Device for the mechanization of corneal transplants

Abstract

There are millions of patients in the developing world who would benefit from corneal transplant surgery. Unfortunately, these patients do not always have access to either skilled ophthalmologists or the technology needed for the procedure. While there are tools to efficiently punch out both the diseased and donor corneas, there are no devices to assist with the delicate suturing of donor to host cornea. This thesis proposes replacing the painstaking manual procedure with a device that will automate the placement of a ring of sutures. Such a device will enable ophthalmologists to easily suture transplanted corneas and increase procedural success rates. This thesis develops a method of inserting tiny needles and attached filaments along a curved path by forming the needle geometry as the device is operated,. This work presents the initial needle placement testing and conceptual groundwork for developing a device for the mechanization of corneal transplants.