Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a hollow needle, an ultrasonic transducer for mechanically vibrating the needle, an aspiration line communicating with the needle, and a vacuum pulsing device for generating vacuum pulses in the needle. The device may be utilized for breaking up tissue by phacoemulsification, vacuum pulsing, or both.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a hollow needle, an ultrasonic transducer for mechanically vibrating the needle, an aspiration line communicating with the needle, and a vacuum pulsing device for generating vacuum pulses in the needle. The device may be utilized for breaking up tissue by phacoemulsification, vacuum pulsing, or both.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a rigid aspiration cannula, a valve communicating with the aspiration cannula in a fluid-sealed manner, and a pneumatically-driven actuator configured for moving the valve between an open position and a closed position, wherein at the open position the valve defines an aspiration path through the aspiration cannula and the valve, and at the closed position the valve prevents vacuum from being applied at the distal tip.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a cannula that can aspirate tissue, and a thermal element located at a tip of the cannula that can apply localized heat to the tissue to be aspirated. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying a vacuum in the cannula, which may be configured for applying vacuum pulses according to a controlled pulse rate and vacuum level. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying the heat at the tip according to a controllable pulse rate and power level.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting head includes a head structure, an applanation plate, and a stromal plate. The head structure may include a blade cavity for receiving a blade and a blade opening through which the blade extends. The blade is configured for creating a corneal flap at a corneal flap thickness. The applanation plate is disposed at an elevation above the stromal plate plane. The elevation difference is approximately equal to the corneal flap thickness. An artificial anterior chamber (AAC) system is used to hold the donor eye for interfacing with the microkeratome. The AAC system includes an optional pressure valve and pressure gauge in a closed loop system for the user or surgeon to control line pressure applied to the donor eye during the procedure.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting head includes a head structure, an applanation plate, and a stromal plate. The head structure may include a blade cavity for receiving a blade and a blade opening through which the blade extends. The blade is configured for creating a corneal flap at a corneal flap thickness. The applanation plate is disposed at an elevation above the stromal plate plane. The elevation difference is approximately equal to the corneal flap thickness. An artificial anterior chamber (AAC) system is used to hold the donor eye for interfacing with the microkeratome. The AAC system includes an optional pressure valve and pressure gauge in a closed loop system for the user or surgeon to control line pressure applied to the donor eye during the procedure.

Abstract: A microkeratome that includes a latch assembly that couples a head to a hand piece. The latch assembly allows the head to be readily detached from the hand piece and sterilized. There is no need to also sterilize the hand piece. The microkeratome also has a ring assembly that is coupled to the head and the hand piece. The ring assembly may include a fastener that can be unfastened to allow the hand piece and head to be detached from the ring, even while the ring assembly is fixed to a cornea. The hand piece includes a motor that moves the blade across the ring. The microkeratome may have an aspiration connector with a collar that limits the travel of the blade the and thickness of a resulting lamella flap. The aspiration connector can be replaced with a collar of a different diameter to produce a flap with a different thickness.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.

Abstract: A blade assembly that can be assembled into a microkeratome which is used to cut a cornea. The blade assembly is constructed in a manner that minimizes the tolerance of the cutting depth into the cornea. The blade assembly includes a blade holder that can be pressed onto a blade. The relative position of the blade holder can be calibrated to control the distance between a reference surface of the blade holder and the cutting edge of the blade. This distance defines the cutting depth of the blade. The blade holder is coupled to the blade with an interference fit that both secures the holder while providing for calibration of the assembly.

Abstract: A system that can be used to perform an ophthalmic procedure. The system may include a patient support that supports a patient and a light source which can direct a beam of light onto the patient's cornea. The system may also include an airflow module that directs a flow of air above the cornea. The flow of air reduces the amount of contaminants that may become attached to the cornea during the procedure.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.

Abstract: A blade assembly that can be assembled into a microkeratome which is used to cut a cornea. The blade assembly is constructed in a manner that minimizes the tolerance of the cutting depth into the cornea. The blade assembly includes a blade holder that can be pressed onto a blade. The relative position of the blade holder can be calibrated to control the distance between a reference surface of the blade holder and the cutting edge of the blade. This distance defines the cutting depth of the blade. The blade holder is coupled to the blade with an interference fit that both secures the holder while providing for calibration of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial chamber that can support and pressurize a donor cornea to extract a corneal graft. The artificial chamber has a stationary stem that is adapted to support a cornea. The stem has an inner channel that allows air to pressurize the cornea. The artificial chamber has an outer cap that can be moved in a downward direction to secure the cornea. The cap has an opening that exposes a portion of the cornea to allow for the extraction of a corneal graft. The outer cap is attached to an outer sleeve that is moved by rotation of a cam. The chamber includes a spring that exerts a clamping force onto the cornea. The clamping force can be adjusted by rotating an adjustment wheel. The adjustable spring force allows an operator to set a desired clamping force that is then repeated for each grafting procedure.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device includes a blade that is located within an opening of a ring. The ring can be placed onto a cornea. The device may further have a first drive mechanism that moves the blade in a first direction and a separate second drive mechanism that moves the blade in a second direction. The first drive mechanism may be controlled by a first input device. The second drive mechanism may be controlled by a second input device. The separate input devices and drive mechanisms may allow a surgeon to vary the shape and size of the corneal cut.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a head that houses a blade. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly. The drive assembly may also move the blade relative to the head to resect the cornea. The head may have a pair of tongues that can slide along corresponding grooves in the ring. The tongues and grooves may be configured so that the head can be loaded onto the ring from a vertical direction.