Abstract: A device is described herein for performing capsulotomies that improves suction uniformity and produces rolled capsulotomy edges. The device includes a suction cup that forms a tapered circumferential suction chamber which enables suction to be applied to a tissue in a first direction. The tapered circumferential suction chamber decreases in cross-sectional area from a proximal end of the device towards a distal end of the device. The device further includes a stem coupled to the suction cup to provide suction to the suction cup. The stem forms a neck that enables fluid flow to the suction cup in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The device further includes a cutting element configured to excise the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical system for performing a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye includes an elastic ring, a suction cup, an interface, a converter, and a control console. The elastic ring includes a conductive surface. The interface may be coupled to an air port and/or a fluid line of a phacomachine. The converter detects a pulse of air from the phacomachine via the interface, and produce an electrical signal in response. Fluid received from the phacomachine is delivered into the suction cup. The system is configured to remove the fluid from the suction cup and between the suction cup and a surface of the eye to form a suction seal. The control console is configured to, in response to receiving the electrical signal, drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring, causing the elastic ring to perform a tissue cutting operation.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed for cutting tissue, including for performing a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. This device includes a reversibly collapsible cutting element for cutting a portion of a capsule membrane of the eye. The cutting element includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a bottom layer that has a higher electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the outer layer and the inner layer. The bottom layer is configured to conduct an electrical current between the outer layer and the inner layer, which causes a temperature increase in the bottom layer for cutting tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide hydrodissection and/or PCO prevention or reduction in a patient undergoing eye surgery. In one embodiment, the invention is a surgical device for cutting and excising a portion of tissue, for example in performing a lens capsulotomy. A capsulotomy tip is inserted into an eye through an incision in the surface of the eye. The capsulotomy tip includes a suction cup to provide suction to the lens capsule. Then suction is applied via the suction cup to secure the capsulotomy tip to the eye. In some embodiments, after the capsulotomy tip is secured to the lens capsule, a cutting element of the capsulotomy tip is used to cut a tissue of the eye. Fluid is pushed through the capsulotomy tip and the capsulotomy tip is removed from the eye. Moreover, disclosed is an intraocular lens (IOL) to be used in conjunction with the surgical device.

Abstract: A device is described herein for performing capsulotomies that improves temperature uniformity and current flow around a cutting element of the device. The device includes a series of features whose geometries help remove cold and/or hot spots from the cutting element while maintaining the mechanical strength of the cutting element. In an embodiment, a device includes a cutting element and one or more electrical leads for providing an electrical discharge to the cutting element. The device further includes wire tabs configured to conductively couple an electrical lead to cutting element. Each wire tab includes a central conductive path and one or more conductive shunt paths conductively separated by one or more slots. The device further includes anchor tabs that are each associated with a slot disposed along the circumference of the cutting element and positioned to at least partially separate an anchor tab from a portion of the cutting element.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye. The cutting element may be mounted to a cutting element support structure in a way that prevents heating of the device.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for performing microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device has an elastically deformable cutting element mounted within an elastomeric suction cup. The suction cup is attached to an arm for manipulating the device. The device can be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, through a corneal incision, to cut a piece from the anterior portion of the lens capsule of the eye. The device is secured against the lens capsule using suction applied by one or more suction elements. The device is then removed from the eye, with the cut piece of membrane retained within the device by suction.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye. The cutting element may be mounted to a cutting element support structure in a way that prevents heating of the device.