Method for eye lens removal using cavitating microbubbles
Inventors
Grubbs, Robert H. • Stoller, Marshall L. • Han, Ying • Brodie, Frank L.
Assignees
California Institute of Technology • US Department of Veterans Affairs • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-11166846-B2
Publication Date
2021-11-09
Expiration Date
2040-01-03
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A surgical method of cataract fragmentation and extraction via microbubble cavitation is described. In particular, gas-filled microbubbles are injected into a lens capsule of a subject's eye, and cavitation of the microbubbles is activated by applied ultrasound energy. The ultrasound energy can be applied from an external device. The cavitation fragments cataract tissues without damaging other tissue, such as the lens capsule. Fragmented lens material is then aspirated from the lens capsule. The method can be used alone or in conjunction with other methods, such as phacoemulsification.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a surgical method for cataract fragmentation and extraction using microbubble cavitation activated by ultrasound energy. Gas-filled microbubbles are injected into the lens capsule of a subject's eye, and ultrasound energy is applied to induce cavitation of the microbubbles. This cavitation selectively fragments cataract tissues while preserving other tissues such as the lens capsule. Fragmented lens material is then aspirated from the lens capsule. This method can be used alone or to augment conventional phacoemulsification.
The background outlines significant safety drawbacks associated with conventional phacoemulsification techniques, including risks of capsular bag rupture, damage to delicate eye structures, and corneal endothelial cell loss. Furthermore, phacoemulsification requires a relatively large corneal incision and involves high ultrasound energy that can cause complications such as burns and long recovery times. The method aims to address these problems by providing a safer, more efficient, and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional cataract surgery techniques.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent method claim detailing steps for lens removal using microbubble cavitation with several dependent claims for specific embodiments and enhancements.
Using gas-filled microbeads of specified small size for cataract fragmentation
The method provides gas-filled microbeads having an outside diameter less than 500 microns which are injected into the eye containing a cataractous lens.
Activating microbubble cavitation with ultrasound energy to fragment lens material
Ultrasound energy is directed at the injected microbeads sufficient to cause cavitation that fragments lens material while preserving the lens capsule.
Aspiration of fragmented lens material after cavitation
Following fragmentation via cavitating microbubbles, the fragmented lens clumps are aspirated from the eye to remove the cataractous lens.
The independent claim covers the method of injecting gas-filled microbeads sized less than 500 microns, activating these microbubbles via ultrasound to cavitate and fragment cataractous lens material while preserving the lens capsule, and aspirating the fragments to remove the lens.
Stated Advantages
Improved safety and efficiency of cataract removal surgery by reducing risk of complications such as capsular bag rupture and damage to ocular tissues.
Reduced costs associated with phacoemulsification due to potentially lower ultrasound energy and smaller surgical incisions.
Lowered training requirements or a less steep learning curve for ophthalmological surgical residents compared to conventional phacoemulsification.
Documented Applications
Surgical method for cataract fragmentation and extraction from a subject's eye using microbubble cavitation activated by ultrasound energy.
Interested in licensing this patent?