Abstract: A pinch valve device is disclosed for a disposable, inexpensive irrigation/aspiration handpiece system used for the removal of unwanted material in a very small, enclosed operative site in which it is important to maintain pressure within a certain range, such as in the surgical operation for removal of a cataract lens from the human eye. The device includes a foot pedal for selectively: (1) restricting the flow of irrigation and aspiration fluid in the handpiece system; (2) permitting irrigation by the handpiece system, without permitting concurrent aspiration by the handpiece system; (3) permitting both irrigation and aspiration by the handpiece system; and (4) providing selective increase in aspiration force.

Abstract: In a method of treating defective lenses in the eye, the natural lens is removed leaving the lens capsule intact. A curable liquid composition comprising (a) a crosslinkable siloxane polymer, (b) a crosslinker, and (c) a crosslinking catalyst is injected into the lens capsule where the composition cures at body temperature to a solid, transparent synthetic lens which remains clear in the presence of physiological fluids.

Abstract: In an irrigation/aspiration, surgical instrument for intraocular eye surgery, an inner cannula provides aspiration while a larger, but coaxially-spaced outer cannula provides irrigation. The outer cannula is made of metal but is connected to the tip of the surgical instrument by a flexible, silicon rubber support so that the outer cannula is relatively flexible compared to the stiffness of the cannula. Thus the outer cannula can be rotated or repositioned without distortion since all of the motion is localized at the flexible support.

Abstract: In the replacement of the lens of an eye, the lens is removed from its natural capsule to leave the capsule intact and a curable polymer composition is injected into the lens capsule where the composition cures to form in sitre a solid, synthetic lens which is optically clear and allows the eye to function.

Abstract: A composition for forming in vivo a lens in an eye comprises silicone polymer and is curable at body temperature to form an optically clear lens which remains so in the presence of physiological fluids. The composition is generally a curable viscous liquid comprising (a) a crosslinkable siloxane polymer, (b) a crosslinker, and (c) a crosslinking catalyst for injecting into the lens capsule of the eye from which the natural lens has been removed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises both a single piece wound drain catheter and the die from which such a catheter is extruded. The wound drain catheter of the present invention comprises a single, continuous flexible elongate member having a drain segment, a transition tube segment, and an extrusion tube segment. The drain segment comprises a fluted body having one or more longitudinal lumens in fluid communication with the wound in which the drain segment is located. The transition tube segment has internal cavities opening at one end into the lumens of the drain segment and at the other end into the central longitudinal cavity of the tubular extension tube segment. At least a portion of the drain segment is formed of a radiopaque material. The extension tube segment is formed of a translucent material, as is the outer portion of the transition segment.