System for packaging and handling an implant and method of use
A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.
1 . A method of implanting a corneal implant, said method comprising the steps of:
separating a layer of corneal tissue to form an anterior internal surface and a posterior internal surface;
providing an implant applicator tool having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for holding a corneal implant, said second end adapted for handling the implant applicator tool, said first end having a retaining member detachably mounted to said first end;
removing said retaining member from said first end; and
depositing the implant on the posterior internal surface with the implant applicator tool.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first end has an applicator surface which is concave.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the concave implant applicator surface has a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of at least a portion of an implant surface.
4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the applicator surface is a smooth or polished surface.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the applicator surface is recessed.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the applicator surface has at least one opening therethrough.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further including:
removing said implant applicator tool from a vessel having an opening, said vessel having a volume of fluid stored therein.
8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the implant applicator tool is connected to a vessel stopper contoured to seal said vessel opening.
9 . The method of claim 6 or 7 , further comprising the step of:
placing the implant applicator is the vessel so as to maintain the implant in fluid communication with the storage fluid contained therein.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the depositing step comprises:
depositing the implant without using a separate device to place the implant on the posterior internal surface.