초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An

A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air. The radiant energy may take the form of ultrasound generated by an ultrasonic probe, or light generated by a confocal microscope. The confocal microscope may employ longitudinal chromatic aberration to measure the depth of the reflective element. When employing a confocal microscope, the depth of the reflective element is a function of the reflected energy from the anterior surface and the reflected energy from the reflective element.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [10.] A tool for insertion into a tissue pocket having an anterior surface and for determining a measured depth of the tissue pocket below the anterior surface by directing energy toward the pocket from above the anterior surface of the tissue, the tool comprising:a tool body; anda mate

[ We claim:] [10.] A tool for insertion into a tissue pocket having an anterior surface and for determining a measured depth of the tissue pocket below the anterior surface by directing energy toward the pocket from above the anterior surface of the tissue, the tool comprising:a tool body; anda material that is part of the tool body and is configured and dimensioned to slide between layers defining the tissue pocket, said material characterized by an energy transmission rate which is less than an energy transmission rate of tissue defining the tissue pocket, wherein the material in the tissue pocket interacts with the energy, and a measured depth of the tool below the anterior surface is a function of the interaction of the tool and the energy.