Abstract: A vitrectomy probe having a variable duty cycle cutting mechanism is disclosed. The probe includes a motor and a cam driver rotationally driven by the motor. The cam driver has a non-planar driver surface having surface features that vary at different radii. A follower mechanism is arranged to selectively interface with the driver surface at different radii on the driver surface in a manner to selectively interface with the varied surface features at the different radii. The follower is arranged to transfer rotational movement of the cam driver into linear movement of the follower mechanism.

Abstract: An extraction sleeve assembly for use in extracting a viscous fluid from the posterior segment of an eye during vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The extraction sleeve assembly includes a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extraction sleeve. The extraction sleeve assembly facilitates a shorter extraction time for the viscous fluid.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of controlling aspiration and detecting an occlusion via monitoring a change in either suction flow rate or suction impedance.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument including a cutting member and a base with an actuating mechanism that provides more efficient cutting of tissue.

Abstract: A trocar cannula is disclosed. The trocar cannula comprises a cannula having at least one tab member formed therein. Each tab member is configured to provide a retention force between the cannula and tissue when the tab member is placed in a deformed position. The tab member is selectively moveable between a relaxed position, in which the cannula may be moved with respect to the tissue, and the deformed position, wherein the tab member frictionally engages the tissue.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Abstract: An elastomeric acoustic coupler formed by molding a thermoplastic or silicone rubber into a recess of a surgical cassette housing. The coupling has a raised pad to aid in the removal of all air between the transducer and the fluid conduit, and to provide an efficient transmission of an ultrasound signal into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, and methods of delivering pharmaceutically active agents to a target tissue within a body using such devices, are disclosed. One drug delivery device includes a body having an internal surface for disposing on a target tissue and a well having an opening to the internal surface. An inner core comprising a drug containing portion and an expandable material is disposed in the well.

Abstract: Ophthalmic drug delivery devices useful for delivery of pharmaceutically active agents to the posterior segment of the eye are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: The present invention is an ophthalmic injection aid having a positioning member and a needle assembly. The injection aid facilitates the creation of an anterior juxtascleral depot of an ophthalmic drug.

Abstract: A surgical cassette having a chamber for fluidly coupling to a source of vacuum in a surgical console and a bubble breaking structure disposed within the chamber. The cassette protects the source of vacuum from liquid.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a fitting having three portals. One of the portals is an entry portal for a liquid, one of the portals is an entry portal for a gas, and the other portal is an exit portal for either the liquid or the gas. A normally closed back flow prevention valve is located in fitting. The back flow prevention valve prevents back flow of liquid through the fitting. The fitting and the backflow prevention valve also minimize or eliminate the formation of air bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: A foot controller for a microsurgical system that includes a body, a switch disposed on the body, and a switch guard coupled to the body and disposed in a spaced relationship to an outer surface of the switch.

Abstract: A connector includes a rear body portion and a front body portion. The front side of the rear body portion, and the front body portion disposed therearound, are for fluidly coupling to first and second sources of pressurized fluids in a co-axial manner. The rear side of the rear body portion is for fluidly coupling to first and second destinations of the pressurized fluids in an adjacent manner.

Abstract: A surgical cassette having an aspiration chamber with a bubble separating structure. The bubble separating structure facilitates accurate, reliable measurement of the fluid level in the chamber.

Abstract: Microsurgical probes having a distal tip with a flat outer surface and a flat inner surface, and methods of forming such probes, are disclosed.