Inventors:
Emanuel Tanne - Vancouver WA
International Classification:
A61B 510
Abstract:
An instrument for automating corneal surgical procedures, such as radial keratotomy and other corneal operations, which includes one or more probe sensors with extendible tips which, by measuring electrical resistivity, are responsive to contact occurring with the corneal surface. Positioning of the probe sensor(s) over various points of the corneal surface provides data signals which enable the surface topography of the cornea to be mapped by a micro-processor. A surgical knife having automatic depth control is provided whose operation is regulated in response to changes in the electrical resistivity between the knife and the human body as penetration is made into the layers of the cornea. The probe sensor(s) and knife are used with a ring-like fixture attachable by vacuum to the eye and comprised of a fixed outer ring and a movable inner ring, the fixture providing mounting and/or support for these elements while permitting their movement to different meridial locations by rotation of the inner ring. One arch element bridging a diameter of the ring fixture supports the probe sensor(s) and a second arch element has guideways thereon for controlling the movement and positioning of the knife.