Bar-link drive system for a microkeratome

Abstract

A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36 . A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . A microkeratome fixation ring comprising:
 an annular ring for contacting a cornea of a patient;   structure defining a passage from a bottom surface of the annular ring and within the annular ring for connection to a vacuum source, such that the annular ring may be affixed to the cornea by operation of the vacuum source;   structure attached to an upper surface of the annular ring defining a pivot hole; and   structure defining a slot attached to the upper surface of the annular ring.   
   
   
       26 . A microkeratome fixation ring comprising:
 an annular ring having a bottom surface and an upper surface;   an extension attached to the upper surface including a pivot hole; and   a slot defined by the upper surface of the annular ring.   
   
   
       27 . A microkeratome fixation ring comprising:
 an annular ring for contacting a cornea of a patient;   structure defining a passage from a bottom surface of the annular ring and within the annular ring for connection to a vacuum source, such that the annular ring may be affixed to the cornea by operation of the vacuum source;   structure attached to an upper surface of the annular ring defining at least first and second slots on opposing sides of the annular ring.   
   
   
       28 - 37 . (canceled)