Surgical Tool for Electrode Implantation

Abstract

The present invention is a surgical tool for implanting an electrode array and its connected cable within an orbital socket. The insertion tool is used to aid the surgeon in pulling the electrode wire and array through the scull, four-rectus muscles of the eye, and the sclera. The insertion tool consists of a medical grade ABS material that is commonly used in various medical products.

1 . A surgical tool comprising:
 a U-shaped body comprised of inert biocompatible material that includes resilient elastic properties having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an end portion, each having an interior surface and an exterior surface;   wherein the interior surfaces of the upper and lower portions are substantially parallel and flat; and   wherein the exterior surfaces of the upper portion, lower portion and end portion are substantially curved.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical tool according to claim wherein the surgical tool is comprised of ABS. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical tool according to claim wherein the surgical tool is comprised of stainless steel. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical tool according to claim wherein the surgical tool is comprised of titanium. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge connecting the upper portion to the end portion. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a keeper connected to the lower portion and limiting travel of the upper portion. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising notches in the lower portion adapted to meet guides in the upper portion and latch the lower portion and the upper portion together. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , wherein space between the inside surface of the upper portion and the inside surface of the lower portion is adapted to hold an implantable device. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical tool according to  claim 11 , wherein the implantable device is an electrode array.