Abstract: Systems, processes, and articles of manufacture may be used to perform ocular infusion. In particular implementations, a system for ocular infusion may include a length of flexible tubing and a tip adapted to be inserted into an eye. The flexible tubing may be adapted to convey an ocular infusion fluid and include a plurality of coils set in at least a portion thereof. The ocular tip may be coupled to a first end of the flexible tubing and adapted to convey ocular infusion fluid from the flexible tubing into an eye.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.

Abstract: A process for producing an interface unit and also a group of such interface units are specified. The interface unit exhibits a first reference surface for beaming in radiation, a second reference surface for emitting the radiation, and an axis extending in the direction from the first to the second reference surface. The production process comprises the steps of setting an optical path length of the interface unit between the first and second reference surfaces along the axis and the fixing of the set optical path length of the interface unit. The optical path length of the interface unit is set in such a way that radiation of a defined numerical aperture beamed in at the first reference surface exhibits a focus location that is predetermined with respect to the second reference surface in the direction of the axis. A precise and uniform focus location with respect to the second reference surface is obtained.

Abstract: A vitrector that includes an adjustable illumination aperture is described. The vitrector may include a probe and a light sleeve assembly extending along and substantially surrounding the probe. The light sleeve assembly may include a plurality of optical fibers. At least a portion of the optical fibers are operable to provide illumination so as to define an illumination aperture about the vitrectomy probe. A portion of the optical fibers may be encapsulated. The light sleeve assembly may be adjustable along a length of the probe, providing adjustment of the illumination aperture to increase or decrease an area of illumination provided thereby.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; an irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor and an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; an irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor and an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly sized for insertion within an eye of an average human is disclosed. The sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an antenna system coupled to the sensor, wherein the antenna system is pliable between an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition, and the expanded condition has a predetermined shape configured to interface with tissue within the eye in a manner that stabilizes the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A fluid flow-regulating system includes an electrolysis chamber configured to contain a liquid, and includes first and second electrodes disposed within the electrolysis chamber. A gap between opposing surfaces is sized to promote capillary action of a liquid in the electrolysis chamber that draws the liquid to at least one of the first and second electrodes in a manner allowing the flow-regulating system to be placed in multiple orientations and still have said one of the first and second electrodes wetted by capillary action.

Abstract: The invention provides solution compositions comprising olopatadine and a PDE4 inhibitor compound of Formula I: The invention also provides methods for treating allergic and inflammatory diseases. More particularly, the present invention relates to formulations of olopatadine and their use for treating and/or preventing allergic or inflammatory disorders of the eye, nose, skin, and ear.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that enhance the delivery of large macromolecules (i.e., greater than 10 kDa), such as antigen-binding polypeptides, across tight junctions. Such methods and compositions are particularly useful for delivering therapeutic antigen-binding polypeptides to the CNS, via intranasal administration, for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device for delivering pressurized irrigation may include a squeeze plate and a pressure sensor module. The squeeze plate may move relative to the pressure sensor module to apply pressure to a flexible container (e.g., a bag of irrigation fluid) between the squeeze plate and the pressure sensor module. The pressure sensor module may include a pressure sensor to measure a force exerted on the pressure sensor module by the flexible container as pressure is applied to the flexible container from the squeeze plate. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor module may include a bag contact plate and the pressure sensor may measure a force exerted on the bag contact plate by the flexible container located between the bag contact plate and the squeeze plate. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may sense a pressure associated with the flexible container without an intervening bag contact plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF?, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF?, and low immunogenicity. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF?-related disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an ophthalmic composition suitable for intravitreal injection. The composition includes an amount of complexing agent that reacts with one or more endogenous components (e.g., hyaluronic acid) in the eye to form a mass of enhanced viscosity. This mass can aid in creating a desirable release profile of therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed, including a housing with an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane anchored within the housing in a manner forming a flow control chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane, and a position sensor system. The flow control chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a flow control chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the flow control chamber pressure. The position sensor system includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion positioned to selectively contact the first conductive portion to indicate the position of the membrane relative to the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a braking system may include an actuator, a pawl gear coupled to the actuator, and a wheel gear plate. The braking system may further include a brake pad, an outer wheel coupled to the brake pad, and a spring washer plate configured to press the wheel gear plate against the brake pad such that the wheel gear plate is configured to inhibit rotation of the outer wheel through friction between the wheel gear plate and the brake pad when the pawl gear inhibits rotation of the wheel gear plate. In some embodiments, the braking system may further include a sensor and the actuator may be triggered to actuate the pawl gear in response to signals from the sensor.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, determining an endoilluminator output includes calculating an illuminator contribution of an endoilluminator system and a fiber contribution of one or more optical fibers of the endoilluminator system. The endoilluminator output is determined from the illuminator contribution and the fiber contribution. The illuminator contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as an illuminator leg efficiency, an attenuator factor, an initial lamp performance, and/or a lamp performance degradation factor of the lamp. The fiber contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as a fiber coupling factor and/or fiber transmission ratio of the optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of histamine receptor H1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having an HRH1-related condition or at risk of developing an HRH1-related condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or allergy.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscopic surgical contact lens for placement on an eye of a patient is disclosed. The surgical contact lens includes an optic surrounded by a rim and at least one flange. The optic includes an aspheric anterior surface and a posterior surface having a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of a human cornea. The rim, comprising an edge surrounding the optic, provides the user with a gripping surface conducive to manual positioning and repositioning of the lens against a human eye. The flange may include a plurality of tabs extending from a periphery of the flange, wherein each tab is shaped and configured to conform to the curvature of a human sclera. Various embodiments of the contact lenses disclosed herein facilitate the visualization of structures within the interior of an eye, such as may be necessary during vitreoretinal surgical procedures.