DEVICES AND METHODS USEABLE FOR FORMING SMALL OPENINGS IN THE LENS CAPSULES OF MAMMALIAN EYES

摘要

A device and system for creating small, less than 3 mm and preferably about 1 mm in cross dimension, openings in the anterior lens capsule (LC) of a mammalian eye (E) to facilitate insertion of lens reduction/removal device(s) and/or cannulae for injecting flowable lens replacement materials into the lens capsule (LC). The device generally comprises a handpiece (18) having an electrosurgical probe (10) extending forwardly therefrom. The electrosurgical probe (10) incorporates an annular tip electrode (16) which is positionable in contact with the lens capsule (LC), to create the desired less than 3 mm opening therein. The annular electrode tip (16) may be either monopolar or bipolar in design.