1986 - Invention of the laser phaco probe to easily remove cataracts.

* In 1986, Bath was able to begin early studies in laser cataract surgery, including her first experiment with excimer laser photoablation using human eye bank eyes. * Bath coined the term "laser phaco" for the process, short for laser photoablative cataract surgery, and developed the laser phaco probe, a medical device that improves on the use of lasers to remove cataracts, and "for ablating and removing cataract lenses". * Bath first had the idea for this type of device in 1981, but did not apply for a patent until several years later. The device was completed in 1986, which quickly and nearly painlessly dissolves the cataract with a laser, irrigates and cleans the eye and permits the easy insertion of a new lens. * It is now used internationally to treat the disease. Bath continued to improve the device and successfully restored vision to people who had been unable to see for decades.

Combination ultrasound & laser method & appararus for removing catarats; Pulsed ultrasound method for fragmenting/emulsifying & removing cataract lenses; Method & apparatus for ablating & removing cataract lenses; Laser apparatus for surgery of cataractous lenses;apparatus for ablating & removing cataract lenses

Category:
Ophthalmology; Medical Device

Completion Status:
done

Patent Number:
6544254;6083192;5843071;5919186;4744360

Co-Inventor:
none