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Charles Kelman Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Charles Kelman: Pioneer of Phacoemulsification and Visionary Innovator

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Charles Kelman: Pioneer of Phacoemulsification and Visionary Innovator Study Guide

Early Life, Education, and Influences

Charles Kelman's father, David Kelman, was a successful inventor who received significant financial compensation for his creations like tar-free cigarettes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Kelman's father, David Kelman, was an inventor who, despite his creations like tar-free cigarettes, never received proper compensation or recognition for his work.

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Where and when was Charles Kelman born?

Answer: May 23, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York

Explanation: Charles David Kelman was born on May 23, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York.

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What inspired Charles Kelman's strong desire to seek recognition for his own inventions?

Answer: His father, David Kelman, who was an inventor but never received proper compensation or recognition.

Explanation: Charles Kelman's desire for recognition stemmed from his father, David Kelman, an inventor who never received proper compensation or acknowledgment for his own creations.

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What was Charles Kelman's first musical instrument, which he started playing at age four?

Answer: Harmonica

Explanation: Charles Kelman began his musical journey at age four, with the harmonica being his first instrument.

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Charles Kelman earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from which university?

Answer: University of Geneva

Explanation: Charles Kelman obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Geneva in 1956.

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Pioneering Ophthalmic Inventions: Cryosurgery

The John A. Hartford Foundation grant received by Kelman in 1964 was specifically for developing new laser techniques in eye surgery.

Answer: False

Explanation: The John A. Hartford Foundation grant received by Kelman in 1964 was for investigating freezing techniques in eye surgery, not for developing new laser techniques.

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Cryopexy for retinal detachments was a popular technique in the 1930s, but Kelman's improved cryoprobe made it even more effective.

Answer: False

Explanation: While cryopexy for retinal detachments was demonstrated in the 1930s, it was not popular due to less effective older cryoprobes; Kelman's improved cryoprobe later made the technique more viable.

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What was Charles Kelman's first significant medical invention in the early 1960s?

Answer: An ophthalmic cryoprobe using liquid nitrogen

Explanation: In the fall of 1962, Charles Kelman invented an ophthalmic cryoprobe that utilized liquid nitrogen for cataract extraction, marking his first significant medical invention.

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Phacoemulsification: Conception and Early Development

The initial phacoemulsification device developed by Kelman operated at a frequency that was later found to cause damage to the corneal endothelium.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kelman's initial phacoemulsification device operated at 25,000 cycles per second, a frequency he later identified as having 'tardive effects on the corneal endothelium,' necessitating new equipment at a lower cycle.

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The phacoemulsification project officially began with Cavitron in 1966, after initial animal trials.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phacoemulsification project officially began with Cavitron in February 1965, and the first successful animal trials on cats occurred in March 1966.

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The idea for phacoemulsification was inspired by an ultrasonic device Kelman observed at a dental office.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inspiration for phacoemulsification came to Charles Kelman after he observed an ultrasonic device at his dentist's office, leading him to envision a similar application for breaking up cataracts.

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What observation initially inspired Kelman to conceive the idea of phacoemulsification?

Answer: An ultrasonic device at his dentist's office.

Explanation: Kelman's inspiration for phacoemulsification originated from observing an ultrasonic device at his dentist's office, leading him to envision its application for breaking up cataracts.

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When did the phacoemulsification project officially begin with Cavitron, according to Anton Banko?

Answer: February 1965

Explanation: According to Anton Banko, the chief engineer for Cavitron on the project, the phacoemulsification project officially commenced in February 1965.

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What was the original operating frequency of the initial phacoemulsification device that Kelman later identified as problematic?

Answer: 25,000 cycles per second

Explanation: The initial phacoemulsification device operated at 25,000 cycles per second, a frequency that Kelman later determined caused 'tardive effects on the corneal endothelium.'

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Who was Charles Kelman's co-inventor on the patent application for the phacoemulsification device filed in 1967?

Answer: Anton Banko

Explanation: Anton Banko was Charles Kelman's co-inventor on the patent application for the phacoemulsification device, filed on July 25, 1967.

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Phacoemulsification: Clinical Adoption and Impact

The first successful phacoemulsification procedure on a human patient resulted in the restoration of their vision, despite the patient being blind prior to the surgery.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first phacoemulsification surgery on a human patient in 1967 resulted in an infection, leading to the removal of the patient's eye, though Kelman achieved success in subsequent attempts.

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Phacoemulsification significantly reduced the required incision size for cataract removal from approximately 11-12 mm to just 3 mm.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phacoemulsification drastically reduced the incision size for cataract removal from 11–12 mm to 3 mm, minimizing recovery time and hospital stays.

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In the 1970s, phacoemulsification was immediately embraced by the medical community and insurance companies due to its clear advantages.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 1970s, phacoemulsification faced significant skepticism and criticism, with the National Eye Institute labeling it as experimental, which led to non-coverage by insurance companies.

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Charles Kelman appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to promote phacoemulsification after a comparative study confirmed its effectiveness.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following a 1974 comparative study confirming its effectiveness, Charles Kelman appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1975 to promote phacoemulsification to the general public.

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The full benefits of phacoemulsification, including truly small-incision surgery with lens implantation, were realized after the FDA approved foldable intraocular lenses in 1984.

Answer: True

Explanation: The full advantages of phacoemulsification, enabling truly small-incision cataract surgery with lens implantation, were realized in 1984 upon the FDA's approval of foldable intraocular lenses.

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The Kelman Satellite Teleconference in 1984 allowed a large audience to observe Kelman performing live surgical procedures.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kelman Satellite Teleconference in 1984 enabled over 400 attendees at the American Academy of Ophthalmology conference to observe a live broadcast of Kelman performing five surgical procedures.

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Charles Kelman's innovation in cataract surgery was estimated to save the nation's hospital bill by $7 million a year in 1992.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1992, The New York Times estimated that Charles Kelman's innovation in cataract surgery saved $7 billion a year from the nation's hospital bill, not $7 million.

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The techniques and tools similar to phacoemulsification have found applications only within ophthalmology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Techniques and tools similar to phacoemulsification have also been adopted in neurosurgery for removing brain and spinal cord tumors, demonstrating broader applications beyond ophthalmology.

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As of 2011, over 9.5 million phacoemulsification procedures are performed globally each year.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2011, phacoemulsification is one of the most common surgeries worldwide, with over 9.5 million procedures performed globally each year.

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What groundbreaking technique is Charles Kelman primarily recognized for inventing?

Answer: Phacoemulsification

Explanation: Charles Kelman is primarily recognized as the father of phacoemulsification, a groundbreaking technique that revolutionized cataract surgery.

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What was the outcome of Charles Kelman's first phacoemulsification surgery on a human patient in 1967?

Answer: The patient's eye became infected and had to be removed, though Kelman achieved success in subsequent attempts.

Explanation: The initial phacoemulsification surgery on a human patient in 1967 resulted in an infection and the removal of the eye, although Kelman later achieved successful outcomes.

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What was a significant criticism faced by phacoemulsification in the 1970s?

Answer: The National Eye Institute labeled it as experimental, leading to insurance non-coverage.

Explanation: In the 1970s, phacoemulsification was criticized as experimental by the National Eye Institute, which resulted in insurance companies not being obligated to cover the procedure.

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How did Charles Kelman promote phacoemulsification to the general public after a 1974 comparative study confirmed its effectiveness?

Answer: He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Explanation: To promote phacoemulsification to the public after a 1974 study, Charles Kelman appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in February 1975.

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What invention by Thomas R. Mazzocco in the early 1980s allowed for truly small-incision cataract surgery with lens implantation?

Answer: The foldable silicone intraocular lens (IOL)

Explanation: Thomas R. Mazzocco's invention of the foldable silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in the early 1980s enabled small-incision cataract surgery with lens implantation, resolving a key challenge for phacoemulsification.

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According to a 1992 New York Times estimate, what was the significant financial impact of Kelman's innovation on the nation's hospital bill?

Answer: It saved $7 billion a year by reducing hospital stays and recovery times.

Explanation: A 1992 New York Times estimate indicated that Charles Kelman's innovation in cataract surgery saved $7 billion annually from the nation's hospital bill by reducing hospital stays and recovery periods.

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What was the significance of the Kelman Satellite Teleconference in 1984?

Answer: It allowed over 400 attendees to observe Kelman performing live surgical procedures.

Explanation: The Kelman Satellite Teleconference in 1984 was significant because it allowed over 400 attendees at the AAO conference to observe a live broadcast of Kelman performing five surgical procedures.

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Later Medical Innovations and Professional Recognition

Charles Kelman held fewer than 50 patents for his medical instruments and innovations throughout his career.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Kelman held more than 100 patents for his various medical instruments and innovations, demonstrating his prolific career as an inventor.

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Charles Kelman was posthumously awarded the Lasker Award in 2004, an exception to the award's usual rules.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2004, Charles Kelman was posthumously awarded the Lasker Award, with the jury making an exception to its standard rules to recognize his significant contributions to medical science.

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Charles Kelman was recognized as the Ophthalmologist of the Century at a congress in Montreal in 1994.

Answer: True

Explanation: At the International Congress of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Montreal in July 1994, Charles Kelman was indeed recognized as the Ophthalmologist of the Century.

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Charles Kelman was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2004, the same year he passed away.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Kelman was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in February 2004 and passed away on June 1, 2004, making it the same year.

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Charles Kelman was an attending surgeon at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Kelman served as an attending surgeon at both the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, in addition to his role at New York Medical College.

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Charles Kelman received the National Medal of Technology from President George H. W. Bush in 1992.

Answer: True

Explanation: In June 1992, Charles Kelman was awarded the National Medal of Technology by President George H. W. Bush, recognizing his significant contributions to technological innovation.

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Wills Eye Hospital honored Charles Kelman in 2000 by naming its research facility after him and awarding him a Doctor of Science.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2000, Wills Eye Hospital awarded Charles Kelman a Doctor of Letters and named its research facility the Charles D. Kelman Laboratory and Library, not a Doctor of Science.

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How many patents did Charles Kelman hold for his medical instruments and innovations?

Answer: More than 100

Explanation: Charles Kelman held over 100 patents for his various medical instruments and innovations, reflecting his extensive contributions to ophthalmology.

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What prestigious award did Charles Kelman receive from President George H. W. Bush in 1992?

Answer: National Medal of Technology

Explanation: In 1992, Charles Kelman was awarded the National Medal of Technology by President George H. W. Bush for his significant technological contributions.

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In what year was Charles Kelman recognized as the Ophthalmologist of the Century?

Answer: 1994

Explanation: Charles Kelman was recognized as the Ophthalmologist of the Century at the International Congress of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Montreal in July 1994.

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When was Charles Kelman inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame?

Answer: 2004

Explanation: Charles Kelman was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in February 2004, acknowledging his numerous groundbreaking inventions.

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What was one of Charles Kelman's later medical inventions related to collagen?

Answer: A method to create collagen from a patient's own skin.

Explanation: Later in his career, Charles Kelman invented a method to create collagen from a patient's own skin, which helped prevent allergic reactions in medical applications.

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In 1999, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) selected Charles Kelman as one of the ten most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century and what other role?

Answer: President of the society

Explanation: In 1999, the ASCRS recognized Charles Kelman as one of the ten most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century and subsequently elected him as president of the society.

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Musical and Entertainment Pursuits

Charles Kelman's initial singing career success with 'Telephone Numbers' was sustained until he decided to fully commit to medicine years later.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kelman's initial singing success with 'Telephone Numbers' was abruptly ended by the widespread craze of 'The Twist,' which changed the pop music genre and led him to believe his singing career was over.

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Charles Kelman co-produced several Broadway musicals, including 'Can-Can' and 'The Sound of Music.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Kelman co-produced several Broadway musicals, specifically 'Can-Can' (1981), 'Triumph of Love' (1997), and 'The Sound of Music' (1998–1999).

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The musical 'The Marrano' written by Kelman explored the premise that Christopher Columbus was of Italian noble descent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Kelman's musical 'The Marrano' was based on the premise that the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was Jewish, not of Italian noble descent.

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Charles Kelman's stage name for his recording of 'Telephone Numbers' was Kerry Adams.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Kelman used the stage name Kerry Adams when he recorded his song 'Telephone Numbers' in 1960.

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Charles Kelman's final musical, 'The Right Pair of Shoes,' premiered posthumously in 2004.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Kelman's final musical, 'The Right Pair of Shoes,' was scheduled to premiere in 2004, shortly before his death, but it did not premiere posthumously.

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What event abruptly ended Charles Kelman's initial success with his song 'Telephone Numbers'?

Answer: The widespread craze created by 'The Twist' changed the pop music genre.

Explanation: The widespread craze of 'The Twist' abruptly ended Charles Kelman's initial success with 'Telephone Numbers' by significantly altering the pop music landscape.

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Which of the following Broadway musicals did Charles Kelman co-produce?

Answer: The Sound of Music

Explanation: Charles Kelman co-produced several Broadway musicals, including 'The Sound of Music' (1998–1999).

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What was the central premise of Charles Kelman's musical 'The Marrano'?

Answer: The premise that Christopher Columbus was Jewish.

Explanation: Charles Kelman's musical 'The Marrano' centered on the premise that the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was Jewish.

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Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Hedy Lamarr's testimonial indicated that Dr. Kelman restored her sight after she had been blind for over seven years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Actress Hedy Lamarr provided a testimonial in October 1980, stating that Dr. Kelman restored her sight after she had been blind for more than seven years.

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Charles Kelman's autobiography, 'Through My Eyes,' was published in 2010, coinciding with a documentary about his life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles Kelman's autobiography, 'Through My Eyes,' was published in 1985, while the documentary 'Through My Eyes: The Charlie Kelman Story' aired in 2010.

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Charles Kelman had three children from his first marriage and three from his second marriage, totaling six children.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Kelman had a total of six children: three (David Joseph, Lesley, and Jennifer) with his first wife, Joan Kelman, and three sons (Evan, Jason, and Seth) with his second wife, Ann.

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What was the cause of Charles Kelman's death in 2004?

Answer: Lung cancer

Explanation: Charles Kelman died on June 1, 2004, at the age of 74, due to lung cancer.

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Which celebrity was among Charles Kelman's patients, expressing profound gratitude for her restored sight?

Answer: Hedy Lamarr

Explanation: Actress Hedy Lamarr was a patient of Charles Kelman and publicly expressed profound gratitude for her restored sight, stating he 'gave me my sight back.'

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What was the title of the documentary aired by WLIW in 2010 about Charles Kelman's life?

Answer: Through My Eyes: The Charlie Kelman Story

Explanation: In January 2010, the New York public television station WLIW aired a documentary about Charles Kelman's life titled 'Through My Eyes: The Charlie Kelman Story.'

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