Abstract: High refractive index copolymers comprised of monomers having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is H or CH.sub.3 ; m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, S, or NR wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 (n=1-10) iso OC.sub.3 H.sub.7, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ;Ar is an aromatic ring which is unsubstituted or substituted with H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, n-C.sub.3 H.sub.7, iso-C.sub.3 H.sub.7, OCH.sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.11, Cl, Br, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.3 ; and n is 1-5; anda cross linking monomer having a plurality of polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups are disclosed. Intraocular lenses made of the copolymers which can be inserted into an aphakic eye through a relatively small incision are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tip assembly for an ultrasonic surgical cutting instrument having an ultrasonic transducer. The assembly includes a transition horn which is operatively couplable to the transducer, an elongated ultrasonic vibration-transmitting tube which is separable from the horn, and a threaded retaining nut. The threaded portion of the nut threadably engages the threaded portion of the transition horn to hold the proximal end of the tube and the horn together so that ultrasonic vibrations can thereby be efficiently transmitted from the transducer to the distal end of the tube, and then to the surgical site. The nut threaded portion can be formed either on the outside or the inside of the nut, and when on the outside in one embodiment, the nut and tube can be formed as an integral member to be threaded into the distal end of the horn. The elimination of all exposed tip nut surface angles greater than forty-five degrees increases the hydrodynamic performance of the assembly.

Abstract: A simulated cataractous lens and method of making the same are disclosed. The simulated lens is comprised of a proteinaceous material, such as natural animal lens material which is selectively hardened and which has the hardness and transparency thereof altered by predetermined amounts so as to correspond to different stages of cataract afflicted lenses.

Abstract: There is provided a medical fluid cassette made of thermoformed plastic material which cooperates with a medical control unit having retaining structure cooperable with the cassette to assist in controlling the flow of fluid through tubing associated with the cassette.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and system for withdrawing and collecting body fluids is disclosed. The system includes an adapter which is arranged to cooperate with a handheld aspirator apparatus and a syringe assembly having an open end portion. The adapter includes a sealing asembly which engages the interior of the syringe assembly and a barrier which is insertable into the syringe assembly to prevent clogging, but permit body fluid aspiration.

Abstract: A fluid handling system is disclosed for use with a surgical handpiece in microsurgery. Included is a fluid interface block apparatus which is structurally adapted to be removably and firmly secured to a control unit of the type which controls the fluidics of a microsurgery system. The system includes a plurality of peristaltic pumps arranged with respect to each other so as to minimize the effects of fluid pressure pulsations produced by each one.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus specially adapted for use with an ultrasonic surgical tool which provides for irrigation of a surgical site and for aspirating fluid from the site comprises a source of irrigation fluid, comprises an irrigation fluid conduit for conducting the irrigation fluid to a surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump connected to the aspiration fluid conduit for aspirating fluid from the surgical site, a pressure-sensitive control system for removing the source of suction from the aspiration conduit when a predetermined value of suction is exceeded, and a valve for controllably admitting irrigation fluid into the aspiration fluid conduit. A check valve in the irrigation conduit prevents a reverse surge when the irrigation fluid is admitted to the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: A method for reducing the size of hydrogel intraocular lenses by means of deswelling in hyperosmotic solutions (e.g., saturated sodium chloride solution) and a corresponding packaging arrangement are described. The deswelled, hydrogel lenses can be inserted through a much smaller surgical incision than fully hydrated lenses, yet retain all of the inherent advantages of hydrogel intraocular lenses (e.g., autoclavability). The lenses are rehydrated by the aqueous humor following implantation.