Thomas R Mcnicholas

US Patent:

59219890, Jul 13, 1999

Filed:

Feb 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/023028

Inventors:

Jim Deacon - Capistrano Beach CA
Thomas M. McNicholas - Laguna Niguel CA

Assignee:

Allergan - Irvine CA

International Classification:

A61F 900

US Classification:

606107

Abstract:

An apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens through an incision into an eye includes a tube defining a hollow passage, an injector rod longitudinally moveable within the hollow passage and a force transfer assembly coupled to the injector rod. The injector rod has a distal portion adapted to contact the intraocular lens within the hollow passage of the tube to urge the intraocular lens distally through the hollow passage. The force transfer assembly is adapted to transfer sufficient force to the injector rod to effect the longitudinal movement of the injector rod and is further adapted to prevent the transfer of sufficient force to the injector rod to effect the longitudinal movement of the injector rod in response to an increased amount of force being applied to the force transfer assembly.

US Patent:

55826130, Dec 10, 1996

Filed:

Oct 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/323172

Inventors:

Daniel G. Brady - Mission Viejo CA
Thomas M. McNicholas - Laguna Niguel CA

Assignee:

Allergan - Waco TX

International Classification:

A61F 900

US Classification:

606107

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for inserting foldable IOL's into the eye are disclosed. The present apparatus include a load chamber and an injection tube. A hand piece may be included which is structured to reinforce the injection tube, in particular the proximal end portion of the injection tube. The open distal end of the injection tube may be beveled, preferably so that the open distal end faces generally toward the right, so that the IOL can be inserted into the eye through a smaller incision in a controlled manner, for example, to reduce the need for post-surgical manipulation of the IOL in the eye. Methods for inserting IOL's into eyes of patients, particularly using the present apparatus, are also disclosed.