Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.

Abstract: Particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. The compositions and methods may include, in some embodiments, modifying the surface coatings of particles including pharmaceutical agents that have a low water/aqueous solubility. In some embodiments, a surface coating includes a synthetic polymer having pendant hydroxyl groups on the backbone of the polymer, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Such compositions and methods can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for administration routes involving the particles passing through a mucosal barrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to small-gauge instrumentation for surgical procedures, and more specifically, to vitreoretinal instruments for retinal repair and reattachment procedures, as well as associated methods of use. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a curved or articulating probe configured to provide illumination, fluid aspiration, and endophotocoagulation. Accordingly, the probe enables aspiration of subretinal fluid that re-accumulates after initial drainage and during endophotocoagulation without the need to exchange surgical instruments or insert an additional instrument into the intraocular space. Furthermore, the combined functionalities of the probe enable a surgeon to simultaneously perform scleral depression with the surgeon's other hand while aspirating fluid and/or performing retinal endophotocoagulation.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an infusion cannula for infusion/venting of fluids to/from the eye to control intraocular pressure. The infusion cannula includes a tubular body with a tubular inlet located at a proximal end of the tubular body and a tubular outlet located at a distal end of the tubular body. The tubular outlet is aligned with a first longitudinal axis and configured to extend through a septum of a valved cannula hub. The infusion cannula includes a retention piece extending from or coupled to the tubular body. The retention piece has an annular body surrounding the tubular body at the distal end of the tubular body and configured to be coupled to the valved cannula hub. An inner surface of the annular body has a profile configured to form a snap fit with an overhang formed along an outer surface of the valved cannula hub.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a surgical cassette for an ophthalmic surgical system comprises an irrigation conduit that is in fluid communication with a handpiece and carries fluid toward a surgical site. An aspiration conduit is in fluid communication with the handpiece and carries fluid away from the surgical site. An aspiration pump creates a vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit to draw fluid through the aspiration conduit towards a drain reservoir. A reservoir couples with a pressure-vacuum source to manage the reservoir pressure. A valve is in fluid communication with the aspiration conduit and the reservoir, and provides one or more channels between the aspiration conduit and the reservoir. Each sensor detects a pressure associated with the surgical site. A computer controls the valve in response to the pressure detected by the one or more pressure sensors to mitigate a pressure or volume change.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide dry eye and/or tear film hydration monitoring in the context of ocular aberrometry. An ocular aberrometry system includes a wavefront sensor configured to provide wavefront sensor data associated with an optical target monitored by the ocular aberrometry system and a logic device configured to communicate with the wavefront sensor. The logic device is configured to receive ocular aberrometry output data including at least the wavefront sensor data provided by the wavefront sensor, determine a tear film hydration state associated with the optical target based, at least in part, on the received ocular aberrometry output data, and generate user feedback corresponding to the determined tear film hydration state based, at least in part, on the received aberrometry output data and/or the determined tear film hydration state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing pulsations in peristaltic pumps. In some examples, a cassette comprises a cassette body and a flexible sheet joined to the cassette body, wherein a transition region of the flexible sheet comprises at least one ridge that has a maximum height at a position that is offset from a center line of a cassette body transition channel. In some examples, a cassette body transition channel comprises side walls that taper toward an active region of the fluid path and/or toward a bottom of the transition channel. An example method of operating a peristaltic pump comprises operating rollers at a higher speed during portions of a revolution that otherwise would result in a lower than average flow rate and at a lower speed during portions of the revolution that otherwise would result in a higher than average flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described which guide a surgeon in performing a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure. The apparatus and methods utilize three-dimensional presentations of the target surgical site incorporating one or more virtual surgical guides which help attain proper alignment and orientation of the post-surgical outcome.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, are provided. An apparatus comprises an IOL cartridge comprising a nozzle, a compartment, and a plunger case. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the plunger case is in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger is disposed within the plunger case. The plunger case is configured to removably attach to a handpiece.

Abstract: Intraocular lens loading devices and methods of use. In some embodiment the devices are used to sequentially splay first and second haptics while loading the intraocular lens into a delivery lumen.

Abstract: A Bernoulli gripper for ophthalmic lenses includes a gripper body with a first cavity corresponding in shape to an optic zone of an ophthalmic lens and a first channel formed within the gripper body. The first channel penetrates the first cavity at one end and includes a first port in the gripper body at another end of the first channel. The first channel is enabled to supply a fluid medium from the first port to the first cavity at a first velocity such that the ophthalmic lens positioned with the optic zone in proximity to the first cavity is subject to a first pressure force against the first cavity by the Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to an insert for being embedded in a silicone hydrogel contact lens. The insert is made of a crosslinked materials which are rigid in dry state at room temperature (from about 22° C. to about 26° C.), have a high oxygen permeability and a high refractive index in fully hydrated state, and can become softer at a temperature great than 32° C. Such materials are useful for making inserts in embedded contact lenses for correcting corneal astigmatism, presbyopia, and color blindness lenses and for imparting photochromic characteristics to the lenses. The invention is also related to a method for making embedded silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising an insert of the invention therein and to embedded silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising an insert of the invention therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for improved irrigation sleeves for ophthalmic instruments to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the irrigation sleeve twisting and/or buckling upon inserting the irrigation sleeve into the eye. In some embodiments, an irrigation sleeve comprises a side opening for irrigation having an elongated shape, wherein the elongated shape is longer in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal tube of the irrigation sleeve than in a direction around a circumference of the distal tube of the irrigation sleeve. In some embodiments, an irrigation sleeve comprises at least one rib on an internal surface of the distal end of the irrigation sleeve. In some embodiments, the irrigation sleeve has been subjected to one or more manufacturing steps adapted to stiffen the irrigation sleeve, such as being coated with a stiffening coating or being treated by being exposed to gamma irradiation.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging platform includes a stereoscopic camera configured to record left and right images of a target site. A robotic arm is operatively connected to the stereoscopic camera, the robotic arm being adapted to selectively move the stereoscopic camera relative to the target. The stereoscopic camera includes a lens assembly having at least one lens and defining a working distance. The lens assembly has at least one focus motor adapted to move the at least one lens to selectively vary the working distance. A controller is adapted to selectively execute one or more automatic focusing modes for the stereoscopic camera. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The automatic focusing modes include a target locking mode. The target locking mode is adapted to maintain a focus of the at least one stereoscopic image while the robotic arm is moving the stereoscopic camera.

Abstract: A method for enhancing digital images during a microsurgery, e.g., an eye surgery, includes collecting digital images of target anatomy using a digital camera as the target anatomy is illuminated by warm white light. The method includes identifying, via a processor in communication with the digital camera, a predetermined stage of the microsurgery. Within the images, the processor digitally isolates a first pixel region, e.g., a pupil pixel region, from a second pixel region, e.g., an iris pixel region, and adjusts a characteristic of constituent pixels thereof. The method, possibly recorded as instructions in a computer-readable medium, may be used to enhance a red reflex at predetermined stages of an eye surgery. A system includes a lighting source for emitting warm white light having a color temperature of less than about 4000° K, the camera, and the processor.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A method for transporting a blister strip of ophthalmic lenses: only one single blister strip is provided at a start location and one magazine compartment of two magazine compartments contains n blister strips while the other magazine compartment contains n+1 blister strips, the single buster strip is picked up at the start location by one of the gripper units of a first gripper and is transported into that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips, by moving the first gripper to that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips and releasing the single blister strip from the first gripper into that magazine compartment, or by moving the first gripper to a hand-over station and releasing the single blister strip from the first gripper into the hand-over station, transporting the single blister strip from the hand-over station into that magazine compartment containing the n blister strips using a second gripper.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning grippers for the transport of ophthalmic lenses comprises: an exhaust air box comprising at least one inlet opening for allowing ambient air as well as lenses, lens parts, debris and fluid adhered to the grippers to be sucked into an interior of the exhaust air box, an outlet opening in fluid communication with the interior of the exhaust air box and a cleaner head arranged on the exhaust air box and comprising a plurality of receiver sleeves for receiving the grippers to be cleaned, a plurality of shutters, wherein each individual shutter of the plurality of shutters is arranged to open or close the fluid communication of at least one receiver sleeve (5) of the plurality of receiver sleeves (5) and the interior of the exhaust air box (1).

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe with a light emitting, visibly discrete traceable probe cap. The light emitting, visibly discrete character of the probe cap may aid a surgeon in tracing the end of a needle of the vitrectomy during a vitrectomy procedure. The probe cap may be of a biocompatible polymer accommodating phosphorescent pigment or of another suitable light source.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging platform includes a stereoscopic camera configured to record left and right images of a target site. A robotic arm is operatively connected to the stereoscopic camera, the robotic arm being adapted to selectively move the stereoscopic camera relative to the target. The stereoscopic camera includes a lens assembly having at least one lens and defining a working distance. The lens assembly has at least one focus motor adapted to move the at least one lens to selectively vary the working distance. A controller is adapted to selectively execute one or more automatic focusing modes for the stereoscopic camera. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The automatic focusing modes include a disparity mode and/or a sharpness control mode which are adapted to at least partially rely on disparity feedback to change the working distance in order to achieve focus.