Importance

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Abstract

An improved positioning assembly for positioning and holding a cornea of an eye during surgery comprising a positioning ring, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning ring to temporarily attach it to the eye and a suction enhancement member. The positioning ring includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye and an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning ring further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially interior of the flange member such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning ring to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture. The suction enhancement member preferably comprises a resilient material segment structured to engage the positioning ring at a point radially interior of the flange member, and disposed to define a suction channel between the suction enhancement member and the positioning ring, which channel is in fluid flow communication with the vacuum port. A plurality of suction ports are preferably defined in the segment and in fluid flow communication with the suction channel. When a suction force is applied to the positioning ring, the suction enhancement member effects an improved vacuum seal substantially about the eye and further, prevents partial or complete occlusion of the suction force.

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First Claim