Abstract: Fiber optic tapered coupler and methods of manufacturing same. One method of manufacturing a fiber optic tapered coupler arrangement includes providing an output fiber having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The method also includes applying heat to the first end of the output fiber, wherein the first end expands forming a taper at the first end of the output fiber. The method also includes splicing the tapered first end of the output fiber to a first end of an input fiber, wherein a non-tapered portion of the output fiber has a first diameter and the input fiber has a second diameter different from the first diameter.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a rotor housing having a first centrally-located aperture extending axially through the rotor housing, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The inlet port and the outlet port each extend radially and open into the first centrally-located aperture. The rotary valve further includes a rotor to be disposed within the first centrally-located aperture. The rotor includes a main body and a dwell space extending radially inwardly into the main body and circumferentially around a portion of the main body. The rotor further includes a second centrally-located aperture that extends axially through a distal end of the rotor and into the dwell space within the main body.

Abstract: An optical system for adjusting a proportion of light of a particular spectral band that is emitted from the optical system. A dichroic mirror is configured to reflect light of a first spectral band from a light source towards a distal end of an optical fiber while allowing light of a second spectral band to pass through the dichroic mirror. The second mirror is positioned behind the dichroic mirror and is configured to reflect light of the second spectral band. A mirror actuator is coupled to the second mirror and is configured to adjust a proportion of the light of the second spectral band that is emitted by the optical system by adjusting a position of the second mirror relative to the dichroic mirror.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cutting apparatus for cutting biological material including a handle, an outer tube attached to the handle and having a closed tip, a port formed in a side wall of the outer tube with a cusp formed by two or more intersecting surfaces, and an inner tube slidable within the outer tube and having a longitudinal axis and an open tip. The inner tube is in fluid communication with the handle, and the cusp of the port and the open tip interface during a cutting motion to fracture and cut biological materials and direct cut materials radially inward into the port.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the optical fiber configured to emit light at the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes at least one scattering material coupled to the proximal end, the distal end, or a combination of both the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: An integrated ocular fluid management system that, in one instance, includes a first chamber connected to a first input line and a first output line. A second chamber is connected to a second input line and a second output line. A first pump communicates with the first output line. A second pump communicates with the second input line. A first pressure regulator communicates with the first chamber. A second pressure regulator communicates with the second chamber. A first diaphragm is in the first chamber; and a second diaphragm is in the second chamber. A first controller controls at least one of the first pump and the first pressure regulator to maintain the first diaphragm in a predetermined position. A second controller controls operation of at least one of the second pump and the second pressure to maintain the second diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool includes a handle that has an inner cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical hand tool also includes a primary tube extending outwardly from the cavity at the distal end, a reinforcing slider slidably disposed over the primary tube, and a biasing member coupled to the handle that biases the reinforcing slider away from the handle. The surgical hand tool also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the handle, the retention mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the reinforcing slider to control relative movement between the reinforcement slider and the handle.

Abstract: Ocular fluid management systems and methods of operating the same. One ocular fluid management system includes a chamber, a diaphragm, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to an input line for receiving fluids into the first portion and an output line for discharging fluids from the first portion. The diaphragm is contained in the chamber and changes position based on a pressure difference between the first and second portions. The sensor detects a position of the diaphragm and transmits a signal based on the detected position. The controller is configured to receive the signal and control operation of at least one of a peristaltic pump and a vacuum pump based on the signal to maintain the diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A cannula insertion tool includes a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a grip located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The body defines a channel extending through the first end portion and the grip. The insertion tool also includes a slider having a drive member and an actuator. The drive member is positioned within the channel of the body. The actuator extends outwardly from the second end portion of the body. The insertion tool further includes a needle coupled to the drive member adjacent the first end portion of the body. The needle is movable with the slider between a retracted position, in which the needle is positioned substantially within the first end portion of the body, and an extended position, in which at least a portion of the needle extends outwardly from the first end portion of the body.

Abstract: Multi-stage tubing connecting a pneumatic pulse generator to a surgical cutter and for transmitting pressure pulses from the pneumatic pulse generator to the surgical cutter. The multi-stage tubing includes a first-stage and a second-stage. The first-stage has a first end connected to an output port of the pneumatic pulse generator, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The first inner channel has a first cross-sectional area. The second-stage has a first end in pneumatic communication with the second end of the first-stage, a second end opposite the first end of the second-stage, and a second inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The second inner channel has a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a handle and a hollow needle having a first end connected to the handle and a second end. The needle outer diameter is about 0.04 inch or less. An end cap is formed from a blank material. Preferably, at least one bridge is formed between the end cap and the blank material. The end cap is welded to the second end to enclose the needle and then the bridge is cut. The end cap has substantially flat inner and outer surfaces. The needle has a port and a hollow cutter that slides within the needle. The cutter has a first end connected to a drive, and a second end having a cutting edge. An outer cutter diameter is less than the needle inner diameter. The drive reciprocates the cutter within the needle to perform a cut.

Abstract: Ocular fluid management systems and methods of operating the same. One ocular fluid management system includes a chamber, a diaphragm, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to an input line for receiving fluids into the first portion and an output line for discharging fluids from the first portion. The diaphragm is contained in the chamber and changes position based on a pressure difference between the first and second portions. The sensor detects a position of the diaphragm and transmits a signal based on the detected position. The controller is configured to receive the signal and control operation of at least one of a peristaltic pump and a vacuum pump based on the signal to maintain the diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe including an optical fiber, a flexible tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve relative to an axis, and a rigid tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber relative to the axis, and positioned between the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber along the axis.

Abstract: A cannula insertion tool includes a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a grip located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The body defines a channel extending through the first end portion and the grip. The insertion tool also includes a slider having a drive member and an actuator. The drive member is positioned within the channel of the body. The actuator extends outwardly from the second end portion of the body. The insertion tool further includes a needle coupled to the drive member adjacent the first end portion of the body. The needle is movable with the slider between a retracted position, in which the needle is positioned substantially within the first end portion of the body, and an extended position, in which at least a portion of the needle extends outwardly from the first end portion of the body.

Abstract: Multi-stage tubing connecting a pneumatic pulse generator to a surgical cutter and for transmitting pressure pulses from the pneumatic pulse generator to the surgical cutter. The multi-stage tubing includes a first-stage and a second-stage. The first-stage has a first end connected to an output port of the pneumatic pulse generator, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The first inner channel has a first cross-sectional area. The second-stage has a first end in pneumatic communication with the second end of the first-stage, a second end opposite the first end of the second-stage, and a second inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The second inner channel has a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a handle and a hollow needle having a first end connected to the handle and a second end. The needle outer diameter is about 0.04 inch or less. An end cap is formed from a blank material. Preferably, at least one bridge is formed between the end cap and the blank material. The end cap is welded to the second end to enclose the needle and then the bridge is cut. The end cap has substantially flat inner and outer surfaces. The needle has a port and a hollow cutter that slides within the needle. The cutter has a first end connected to a drive, and a second end having a cutting edge. An outer cutter diameter is less than the needle inner diameter. The drive reciprocates the cutter within the needle to perform a cut.

Abstract: A cannula insertion tool having a needle movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In some embodiments, the needle can be retracted within the periphery of a handle of the insertion tool when not in use to protect the needle. When the needle is needed for surgical use, the needle can be extended at least partially beyond the outer periphery of the handle. The needle can be coupled to a slide movable relative to the handle between the retracted position and the extended position. The slide can be secured in each position to prevent unintentional movement of the slide. A cannula can be positioned on the needle when the needle is in the retracted position, and can be retained upon the needle by a member extending toward the cannula.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical apparatus for inserting a cannula into an incision. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a needle extending in an axial direction. The needle has a manipulation portion disposed at a first end of the needle and an insertion portion disposed at a second end of the needle. The insertion portion includes a receiving side, and the receiving side has a concave surface and a tip. In one embodiment, the insertion portion has an s-curve shape.