adhesive in contact with a surgical drape near an eye of the patient. 
     
     
         22 . An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising:
 a base unit;   a fixation device coupled to a bottom surface of the base unit to attach to a patient; and   an infusion tube holding device coupled to the base unit at an angle, wherein the infusion tube holding device is configured to hold a loop of an infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the patient.   
     
     
         23 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 22 , further including a second infusion tube holding device. 
     
     
         24 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 22 , wherein the ophthalmic infusion support is formed at least partially from a resilient material. 
     
     
         25 . The ophthalmic infusion support of  claim 22 , wherein the ophthalmic infusion support is formed from a rigid material.