Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221653 | FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT ELECTRODE ARRAY - A flexible circuit electrode array comprising:
| 09-11-2008 |
20080249412 | Preoperative and Intra-Operative Lens Hardness Measurement by Ultrasound - The present disclosure provides methods, systems, techniques and apparatus related to an instrumentation used to classify tissue before and/or during removal. The tissue can include any hard tissue/soft tissue interface, such as a cataract within a lens. Before an operation, an ultrasound image can be provided that gives a full scan of the targeted region, e.g., a lens, and provide a hardness profile. The profile could include a two or three dimensional map of the tissue hardness, assisting a surgeon to choose a suitable surgical procedure and strategy. During the operation, hardness measurements can be carried out real-time, in a constant manner, while the surgeon is working. This data can allow the handpiece to automatically adjust to the surgical conditions including the tissue hardness, increasing surgical performance, decreasing surgical procedure time and reducing the rate of complications. | 10-09-2008 |
20080262512 | Thrombolysis In Retinal Vessels With Ultrasound - Systems and methods are described providing for the use of ultrasound energy to effect the dislodging of one or more blood clots inside blood vessels. Such clots can include those inside retinal vessels, especially in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for any retinal arterial or venous occlusion. In exemplary embodiments, a small probe can be inserted into the eye of a patient and placed over the retinal vessels. Acoustic streaming created by the probe can be directed to an area or region including targeted blood vessels, resulting in increased flow in one or more retinal veins and facilitating or effecting mechanical dislodging of one or more blood clots in the targets blood vessels. Exemplary embodiments can utilize ultrasonic energy produced at a frequency of approximately 44 MHz to 46 MHz with pulse repetition frequencies of approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262569 | Visual Prosthesis - A method for stimulating a subject's retina. The method comprising selecting at least a first and a second electrode each configured to apply current to a subject's retina, determining impedance for the at least first electrode and second electrode, and applying current to the subject's retina through the at least first and second electrode, wherein current to be applied by the first electrode and the second electrode is configured to be higher for the first electrode when the first electrode has an impedance lower than a second electrode's impedance. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262570 | Visual Prosthesis - A retinal stimulation system. The retinal stimulation system comprises an electronics package; and at least a first and a second electrode, each associated with the electronics package and configured to apply current to a subject's retina; wherein current to be applied by the first electrode and the second electrode is configured to be higher for the first electrode when the first electrode has an impedance lower than a second electrode's impedance | 10-23-2008 |
20080262571 | Visual Prosthesis - A method to provide visual current feedback of a retinal stimulation system. The method comprising: providing a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye, the retinal stimulation system comprising: an electronics package; and at least a first and a second electrode, each associated with the electronics package and configured to apply current to a subject's retina; wherein current to be applied by the first electrode and the second electrode is configured to be higher for the first electrode when the first electrode has an impedance lower than a second electrode's impedance; and providing a visual interface configured to show impedance of at least one of the electrodes. | 10-23-2008 |
20080288036 | Flexible Circuit Electrode Array with Wire or Film Support - The disclosure relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and at least one support embedded in said array. The disclosure further relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a folded flexible circuit cable connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad. The disclosure further relates to a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on said polymer base layer; patterning said metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; heating said flexible circuit electrode array in a mold to form a three dimensional shape in said flexible circuit electrode array, embedding a support at least in the base layer, top layer or between the base and top layer, and/or folding a flexible circuit cable at least once connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad the array. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294223 | Fitting a Neural Prosthesis Using Impedance and Electrode Height - The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual subject. The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from subject to subject. Measure of impedance may be used to predict the electrode height from the neural tissue and, thereby, predict the threshold of perception. Alternatively, electrode height may be measured directly to predict the threshold of perception. Also, impedance measurement may be used to quickly identify defective electrodes and proper electrode placement. | 11-27-2008 |
20080306611 | BIOCOMPATIBLE IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND ATTACHING THE SAME - The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided. | 12-11-2008 |
20080319319 | Intraocular Ultrasound Doppler Techniques - Systems and methods are disclosed providing for the use of ultrasound energy to measure blood flow within blood vessels by Doppler velocity measurement. Directional high-frequency pulsed-wave Doppler measurements can be made with a suitable ultrasonic needle transducers for in vivo measuring of blood flow. A needle probe can include a ultrasonic material such as PMN-PT. Such blood flow measurements can be made in any part of the body, e.g., in the central retinal vein and branch retinal veins. | 12-25-2008 |
20090016075 | SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHTING IN CONSOLE SYSTEM FOR ILLUMINATING BIOLOGICAL TISSUES - The present disclosure is directed to illumination techniques that include the use of one or more sets of Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs as light sources in a console/module system. The LED light sources can be utilized to produce a light beams with a specified/combination of intensity and spectrum. Of course, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to one intensity/spectrum but multiple combinations of intensity and spectrum can be implemented. Such systems/methods can be implemented with various optical elements including filter, lenses, mirrors, and/or optical fibers. The system is controlled by voice activation, touch screen, footswitch or wireless communication. The LEDs might also be pulsed as a driving system. The optical fiber cable is tethered to the control. | 01-15-2009 |
20090030323 | Ultrasound and Microbubbles in Ocular Diagnostics and Therapies - The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body. | 01-29-2009 |
20090088784 | SELECTABLE STROKE CUTTER - Apparatus, systems, and devices are described that utilize an adjustable biological tissue cutting handpiece that is based on selectable settings. The biological tissue cutting handpiece includes a cutter tip that allows multiple duty cycles as well as multiple port configurations. For example, when working next to the retina, the port could be adjusted to be a smaller size, allowing delicate membrane dissection. When working near or in less sensitive tissue, e.g. the center of the eye, the port could be wide open. The port aperture size can be independent of cut speed, allowing a surgeon to work at high speed both next to the retina and away from the retina. High speeds have been shown to have increased tissue (e.g., vitreous) removal, e.g., in 25 and 23-gauge instruments. Duty cycle is not necessarily dependent on cut speed, allowing high cutter performance and varied flow characteristics. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088843 | FUNCTIONAL ABIOTIC NANOSYSTEMS - The invention relates to imparting photoreactivity to target cells, e.g., retinal cells, by introducing photoresponsive functional abiotic nanosystems (FANs), nanometer-scale semiconductor/metal or semiconductor/semiconductor hetero-junctions that in this case include a photovoltaic effect. The invention further provides methods of making and using FANs, where the hetero-junctions bear surface functionalization that localizes them in cell membranes. Illumination of these hetero-junctions incorporated in cell membranes generates photovoltages that depolarize the membranes, such as those of nerve cells, in which FANs photogenerate action potentials. Incorporating FANs into the cells of a retina with damaged photoreceptor cells reintroduces photoresponsiveness to the retina, so that light creates action potentials that the brain interprets as sight. | 04-02-2009 |
20090112287 | SALIENCY-BASED APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VISUAL PROSTHESES - Saliency-based apparatus and methods for visual prostheses are disclosed. A saliency-based component processes video data output by a digital signal processor before the video data are input to the retinal stimulator. In a saliency-based method, an intensity stream is extracted from an input image, feature maps based on the intensity stream are developed, plural most salient regions of the input image are detected and one of the regions is selected as a highest saliency region. | 04-30-2009 |
20090146583 | PORTABLE HANDHELD ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - Illumination systems are described that can include one or more light sources, which can include LEDs, one or more lenses, and one or more optical fibers. A handheld, portable, and surgical intraocular illumination system is disclosed that is disposable, low-cost, and efficient. A surgeon can have direct control of turning the illuminator on and off and adjusting the intensity via a simple control ergonomically placed on the handpiece and/or voice activated control. A coupling is provided, such as through an endo-probe, which is coupled to the one or more light sources. A user input device can be included that is operable to transmit to a feedback controller a first signal based on a user-selected light intensity. The feedback controller can, in response to the first signal, transmit a second signal to the power source for altering the power provided by the power source to the illumination system. | 06-11-2009 |
20090149915 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 06-11-2009 |
20090177245 | SUBCHOROIDAL RETINAL PROSTHESIS - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to utilization of one or more arrays that are placed under the choroid. In this approach, an array is placed under the choroid. To achieve this, a scleral incision can be made without cutting the underlying choroid or retina. The array can then be inserted into the space between the sclera and choroid and is pushed to the desired place. It is possible to make several of such scleral incisions in each quadrant of the eye to insert arrays of similar or different shapes into the subchoroidal space. Following insertion of the electrode array the scleral wound may be sutured around the cable to make the array and the eye more stable. | 07-09-2009 |
20090287276 | Visual Prosthesis for Phosphene Shape Control - The present invention is an improved method of stimulating visual neurons to create artificial vision. It has been found that varying current of visual stimulation can create varying percept brightness, varying percept size, and varying percept shape. By determining the attributes of predetermined current levels, and using those attributes to program a video processor, more accurate video preproduction can be obtained. | 11-19-2009 |
20100025613 | MICROFLUIDIC VALVE HAVING FREE-FLOATING MEMBER AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - Micro check valves having a free-floating member for controlling flow of fluid in microfluidic and biomedical applications and methods of fabrication. A micro check valve includes a valve seat, a valve cap that contacts the valve seat and an untethered floating member that can move between the valve seat and the valve cap. Certain micro check valves have zero cracking pressure and no reverse leakage. Certain other valves may be configured to permit flow of fluid within a pressure range. The floating member can be solid or define an orifice, and the valve seat can have one or two levels. Valves can be configured to allow fluid to flow when the floating member is pushed by fluid against the valve cap or against the valve seat. The valve seat may be silicon or another material that is compatible with micromachining processes, and the valve cap and the floating member may be a polymer such as Parylene. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026957 | Ocular Imaging System - An imaging system for examining the interior structure of the eye at high-resolution under ambient light without the need for chemical dilation of the pupil. | 02-04-2010 |
20100168646 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC DISEASES - The present invention relates to the treatment of ischemic diseases, and more particularly, to treatment of diabetic retinopathy and ischemia of the retinal and choroidal tissues. The treatment, which will work in vitrectomized eyes as well as non-vitrectomized eyes, is based on selective and fractional electrolysis of the vitreous humor to produce oxygen and optionally active chlorine while simultaneously controlling pH. Oxygen or active chlorine can suppress or reverse the onset of diabetic retinopathy, other retinovascular diseases, and choroidal neovascularization. | 07-01-2010 |
20100267647 | MODULATING PHOTOREACTIVITY IN A CELL - Photoreactivity in a cell is modulated by incorporating an isolated optical trigger on the surface or in the membrane of the cell. Exposure of a cell bearing incorporated optical triggers causes the generation of a measurable physiological signal. | 10-21-2010 |
20100294041 | MICROFABRICATED IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS PRESSURE SENSOR FOR USE IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND SENSOR IMPLANTATION METHODS - A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305550 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball. | 12-02-2010 |
20110144617 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, and means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula. Circuitry for controlling the means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula may be included. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144619 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144731 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - An electrode array attached to neural tissue, such as the retina, necessarily has graded pressure exerted on the tissue, with higher pressure near the attachment point. Greater pressure improves contact between the electrodes and neural tissue while too much pressure may damage neural tissue. Hence it is advantageous to obtain equal pressure across the array field. In the present invention multiple and selective attachment points are provided on an electrode array allowing a surgeon to select the attachment points providing the best electrode tissue contact. | 06-16-2011 |
20110206291 | COMBINED SPECTRAL AND POLARIMETRY IMAGING AND DIAGNOSTICS - Combined spectral and polarimetry imaging and diagnostic techniques are disclosed, including an imaging system that simultaneously records spatially co-registered spectral and polarization information from an image of a target scene such as an ocular structure or material or device in an around the eye. Image acquisition and image calibration by such an imaging system or an imaging spectrometer or polarimeter are also disclosed. Methods of data storage and image display relevant to medical practice in general and ophthalmology practice specifically are further disclosed. | 08-25-2011 |
20110270352 | Encoding of Size and Brightness of Percepts in a Visual Prosthesis - Methods of electrically stimulating percepts in a patient with a visual prosthesis are discussed. Changes in amplitude of stimulation increase both the perceived brightness and the perceived size of the precept. Changes in frequency of stimulation change the perceived brightness without altering the perceived size of the percept. Hence, a source image may be mapped to a combination of amplitude and frequency that best induces the desired image. | 11-03-2011 |
20110282413 | Method of Improving Electrode Tissue Interface - A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance. | 11-17-2011 |
20110295351 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 12-01-2011 |
20120004704 | Retinal Prosthesis with Separate Electrode Array and Return Electrodes - The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. | 01-05-2012 |
20120172961 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 07-05-2012 |
20120203293 | Locating a Neural Prosthesis using Impedance and Electrode Height - The invention is a method of identifying a preferred location for an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual subject. The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from subject to subject and array location to array location. Measure of impedance may be used to predict the electrode height from the neural tissue and, thereby, predict the preferred location. Alternatively, electrode height may be measured directly to predict the preferred location. | 08-09-2012 |
20120239125 | Flexible Circuit Electrode Array for Improved Layer Adhesion - The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array for improved layer adhesions where the metal conductors overlap the polymer insulator. The steps to build the flexible circuit are as follows. Deposit a base polymer layer. Deposit a conductive trace over the base polymer layer. Deposit a top polymer layer over the trace and prepare a void in the top polymer layer smaller than the surface of the trace. Deposit an electrode on the trace through the void with a periphery larger than, and overlapping the void. | 09-20-2012 |
20120277620 | Method of Improving Electrode Tissue Interface - A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance. | 11-01-2012 |
20130023959 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC DISEASES - The present invention relates to the treatment of ischemic diseases, and more particularly, to treatment of diabetic retinopathy and ischemia of the retinal and choroidal tissues. The treatment, which will work in vitrectomized eyes as well as non-vitrectomized eyes, is based on selective and fractional electrolysis of the vitreous humor to produce oxygen and optionally active chlorine while simultaneously controlling pH. Oxygen or active chlorine can suppress or reverse the onset of diabetic retinopathy, other retinovascular diseases, and choroidal neovascularization. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030508 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - An electrode array attached to neural tissue, such as the retina, necessarily has graded pressure exerted on the tissue, with higher pressure near the attachment point. Greater pressure improves contact between the electrodes and neural tissue while too much pressure may damage neural tissue. Hence it is advantageous to obtain equal pressure across the array field. In the present invention a central attachment point in the electrode field applies the most even pressure. Further, multiple and selective attachment points may be additionally provided on an electrode array allowing a surgeon to select the attachment points providing the best electrode tissue contact. | 01-31-2013 |
20130046179 | OCULAR ULTRASOUND PROBE - Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy. | 02-21-2013 |
20130137958 | MICROFABRICATED IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS PRESSURE SENSOR FOR USE IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND SENSOR IMPLANTATION METHODS - A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure. | 05-30-2013 |
20130267776 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING PROBES AND RELATED METHODS - An imaging probe may be responsive to a detector and an activator for processing an interferometric signal received from the detector and, in response to user actuation of the activator, for causing capture of an image or a video of the sample and storage thereof in a memory. | 10-10-2013 |
20130276974 | DRUG-DELIVERY PUMPS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289482 | IMPLANTABLE DRUG-DELIVERY DEVICES, AND APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REFILLING THE DEVICES - In various embodiments, a needle is employed in refilling drug-delivery devices. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289497 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes one or more reservoirs that may each contain a therapeutic agent for delivery to a patient. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296810 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes one or more reservoirs that may each contain a therapeutic agent for delivery to a patient. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304172 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 11-14-2013 |
20130317294 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING PROBES AND RELATED METHODS - A vitrector with integrated imaging capability may include a vitrector tube, a tubular cutter, an actuation mechanism, an optical fiber, and a lens structure for focusing light coupled into the lens structure from the optical fiber beyond the distal end so as to image a region about the focus. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317607 | ACCOMODATING INTRAOCULAR COMPOSITE LENS AND RELATED METHODS - An implantable intraocular lens and methods of manufacturing them provide a target degree of optical accommodation. In various embodiments, the lens includes at least one internal optic, an outer shell for enclosing at least a portion of the internal optic, and a fluid at least partially filling the outer shell. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331908 | Video Device to be Worn on the Head - The present disclosure describes a video device suitable to be word on the head of a user in the form of glasses. The glasses frame supports a camera, active electronics and a battery. | 12-12-2013 |
20140034607 | IMPLANTABLE INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE DRAIN - An implanted parylene tube shunt relieves intra-ocular pressure. The device is implanted with an open end in the anterior chamber of the eye, allowing excess fluid to be drained through the tube out of the eye. In one embodiment, only a first end of the tube implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye is open. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is then monitored, for example utilizing an implanted sensor. When IOP exceeds a critical valve, a practitioner intervenes, puncturing with a laser a thinned region of the tube lying outside the eye, thereby initiating drainage of fluid and relieving pressure. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the both ends of the tube are open, and the tube includes a one-way valve configured to permit drainage where IOP exceeds the critical value. The tube may include projecting barbs to anchor the tube in the eye without the need for sutures. | 02-06-2014 |
20140088554 | DRUG-DELIVERY PUMP WITH INTELLIGENT CONTROL - Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. Depending on the mode of operation, fluid may be dispensed continuously or in discrete pulses, and the manner of adjustment or calibration may be tailored to the operational mode in use. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094770 | DRUG-DELIVERY PUMP WITH INTELLIGENT CONTROL - Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, adjustments are made during a “priming” stage when liquid is pumped through the internal fluid path but does not exit the pump. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094771 | DRUG-DELIVERY PUMP WITH INTELLIGENT CONTROL - Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, adjustments are made based on the flow “tail” that occurs in a piston- or plunger-type pump as relaxation of the plunger material continues to push fluid out of the drug reservoir; this residual flow eventually ceases after the plunger returns to its natural state. | 04-03-2014 |
20140111765 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZING ADJUSTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENSES - The lens geometry and power of an intraocular lens is optimized to provide both distance and near vision correction for a patient. The optimization may be based on one or more measured accommodation-related parameters and one or more estimated accommodation-related parameters. An accommodative amplitude may be predicted based on the measured and estimated accommodation-related parameters, and the optimized the intraocular lens geometry and power established based thereon. | 04-24-2014 |
20140115885 | Flexible Circuit Electrode Array - Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced. With a thermoplastic polymer it may be further advantageous to repeatedly heat the flexible circuit in multiple molds, each with a decreasing radius. Further, it is advantageous to add material along the edges. It is further advantageous to provide a fold or twist in the flexible circuit array. Additional material may be added inside and outside the fold to promote a good seal with tissue. | 05-01-2014 |
20140180133 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING PROBES AND RELATED METHODS - An injection device with integrated imaging capability may include a hollow, tubular needle, an optical fiber disposed in parallel to the needle, a detector, a lens structure for focusing light coupled into the lens structure from the optical fiber at a focus beyond the distal end of the needle, and an imaging engine for processing a signal received from the detector via the optical fiber and the lens structure so as to generate an image of a region about the focus. | 06-26-2014 |
20140285811 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY WITH MULTIPLE SAMPLE ARMS - A multiplexed OCT imaging system includes a plurality of sample arms, an imaging engine, and an optical controller. The sample arms are optically coupled to the imaging engine via the optical controller; the optical controller multiplexes optical signals from the sample arms to permit some of the sample arms to operate sequentially or simultaneously. | 09-25-2014 |
20140336563 | ULTRASOUND AND MICROBUBBLES IN OCULAR DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPIES - The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343432 | OCULAR ULTRASOUND PROBE - Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy. | 11-20-2014 |
20140358155 | INTRAOCULAR LENS PERIPHERAL SURGICAL SYSTEMS - Peripheral surgical systems are used for insertion and filling of fluid-filled intraocular lenses, reaccessing and modifying fluid-filled intraocular lenses, and explantation of lenses. Although one peripheral surgical unit may perform all of these functions, in some embodiments different units perform different functions—i.e., each function may be performed by a separate unit, or the functions may be distributed over a smaller number of functional units. | 12-04-2014 |
20150039067 | Retinal Prosthesis with Multiple Electrode Arrays for Greater Field of View - The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. | 02-05-2015 |
20150051680 | Flexible Circuit Electrode Array for Improved Layer Adhesion - The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array for improved layer adhesions where the metal conductors overlap the polymer insulator. The steps to build the flexible circuit are as follows. Deposit a base polymer layer. Deposit a conductive trace over the base polymer layer. Deposit a top polymer layer over the trace and prepare a void in the top polymer layer smaller than the surface of the trace. Deposit an electrode on the trace through the void with a periphery larger than, and overlapping the void. | 02-19-2015 |