Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a pneumatic system for driving pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor.

Abstract: A fast response, tubeless vacuum aspiration collection cassette includes large and small containers defined within a cassette housing adapted to be removably secured to a surgical aspiration machine. A first wall of the cassette housing abutting the machine includes connectors thereto to provide a controlled variable vacuum level to the small container, and a fixed vacuum level to the large container. Valves formed in the first wall are interconnected by flow channels therein extending to the containers, each valve having an actuating stem extending from the wall to be actuated selectively by the machine. A second wall opposed to the first wall includes a connector extending to a surgical probe or cutting instrument. The channels and valves are arranged so that when the containers are isolated by a first valve, the controlled vacuum level may be applied to the surgical probe through a second valve connecting it to the small ontainer volume.

Abstract: A system 10 for proportional control of a pneumatic cutting device 13 includes a linear solenoid valve 11 having a flow rate therethrough proportional to the current passing through the solenoid 32. The linear solenoid valve 11 is actuated by a selectively varied electrical signal generated by a power supply 18 and controlled by a potentiometer 14 which is itself operated by a pedal foot controller 16. Regulated fluid pressure is fed through the linear soleoid valve 11 to a pneumatic cutting device 13 such as an intraocular microscissors which closes increasingly as the applied pressure increases. The linear solenoid valve 11 includes a flow path which is variably constricted or closed by a valve member 36, and a solenoid 32 which is arranged to pull the valve member 36 to open the flow path.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a vacuum generation system using venturis and linear valves and a pneumatic system for driving vitrectomy probes and pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor. The frequency of the vitrectomy probe cutting action can also be controlled and the level of vacuum can be controlled from a foot operated position sensor which can also be used to turn on or off a fragmentation device. The footswitch can also be used to turn irrigation fluid on or off, and the flow rate can be controlled from a control on the front panel. By making a certain foot motion in any certain aspiration modes, reflux of the aspiration line can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are 2,3-diamino-1,4-butanedithiol; 4,5-diamino-1,2-dithiane; and their N-acyl and N-alkyl derivatives. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the disclosed compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and a method of treatment comprising administering such compounds and compositions when an antihypertensive effect or radioprotective effect is indicated.

Abstract: A two compartment container adapted for the packaging of intraocular lenses, contact lenses and other small, delicate devices requiring hydrated storage is described. The devices are contained in a first, upper compartment, while a second, lower compartment contains a fluid. The two compartments are placed in fluid communication with each other by means of a narrow passage which prevents the devices in the first compartment from entering the second compartment.

Abstract: The hydrabamine and benzathine salts of cefamandole are useful in aqueous ophthalmic compositions which have good stability and shelf life.

Abstract: A copolymer for preparation of optical lenses obtained from siloxane monomers having aromatic ring and vinyl functionality.

Abstract: A disposable microsurgical knife having a blade guard that can be locked into a blade covering position and then easily removed from the knife body prior to introduction to the sterile field is disclosed. The blade guard includes a cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal slot communicating with a forward open end thereof and terminating in a circumferential notch. The knife body includes a small locking tab formed adjacent a forward tapered portion of the knife. The blade guard is initially assembled on the knife by longitudinally sliding along the knife body from a rear end thereof until the locking tab enters the longitudinal slot assisted by a funnel-shaped leading end for ease of entry. In the blade covering position, simple rotation of the sleeve forces the locking tab into the circumferential notch. For easy removal, reverse rotation of the sleeve causes the tab to re-enter the slot whereupon the sleeve is removed from the knife by sliding rearwardly along the knife body.

Abstract: A multiple use valving device for use between a fluid flow source and at least one device utilizing the fluid flow including a valve housing having at least one inlet and one outlet connected in fluid communication by a channel therebetween. A deformable but resilient sealing member is positioned within the housing with respect to the channel so that when a manual control member is moved from an open to a closed position, an actuator responsive to the manual control member deforms the sealing member to block the channel to prevent any fluid transmission. By moving the manual control member back to an open position, the actuator is released and the resiliency of the sealing member pushes it away thereby opening the channel for fluid transmission.

Abstract: Method of promoting healing of ocular wounds comprising the topical application of an aldose reductase inhibitor; compositions comprising such inhibitors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A linear suction control system 10 includes a linear solenoid valve 11 which exhibits a flow through rate having a known proportional relationship with the current through the solenoid 30. Regulated fluid pressure 12 is fed through the linear solenoid valve 11 to a venturi-type pressure vacuum converter 17. The resulting vacuum is proportional to the flow rate through the valve 11 and thus to the current through the solenoid 30. A transducer 16 samples the vacuum output and produces a signal fed to a differential amplifier 17. The signal is compared in negative feedback fashion with a variable input voltage set by a potentiometer 18 or other variable voltage source, so that the transducer signal tracks the voltage source signal. The voltage source can comprise a potentiometer 18 actuated by a foot switch 19 or the like, so that angular position of the foot switch 19 relates directly and predictably to the vacuum output of the converter 13.

Abstract: Fatty acid salts of betaxolol, a cardioselective beta-blocker, and ophthalmic compositions containing these salts are described. These new salts have an aqueous solubility significantly less than that of betaxolol hydrochloride. This relatively poor aqueous solubility enables the salts to be slowly released from a suitable ophthalmic vehicle when placed in the aqueous environment of the eye. The salts also exhibit a significantly lower incidence of ocular irritation, as compared to ophthalmic solutions containing betaxolol hydrochloride.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions are prepared from a novel class of siloxane monomers in combination with hydroxyperfluoroalkylstyrenes, preferably p-(2-hydroxy hexafluoroisopropyl)sytrene [HFIS] monomer for ophthalmic applications.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar instrument for ophthalmic surgery has a pair of shell halves carrying electrodes. A collar connects the shell halves together, and electrical conductors supply current to and from the respective electrodes. The shell halves are composed of disposable plastic material, as is the connecting collar and cap which connect the parts and hold the wires in place. Squeezing of the shell halves together is guided by a tongue-and-groove type of joint formed between the shell halves by pairs of upstanding walls, the walls having sloped surfaces in respective facing regions to permit deformation of the shell halves together at one end thereof, so as to permit movement of the electorde tips together to perform cauterization. The deformation of the plastic material causes a progressive resistance, thereby permitting a tactile feedback to the user, so that the instrument can be operated where the field of vision of the user is partially or totally obstructed.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compounds and a method of treating inflamed ocular tissue utilizing these compounds are described. The steroidal actives are advantageously characterized in that they do not cause any significant increase in intraocular pressure during chronic use.

Abstract: Soft and hard contact lenses are freed from deposits by rubbing them with a particulate organic polymer with a carrier, the polymer having a particular size in the range from about one micron to about 600 microns and a Rockwell hardness in the range of from about R120 to about M68, or a shore hardness in the range from about A15 to about D100.

Abstract: Disclosed are 2,3-diamino-1,4-butanedithiol; 4,5-diamino-1,2-dithiane; and their N-acyl and N-alkyl derivatives. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the disclosed compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and a method of treatment comprising administering such compounds and compositions when an antihypertensive effect or radioprotective effect is indicated.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a hollow cylindrical body from which a high viscosity composition is discharged in precisely metered doses by means of a plunger rod longitudinally movable within the body. The plunger rod includes a series of thread segments formed at equispaced, angular intervals from each other to establish an exterior thread of constant pitch in threaded engagement with the body. Each segment has an abutment surface projecting from the surface of the plunger. By depressing a trigger mounted on the body into contact with an abutment surface aligned therewith, the plunger rotates through the angular interval and thereby advances through the body to expel a desired amount of composition. Disengagement of the trigger with the abutment surface automatically occurs as the abutment surface rotates to the end of the angular interval, out of contact with the trigger, causing the next in-line abutment surface to be indexed into alignment with the trigger to allow for successive doses.

Abstract: A package for materials that are to be mixed just prior to use comprises a squeezable container into which is inserted a barrel containing a plunger. One substance to be mixed is placed within the container. The second substance is placed within a compartment formed within the barrel between a pair of pistons having flexible sealing rings. Telescoping of the plunger rod into the barrel causes the upper piston to advance into the compartment. The advancing upper piston exerts hydraulic pressure causing the lower sealing piston to detach from the barrel allowing internal mixing of the substances into a mixed fluid. By squeezing the container side wall, mixed fluid may be dispensed from a forward end of the plunger rod communicating with the container interior through a series of passageways.