Devices And Methods For Creating A Predictable Capsulorhexis Of Specific Diameter

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of cataract surgery and more particularly to methods and apparatus for performing a capsulorhexis. This invention is in the field of medical devices. The present invention relates to a device constructed from metals, polymers or other materials that are amenable to precise surface modifications and methods for its use, wherein (1) the device assists in capsulorhexis and (2) a patterned surface having milli-, micron-, and/or nano-sized micropatterning characteristics that imparts surface stabilizing and self-adhesive properties.

1 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A device comprising:
 i) a ring having an outer surface and an inner surface;   ii) a posterior surface connecting said outer surface and said inner surface, wherein said posterior surface is defined by an inner and outer diameter;   iii) a distinct internal edge positioned on said posterior surface of said inner surface;   iv) a channel on the posterior surface of said ring; and   v) an extendable handle with an internal lumen attached to said ring wherein said lumen connects to the channel on the posterior surface of the ring.   
     
     
         67 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the internal edge is at the inner diameter of said posterior surface. 
     
     
         68 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the internal edge is a squared edge. 
     
     
         69 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the internal edge is a sharp edge. 
     
     
         70 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the posterior surface is defined by said an inner diameter of at least 4.3 millimeter said an outer diameter ring is greater than 7.8 millimeters. 
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the posterior surface is defined by said an inner diameter is between 6.0 millimeters-4.75 millimeters. 
     
     
         72 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said device further comprises upper and lower tabs with a space between them, said tabs extending from said outer ring surface. 
     
     
         73 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said inner surface has an inner diameter and said outer surface has an outer diameter. 
     
     
         74 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring has a 6.5 millimeter outer diameter and 5.5 millimeter inner diameter. 
     
     
         75 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said the height of the device is less than the distance between the inner ring surface and outer ring surface. 
     
     
         76 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said internal edge of said ring is right angled in relation to the posterior surface of said ring. 
     
     
         77 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said sharp, internal edge of said ring is 70-110 degrees in relation to the posterior surface of said ring. 
     
     
         78 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring is made from a polymer. 
     
     
         79 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring is flexible. 
     
     
         80 . The device of  claim 78 , wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of: medical grade silicone, hydrophobic acrylic, hydrophilic acrylic, and other common medical grade polymers. 
     
     
         81 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring further comprises a stiffened polymer backbone with a flexible coating. 
     
     
         82 . The device of  claim 78 , wherein said ring is coupled with a rigid material configured to fix said polymer portion in place. 
     
     
         83 . The device of  claim 82 , wherein said rigid material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and nitinol. 
     
     
         84 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring is compressible. 
     
     
         85 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said ring is compressible and after said compression the ring returns to the ring shape. 
     
     
         86 . A method comprising:
 a) providing the device of  claim 66 ;   b) making an incision in a clear cornea of an eye,   c) inserting the ring portion of said device through said incision,   d) positioning the ring portion of said device over an ocular anterior capsule, wherein said positioning defines an area for execution of a capsulorhexis with said device, and   e) applying suction to said lumen such that said device is retained in position.   
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein said area of execution of capsulorhexis is defined by the inner diameter of said ring. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein said method further comprises pulling said ocular anterior capsule tissue to said inner ring diameter whereupon said capsule is cut.