Thomas Tyler

US Patent:

7635388, Dec 22, 2009

Filed:

May 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/564525

Inventors:

Thomas D. Tyler - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/14

US Classification:

623 41, 606107

Abstract:

A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the device bends and causes the size and shape of the sclera to be altered, restoring normal ocular functions such as accommodation or intraocular pressure.