Abstract: An improvement to a flow control system is disclosed which comprises a transducer apparatus having dampening means to prevent or reduce the destructive effect of water hammers in such fluid control systems. This is especially useful in surgical irrigation and aspiration systems. The dampening means functions by diverting the transient fluid waves away from the delicate pressure-sensing means until a portion of the kinetic energy contained therein is dispersed.

Abstract: A coaxial flow irrigation and aspiration ultrasonic handpiece for use in surgical operations includes the combination of an elongated outer shell, inner shell and ultrasonic horn assembly disposed within the inner shell. A sealing end cap is provided which functions to center the inner shell within the outer shell as well as to form an irrigation channel therebetween for supplying irrigation fluid to the distal end tip of the surgical handpiece. The sealing end cap includes an irrigation channel and electrical cable integrally therewith to facilitate ease of assembly of the handpiece as well as connection with sources of irrigation fluid and means for providing aspiration.

Abstract: A modular surgical packaging system is shown which includes a central package with an open interior. The open interior is adapted to contain a first type of sterilizable surgical item. The external sidewalls of the central package have one or more accessory receiving compartments formed therein. One or more accessory modules, adapted to contain a second type of sterilizable surgical item, are received within the accessory receiving compartments formed on the external sidewalls of the central package in piggyback fashion.

Abstract: An improved vitreous cutter having a housing with two halves connected together by tapered pins on one half fitting into holes on the other half with a proximal end, a distal end, an internal transverse bore and a longitudinal bore intersecting the transverse bore and penetrating the housing at the proximal and distal ends, a pair of inlets in the proximal end of the housing in fluid communication with opposite ends of the transverse bore for allowing pressurized air to be introduced into the transverse bore, a thermoplastic piston slideably received in the transverse bore having a toothed, longitudinal slot, a stainless steel stationary outer cutting tube having a cutting port on a distal end, a stainless steel rotatable inner cutting tube telescopically received in the outer cutting tube having a cutting port on a distal end and penetrating the proximal end of the housing to form a suction port, a flexible seal between the inner cutting tube and the outer cutting tube and a pinion gear on a medial section o

Abstract: An intraocular lens designed for ease of insertion and for minimizing contact with intraocular tissues comprises a lens body having an optical axis, two optical surfaces and a periphery to which is fixed at least one filamentous haptic extending circumferentially and radially from the point of attachment along a curvilinear path in space to a maximum distance from the optical axis. The haptic has a proximal segment adjacent to the attachment point, a medial segment attached to and continuous with the proximal segment and a distal segment attached to and continuous with the medial segment. At least a part of the distal segment lies at the maximum distance from said optical axis and constitutes the tissue-contacting portion of the haptic. The tissue-contacting element is tangent to a second plane parallel to the first plane and displaced from it along the optical axis, and at least the medial segment of the haptic traverses a path concave toward the first plane and avoiding intersection with the second plane.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses with three zones for the provision of bifocal vision are described. Methods for the lenses use are also described.

Abstract: This invention is related to an improved method and apparatus for use in controlling the ultrasonic fragmentation of the body tissue. The ultrasonic apparatus includes a transducer assembly mounted in the handpiece assembly. The transducer is operable for converting electrical power to ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy. A vibrational amplifying device is coupled to the transducer assembly and includes in series asymmetrical horn and symmetrical horn portions. Included in one of the horn portions is an operative tip.

Abstract: A pressure control system is disclosed for closely regulating the pressure level of a controlled volume. The system comprises first and second sources, a throttled valve for controlling the flow rate of the fluid between each of the first and second pressure sources and the controlled volume, and a feedback control. The throttled valve comprises a rotationally mounted cam, a housing for receiving the cam and including a chamber, a first port coupled to the first pressure source, a second port coupled to the controlled volume, and a third port coupled to the second pressure source. The cam has first and second cam surface portions for defining corresponding first and second transfer functions of fluid flow through the first and second ports, respectively. First and second metering needles are associated with the first and third ports respectively for throttling the fluid flows therethrough. The first and second metering needles are disposed to engage respectively the first and second cam surface portions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which has two concentric transfer tubes: an outer tube and an inner tube. One tube is used for aspiration of fluid, the other for infusion of fluid. The concentric tubing section has proximal and distal ends, the distal end being tapered and having openings for simultaneous aspiration and infusion eye fluid. On the proximal end, the inner transfer tube extends a proximal length greater than the outer transfer tube. The concentric inner and outer transfer tubes are both connected to independent supply tubes. The proximal end of the inner transfer tube, being longer than the outer transfer tube, pierces and protrudes through the wall of the flexible fluid tube connected to the proximal end of the outer tube. This protrusion provides a place on the inner transfer tube for its own independent connection to a supply tube. The tubing assembly is contained within and supported by an elongated, generally tubular housing.

Abstract: A microsurgical cutting instrument is disclosed which is provided with a cutting probe assembly wherein the inner and outer cutting members thereof are swaged and the inner cutting member is bent towards the outer cutting member, so as to maintain a preselected relationship of the cutting edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implantation of intraocular lenses includes a resilient tubular sling which is positionable over parallel working ends of a crossover forceps. The sling allows an intraocular lens to be folded or curled up therein and held in that folded up position with the forceps tips in a closed position. The forceps presents a narror-in-cross-section moving crossover point behind the tips to allow the forceps tips to be inserted through a small incision in the eye, and then open to release the lens once within the eye. By maintaining the crossover point at the small incision, the forceps can release the lens even though it requires the opening of the forceps tips to a position wider than the incision in the eye. The resilient sling holds the folded lens compactly during movement through the small incision, and assists in urging a controlled release of the lens into the eye. The sling also avoids having to handle the lens with the forceps tips prevents damage to the lens.