Abstract: A method and system for controlling the cutting speed of a cutting device employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a control module, a variable gas pressure regulator arrangement configured to receive gas from a gas pressure supply, wherein the variable pressure regulator arrangement is connected to the control module and the control module is configured to regulate gas received from the gas pressure supply, and an accumulator configured to store gas received from the variable gas regulator arrangement at a selected gas pressure. Gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the accumulator to the cutting device. The gas may be air, and the variable gas pressure arrangement may include a single variable pressure regulator or multiple pressure regulators which typically are not variable with respect to the pressure delivered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fluid control during aspiration. In an embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: A foot pedal control for a surgical system (e.g., an ophthalmic surgery system) that adjusts to a number of different sizes of user's shoes. The foot pedal control has a treadle on which a user places his or her foot and a sensor that tracks the movements thereof. Adjustable lateral guides mount to the treadle and conform to both sides of the foot. The guides are shaped and positioned to conform to a wide variety of feet or shoes, and may easily be adjusted between users. A retractable heel stop converts between up for reference and down to enhance movement of the user's foot. A convertible handle may be stowed in a down position parallel to a base or pivoted up over the treadle for protection and ease of movement of the foot pedal control. The foot pedal control may be wireless and have various other electronic controls, and may have a dual-control treadle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A device configured for use in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The device, such as a sleeve or a needle, includes a proximal portion, a distal portion including at least one fluid opening formed at a predetermined orientation, and at least one visual marking provided at the proximal portion at a predetermined marking orientation relative to said predetermined orientation. The visual marking or markings provide a visual indication of orientation of the fluid opening when the device is employed in the ocular surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical cassette arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a flow selector valve configured to operate with a handpiece to selectively irrigate and aspirate fluid with respect to an ocular region. The flow selector valve includes at least three ports, with one port fluidly connectable to the handpiece. The arrangement further includes a reservoir fluidly connected to a second port of the flow selector valve via a first flow segment and configured to receive fluid from the flow selector valve, and a collector fluidly connected to a third port of the flow selector valve via a second flow segment and configured to receive fluid from the flow selector valve and from the reservoir. The flow selector valve selectively controls irrigation and aspiration flow to the handpiece and ocular region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless device power management is provided. The method comprises providing a charge to an intermediate power cell by electrically connecting the intermediate power cell to a power source, disconnecting the intermediate power cell from the power source, and electrically connecting the wireless device to the intermediate power cell. Such electrical connecting enables power cell recharging within the wireless device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically pulsing different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level, and applied to the probe in a pulsed manner.

Abstract: A system and method for intracranial access is disclosed. In particular, a drill stop is shown providing a way to control the penetration of a drill bit as an access hole into the brain is being formed. Access to a desired location is achieved using a catheter guide device. Also disclosed is a mechanism by which multiple diagnostic and treatment devices can be placed at a desired location in brain tissue without the need for more than one access hole. A drainage catheter is disclosed with a mechanism to allow both drainage and to allow intracranial pressure measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for intracranial access is disclosed. In particular, a drill stop is shown providing a way to control the penetration of a drill bit as an access hole into the brain is being formed. Access to a desired location is achieved using a catheter guide device. Also disclosed is a mechanism by which multiple diagnostic and treatment devices can be placed at a desired location in brain tissue without the need for more than one access hole. A drainage catheter is disclosed with a mechanism to allow both drainage and to allow intracranial pressure measurement.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the cutting speed of a cutting device employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a control module, a variable gas pressure regulator arrangement configured to receive gas from a gas pressure supply, wherein the variable pressure regulator arrangement is connected to the control module and the control module is configured to regulate gas received from the gas pressure supply, and an accumulator configured to store gas received from the variable gas regulator arrangement at a selected gas pressure. Gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the accumulator to the cutting device. The gas may be air, and the variable gas pressure arrangement may include a single variable pressure regulator or multiple pressure regulators which typically are not variable with respect to the pressure delivered.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12, a pump head 14 having plurality of rollers 16 held within the housing 12, and a backing plate 18 attached to the housing 12. The pump head 14 moves relative to the housing 12 and backing plate 18.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting or coagulating. A device comprises a) an elongate member having a distal end, b) at least one foot member extending from the distal end of the elongate member, said foot member having a upper surface and a lower surface, c) an electrically and thermally insulating covering formed on at least the lower surface of the foot member and d) at least one electrode on the upper surface of the foot member. In operation, the at least one electrode is energized so as to cause cutting or coagulation of tissue located above the upper surface(s) of the foot member(s) while not causing substantial damage to tissue located below the lower surface(s) of the foot member(s).

Abstract: A peristaltic pump 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12, a pump head 14 having plurality of rollers 16 held within the housing 12, and a backing plate 18 attached to the housing 12. The pump head 14 moves relative to the housing 12 and backing plate 18.

Abstract: A system and method for intracranial access is disclosed. In particular, a drill stop is shown providing a way to control the penetration of a drill bit as an access hole into the brain is being formed. Access to a desired location is achieved using a catheter guide device. Also disclosed is a mechanism by which multiple diagnostic and treatment devices can be placed at a desired location in brain tissue without the need for more than one access hole. A drainage catheter is disclosed with a mechanism to allow both drainage and to allow intracranial pressure measurement.

Abstract: A catheter has a pressure sensitive bladder at a distal end and a pressure transducer at a proximal end with the proximal end attached to a mammalian body and the bladder inserted within the mammalian body. The bladder partially filled with a gas responds to pressure changes within the body and the pressure transducer senses the changes via gaseous communication with the bladder. In one embodiment, the bladder is inserted in a human brain with the transducer mounted on a bolt affixed to the skull. Initial dissection of the brain tissue is effected by over-inflation of the bladder by a manual piston pump or a blunt ended slender rod. The transducer may be mounted on a bolt inserted within a hole drilled in the skull. An antimicrobial agent may be dispersed from openings in a seal between the bolt and the skull, from a porous seal, or from a ribbed or threaded outer surface of the bolt.