Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using sequence based analysis and rational strategies to improve the solubility of immunobinders, and in particular of single chain antibodies (scFvs). The invention provides methods of engineering immunobinders, and in particular scFvs, by performing one or more substitutions with hydrophilic residues identified by analysis of a database of selected, stable scFv sequences. The invention also provides immunobinders with optimized solubility prepared according to the engineering methods of the invention.

Abstract: A system for the removal of vitreous humor and other fluids from an eye and the reinjection of filtered vitreous humor into the eye is provided. The system comprises a hollow removal device, a filter, and an infusion device. The removal device includes an element configured to cut the vitreous humor and is configured to aspirate the vitreous humor from the eye. The filter is configured to create a filtered form of vitreous humor by separating the vitreous humor from undesired components in the vitreous humor. The infusion device is fluidly coupled to the filter and is configured to return the filtered form of vitreous humor into the eye.

Abstract: The present invention is an ophthalmic composition containing a relatively high concentration of olopatadine. The composition is typically an ophthalmic aqueous solution containing relatively high concentrations of olopatadine solubilized within the solution. The composition is preferably capable of providing enhanced relief from symptoms of ocular allergic conjunctivitis, particularly late phase symptoms of ocular allergic conjunctivitis.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fixation light system is described for ophthalmic systems. The ophthalmic system can include an ophthalmic imaging device that generates an image of a portion of an imaged eye, a fixation light controller that includes an input module, configured to receive an input in relation to the image generated by the ophthalmic imaging device, and a control signal generator that generates an electronic fixation light control signal in response to the received input, and a fixation light source, configured to receive the fixation light control signal, and to generate a fixation light according to the received fixation light control signal. A surgeon can image a portion of an eye with the imaging device, determine a misalignment of the imaged eye relative to the imaging device based on the image, and control the fixation light with an electronic control signal to reduce the determined misalignment.

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. The cutting port size may be adjusted by altering a position of a stroke limiter via a stepper motor. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: Aqueous suspension formulations containing dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin are disclosed for the treatment of middle ear infections in human patients having an open tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Compositions are provided, which can be used as frameworks for the creation of very stable and soluble single-chain Fv antibody fragments. These frameworks have been selected for intracellular performance and are thus ideally suited for the creation of scFv antibody fragments or scFv antibody libraries for applications where stability and solubility are limiting factors for the performance of antibody fragments, such as in the reducing environment of a cell. Such frameworks can also be used to identify highly conserved residues and consensus sequences which demonstrate enhanced solubility and stability.

Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and computer program products may be used to perform retinal surgery. In particular implementations, a system, a process, and a computer program product may include the ability to inject a retina manipulation fluid into an eye through an injection/extraction system and apply negative pressure to the injection/extraction system to facilitate extraction of fluid from the eye. The system, the process, and the computer program product may also include the ability to adjust the applied negative pressure.

Abstract: An eye-surgical laser system includes a laser source, to generate a laser beam, an XY scanner, to scan a focal spot of a received laser beam in an XY direction essentially transverse to an optical axis of the laser system, and a lens group, disposed in the optical path between the laser source and the XY scanner, to receive the laser beam generated by the laser source, to precompensate an aberration of the laser beam, and to forward the precompensated laser beam to the XY scanner, the lens group having a movable lens, movable in a Z direction along an optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating an ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infection comprising treating the infected tissue with a suspension composition comprising finafloxacin or a finafloxacin derivative. The present invention also relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising finafloxacin free base or a finafloxacin derivative. The compositions are suitable for the treatment of ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infections.

Abstract: Apparatus, techniques and systems are provided for interfacing with an eye in laser surgery.

Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for laser surgery based on imaging a target tissue by nonlinear scanning are presented. In one implementation, a method for guiding an eye surgery can include the steps of: positioning an eye in relation to an imaging system; creating first scan data by determining a depth of an eye target region at a first set of points along a first arc; creating second scan data by determining a depth of the eye target region at a second set of points along a second arc; determining target region parameters based on the first and second scan data; and adjusting one or more surgical position parameters according to the determined target region parameters.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical cassette, configured to engage peristaltic pump rollers, may include two or more pump segments between a sheet and a substrate coupled to the sheet. The two or more pump segments on the cassette may produce additional flow (e.g., approximately twice the flow for two segments as opposed to one) than if the cassette had only one pump segment engaging the roller. Further, in some embodiments, the two or more pump segments and rollers on the roller head may be configured to provide a flow profile in which a peak of a pulse from a first pump segment is at least partially out of phase with a peak of a pulse from the second pump segment. The combined resultant flow may then have a flow profile with pulsation amplitudes that are smaller than the individual pump segment pulsation amplitudes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to suspension compositions having a carboxyvinyl polymer such as a carbomer, a galactomannan such as guar, and a borate compound. A sparingly soluble particulate compound such as nepafenac is also included in the compositions. The sparingly soluble particulate compound has a small particle size to enhance bioavailability of the compound.