OPHTHALMIC WOUND CLOSURE DEVICES AND METHODS
A method and device for wound closure is provided. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods shown includes a simple and inexpensive modified suture with increased pullout resistance to close wounds in eyes and prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a visualization tool to aid in locating the wound on the eye.
This application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/247,818, filed Oct. 1, 2009 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to wound closure devices and methods to facilitate healing after an incision. Specifically, this invention relates to wound closure devices and methods for use in conjunction with ophthalmic surgery.
BACKGROUNDAfter some ophthalmic surgical procedures the small incision, or wound, leaks after the surgical instrument is removed from the incision. One common procedure to reduce or stop leakage is to suture the incision. Knots tied in common suturing can be uncomfortable for the patient, and can be difficult and tedious for the surgeon. As with any difficult procedure there is some degree of risk to the patient. It can also be difficult to see where the wound is due to the small size of the wound.
What is needed is a device that aids in visualization of ophthalmic wounds. What is also needed is a device an method to reduce leakage through incisions following vitreous surgery that is easier, and more reliable. What is also needed is a device an method to reduce risk to the patient.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, mechanical, logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
During a procedure, if the instrument (not shown) is removed from the cannula 110, a small plastic plug is inserted to control leakage from the cannula. However at the end of the procedure, the cannula 110 is removed.
In selected examples such as modified sutures 320 and 330, an increased friction is provided in any direction to increase pullout resistance. In other selected examples such as modified sutures 310 and 340, the increased friction or pullout resistance is unidirectional. Barbs 312, 344 for example make the modified sutures 310, 340 easy to insert in one direction, and hard to pull back, once inserted.
In one example a biodegradable material is used for the modified suture, such as plain gut suture. Other materials such as PGA, etc. may also be used.
Using the visualization tool, pressure is put on the eye 600 in the general area of the wound 602. The pressure causes the fluids and/or blood to move away from the wound 602, and makes the wound 602 easier to visualize. Once the wound is located, the surgeon can proceed with suturing.
A number of teeth 814 or other frictional protrusions are shown on surface of the transparent portion 810 that is to be adjacent to the eye. By using teeth 814, a surgeon may grip the sclera of the eye with one hand to prevent rotation of the eye and aid in visualizing the wound simultaneously while the sutures are being placed with the other hand. The ability to grip the sclera is particularly useful in embodiments described above because of increased friction of the sutures in selected embodiments.
Using embodiments described above, a number of advantages are realized. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods described above includes a simple and inexpensive alternative to knot tying after suturing to prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a biocompatible material that degrades over time to allow healing of the incision. Although suture procedures involving the eye are disclosed, any other suture location would benefit from the devices and methods disclosed.
Although selected advantages are detailed above, the list is not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims
1. A suture, comprising:
- a number of unidirectional, pressed in, side features to increase a pullout resistance of the suture along a first direction; and
- a distal end protrusion to resist suture pullout from a second direction opposite the first direction.
2. A suture, comprising:
- a portion of a suture, having a flattened cross section; and
- a number of textured side features to increase a pullout resistance of the suture.
3. The suture of claim 2, wherein the number of textured side features includes a pressed in cross-hatch pattern.
4. The suture of claim 2, wherein the number of textured side features includes a number of unidirectional features.
5. The suture of claim 2, wherein the number of textured side features includes a number of spaced apart knots.
6. An ophthalmic wound visualization device, comprising:
- a substantially transparent portion to place in contact with an eye near an ophthalmic wound;
- a handle to apply pressure to the substantially transparent portion; and
- a suture clearance cutaway to facilitate insertion of a suture while the substantially transparent portion is in contact with the eye.
7. The ophthalmic wound visualization device of claim 6, further including one or more frictional protrusions on one side of the substantially transparent portion.
8. The ophthalmic wound visualization device of claim 7, wherein the frictional protrusions include a number of teeth.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2011
Inventor: Edwin Ryan (St. Paul, MN)
Application Number: 12/895,058
International Classification: A61F 9/007 (20060101); A61B 17/04 (20060101);