Abstract: A capsularhexis electrode device and corresponding insertion tool are disclosed. A flexible capsulorhexis electrode device comprises an elastomeric ring, first and second electrically conductive traces disposed at a first face of the elastomeric ring and extending concentrically around the elastomeric ring, and first and second electrically conductive connectors. The first and second electrically conductive connectors are electrically connected to the first and second traces, respectively, and are disposed at opposing points across the elastomeric ring from one another. An insertion tool includes first and second stretcher bars with connectors for mating to the electrode device. One of the stretcher bars translates relative to the other to elongate the flexible electrode device for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye through a small incision.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn. The horn is coupled to a needle. An aspiration pump is integral with the hand piece and is located close to the needle. A rigid length of aspiration line is located between the aspiration pump and the needle. An optional pressure sensor is located between the aspiration pump and the needle as well.

Abstract: A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A liquefaction surgical handpiece having a check valve within the boiling chamber. Such a construction reduces upstream fluid volume. Reduction of upstream fluid volume reduces capability for compliance caused either by trapped air or absorbed gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A capsularhexis electrode device and corresponding insertion tool are disclosed. A flexible capsulorhexis electrode device comprises an elastomeric ring, first and second electrically conductive traces disposed at a first face of the elastomeric ring and extending concentrically around the elastomeric ring, and first and second electrically conductive connectors. The first and second electrically conductive connectors are electrically connected to the first and second traces, respectively, and are disposed at opposing points across the elastomeric ring from one another. An insertion tool includes first and second stretcher bars with connectors for mating to the electrode device. One of the stretcher bars translates relative to the other to elongate the flexible electrode device for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye through a small incision.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ophthalmic surgical instruments. One embodiment provides an instrument including an infusion sleeve, aspiration tube, and infusion/aspiration tip. The sleeve can include a body defining an infusion channel. The tube can be in the infusion channel and define an aspiration channel. The tip can conform to the distal end of the tube. The tip can seal a gap between the sleeve and tube and can include a flange with a profile (e.g., a tapered portion) corresponding to the profile of the sleeve. The sleeve and tip can be keyed such that the sleeve directs fluid in one direction and the tip draws fluid perpendicularly from that direction. The tip's aspiration channel can extend distally beyond its aspiration port. The tip can extend to a point adjacent to an infusion port of the sleeve. A disposable component (including an aspiration tube and infusion/aspiration tip) for use with instruments is provided.

Abstract: A capsularhexis device comprises a resistive-heating element formed from an electrically resistive, superelastic wire formed into a loop. A bare surface of this loop is applied to the anterior capsule and electrically heated to define a rhexis boundary, such that a smooth circular or oval capsule portion may be removed. In some embodiments, the superelastic wire is formed to include a loop, so that first and second ends of the wire are adjacent to one another and extend away from the loop to form a lead section. An electrically insulating material may completely or partly surround the first and second ends of the wire so that the first and second ends of the superelastic wire are electrically separated. A handle engages at least a portion of the lead section so that the loop-shaped heating element may be moved in and out of the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A hand piece for a surgical instrument is provided. The handpiece has an inlet, a chamber (with upstream and downstream portions), a flow control member, a pulse engine, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the upstream portion of the chamber. The downstream portion of the chamber communicates with the engine. The engine communicates with the outlet. In a closed position of the member, flow from the inlet moves the member to the open position thereby allowing flow through the flow path. In the open position, pulses from the engine move the member to the closed position before pulses from the pulse engine can flow through the flow path, thereby preventing flow through the flow path.

Abstract: A fluidic coupling for a surgical hand piece includes first and second sealing plates, a ring portion, and a receiving portion. The first sealing plate has a first channel for receiving a fluid. The second sealing plate has a second channel for receiving a fluid. The ring portion protrudes from the first sealing plate around a periphery of the first channel. The receiving portion extends from the second sealing plate around a periphery of the second channel. The receiving portion is movable in an axial direction along the second channel and is biased outward from a surface of the second sealing plate. When the ring portion is pressed against the receiving portion, the receiving portion provides a sealing force against the ring portion such that the first and second channels provide a continuous leak-resistant path for a fluid.

Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Abstract: A tip nozzle for a surgical irrigating handpiece. The nozzle produces a fan-like dispersion pattern when pressurized fluid is ejected out of the nozzle. The nozzle is particularly useful during the irrigation/aspiration (“I/A”) portion of a cataract surgical procedure.

Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for leveling a power supply current into a circuit that drives a pulsed load, such as a surgical cataract handpiece. According to various embodiments for current leveling of the present invention, the input current is leveled to regulate power being drawn from a power supply to prevent supply current surges that can: a) warrant a higher-rated supply; b) cause large voltage dips on a supply that supports other devices; or c) both.

Abstract: A liquefaction surgical handpiece having a plurality of fluid inlets into the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A liquefaction surgical handpiece having a capacitance chamber upstream of the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A liquefaction surgical handpiece having a check valve within the boiling chamber. Such a construction reduces upstream fluid volume. Reduction of upstream fluid volume reduces capability for compliance caused either by trapped air or absorbed gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A liquefaction handpiece having an internal or integral reservoir for the working fluid. The reservoir may either feed the heater/pump by gravity or may use capillary or wicking action to feed the heater pump.

Abstract: A surgical system for a liquefaction handpiece. The system uses a pressure sensing element located on the output side of the fluid pulse engine to read directly the pressure of the fluid pulse exiting the engine.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens or tubes mounted to a body. At least one tube is used for aspiration and at least one other tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for performing a surgical procedure, such as an ophthalmic or otic surgical procedure. A portion of the second tube may form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second tube. The pumping chamber may use a heating filament or a laser to heat the surgical fluid within the boiling chamber, thereby creating a pressure wave that travels down the second tube.

Abstract: A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure.