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Department of Engineering, ICT and Technologies for Energy and Transport Patent Title Optical fiber laser device for ocular suturing. Ref. CNR 1697 Assignee (s): CNR, ASL4 Prato CNR Institute: IFAC Main Inventor: Roberto Pini Countries: USA, FR, DE, IT, UK, IRL, CH Priority date: 30/08/2005 Abstract A method for suturing the lens capsule of the eye in the event of accidental rupture thereof or to create a valve and/or to close a capsulorhexis by means of laser-induced welding onto the capsule’s surface of a flap of biocompatible biological tissue prepared so as to be optically absorbent at the wavelength of the laser being used for the welding. The method is suitable for use in the so-called Phaco-Ersaz or “lens refilling” ophthalmic surgery. The welding is done using a laser device that comprises of a laser generator and a fiberoptic system for conveying the laser beam, complete with an applicator handpiece suitable for use in welding said flaps onto the lens capsule in a liquid environment. The handpiece is shaped so as to exert a moderate pressure on the tissues to be welded with the free end of the optical fiber. Background The invention generally relates to the field of laser welding techniques of biological tissues and their applications to ophthalmic surgery, especially for the suturing, repairing and sealing of ocular structures. One of the problems that remain to be solved in ophthalmic surgery is how to repair the capsule containing the lens, because the wall of the capsule is extremely slender (10 micrometers) and under considerable tension, so conventional sutures cannot be used. Technology The method involves the use of biological tissue flaps stained with a biocompatible chromophore, applied and welded by laser-induced welding in correspondence of a discontinuity or a perforation present on the lens capsule. The apparatus comprises an AlGaAs diode laser (emission at 810 nm, power of 0.5-1.0 W) with fiber-optic transmission and an applicator handpiece. Advantages and Applications The method solves the problem of suturing the lens capsule and can be applied in the procedures of “lens refilling”, applicable in cataract surgery and to solve presbyopia. It can also find advantageous applications for the attachment of corneal or intraocular implants, such as contact lenses, intraocular lenses, as well as for containment of retinal detachments and for the closure of retinal holes. Development stage The technology has been fully implemented and tested in preclinical tests in animal models. The present patent represents the primary one of a cluster that includes patents n. 1709 and 1836, which globally protect 25 inventions relating to the technologies for laser-induced suturing of ocular tissues.