Patents Assigned to Refractec, Inc.
  • Probe used for an ocular procedure
    Publication number: 20070055227
    Abstract: A medical device used to denature corneal tissue. The device includes a probe and an applanator that can flatten the cornea. The probe has a plurality of electrodes that extend through apertures of the applanator and into the cornea. The electrodes deliver energy into the cornea to denature corneal tissue. The corneal tissue is denatured in a pattern that can correct for refractive conditions of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Khalaj, Dorin Panescu, Larry Hood
  • Electrode assembly for a thermokeratoplasty system used to correct vision acuity
    Patent number: 7178231
    Abstract: An electrode assembly that can be used to apply current to a cornea. The assembly includes a tip that is attached to a stop. The stop is pressed into an inner channel of an electrode body. The stop limits the penetration depth of the tip into a cornea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Hood, Saeed Steve Khalaj, Gregg W. Hughes, Paul R. Goth, Antonio Mendez
  • Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
    Patent number: 7018377
    Abstract: A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide current at a predetermined power, frequency and time duration. The probe has a sharp tip that is inserted into the stroma of the cornea. The tip has an insulated stop that controls the depth of tip penetration. Current flows into the cornea through the probe tip to locally heat and denature the corneal tissue. The denatured tissue causes a subsequent shrinkage of the cornea. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Hood, Antonio G. Mendez
  • Thermokeratoplasty system with a power supply that can determine a wet or dry cornea
    Patent number: 6986770
    Abstract: A power supply for a thermokeratoplasty system. The power supply can be connected to an electrode and a return element that are both coupled to a cornea. The power supply can perform a test routine to determine whether the cornea is too “wet” or too “dry”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. Hood
  • Thermokeratoplasty system with a power supply that can determine a wet or dry cornea
    Patent number: 6673069
    Abstract: A power supply for a thermokeratoplasty system. The power supply can be connected to an electrode and a return element that are both coupled to a cornea. The power supply can perform a test routine to determine whether the cornea is too “wet” or too “dry”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. Hood
  • Apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
    Patent number: 6213997
    Abstract: A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide current at a predetermined power, frequency and time duration. The probe has a sharp tip that is inserted into the stroma of the cornea. The tip has an insulated stop that controls the depth of tip penetration. Current flows into the cornea through the probe tip to locally heat and denature the corneal tissue. The denatured tissue causes a subsequent shrinkage of the cornea. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Hood, Antonio G. Mendez
  • Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
    Patent number: 5533999
    Abstract: A thermokeratoplastic electrode which has a tip that is placed in direct contact with the epithelium layer of the cornea. The electrode is capable of creating very small localized denatured areas that shrink the corneal membrane to correct hyperopic and astigmatic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Refractec, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Hood, Antonio Mendez G.