초록

The disclosure relates to a multipolar probe using radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea of an eye. The surface of the cornea is flushed continuously with a conductive coolant during operation.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus utilizing radio-frequency electrical energy without a remote electrode for reshaping a cornea comprising: a plurality of electrode means having tips; housing means disposed about said plurality of electrode means; insulating means disposed within said housing means between said

1. An apparatus utilizing radio-frequency electrical energy without a remote electrode for reshaping a cornea comprising: a plurality of electrode means having tips; housing means disposed about said plurality of electrode means; insulating means disposed within said housing means between said electrode means; means for positioning said tips of said electrode means adjacent but spaced from a cornea to be reshaped; means for producing an alternative voltage in the radio-frequency range; means for applying said radio-frequency voltage to said tips of said electrode means and thereby radio-frequency energy in a preselected pattern to the cornea to be reshaped; means for flowing an electrically conductive liquid coolant in the vicinity of one said tip, over the cornea, and from the cornea in the vicinity of another tip; and flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing means for effectively damming said coolant over the cornea so that it does not run off. 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said damming means comprises a skirt on said housing means. 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said skirt is flexible. 4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said skirt is detachably affixed to said housing. 5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises insulative material. 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said tips of said electrode means are substantially oval in cross section. 7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said plurality of electrode means are substantially parallel. 8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fluid flowing means comprises means for flowing said coolant through said electrode means. 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein said insulating means comprise partitions among said plurality of electrode means. 10. The invention of claim 9 wherein said positioning and insulating means comprise a partition extending beyond said electrode means tips to contact the cornea and properly space said electrode means tips therefrom, said partition providing a passageway for coolant flow across the surface of the cornea. 11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said partition comprises a comb passageway to maintain the cornea a preselected distance from said electrode means tips. 12. An apparatus utilizing radio-frequency energy to reshape a cornea comprising: an alternating voltage source; first, second, and third tubular electrodes, each having a tip, and each operably connected to said alternating voltage source; insulating means disposed between said electrodes to insulate one from another; a housing disposed about said electrodes and said insulating means; means for positioning said electrode tips a selected distance from the surface of the cornea; means for conducting an electrically conductive liquid coolant through at least one of said electrodes onto and over the cornea and then up at least one of the electrodes; and flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing for retaining said coolant over the cornea. 13. The invention of claim 12 wherein said coolant retaining means commprises a flexible skirt on said housing. 14. The invention of claim 12 wherein said tubular electrodes are essentially parallel. 15. The invention of claim 12 wherein said electrode tips are essentially oval in cross section. 16. The invention of claim 12 wherein said tubular electrodes are essentially parallel, comprising two end and one center electrode and spaced in a line, said coolant conducting means comprising means for conducting coolant through the center electrode onto the cornea and from the cornea through said two end electrodes. 17. An apparatus for reshaping a cornea using radio-frequency energy, said apparatus comprising: a source of alternating voltage; an inner tubular electrode having a tip and operably connected to said alternating voltage source; an outer tubular electrode having a tip operably connected to said alternating voltage source and annularly disposed about and spaced from said first tubular electrode; annular means for insulating said inner and outer electrodes from one another; a housing disposed about said inner and outer electrodes and said insulating means; means for positioning said inner and outer electrode tips a selected distance from the cornea; means for conducting a liquid coolant onto the cornea and from the cornea; and flexible skirt means removably secured to said housing for containing the coolant over the cornea. 18. The invention of claim 17 wherein said coolant conducting means comprise means for flowing the coolant through said inner electrode over the cornea and from the cornea between said outer electrode and said housing. 19. The invention of claim 17 wherein said coolant containing means comprise a flexible skirt affixed to said housing. 20. The invention of claim 17 wherein said tips of said tubular electrodes are essentially circular in cross section.