Abstract: A documentation illumination module by which full illumination of a properly oriented image of a microscope's field-of-view is returned to a documenting camera or the like. The module includes a cavity with a forming and field-of-view-controlling lens system, channel for returning the image, focusing and magnifying lenses in the image channel, and an iris across the image channel. Fiber optics light is transmitted through the cavity and its lens system to a microscope and its field-of-view, then returned to module and to binoculars for an observer (surgeon), without need of beam splitting optical elements. Full light is available to camera and observer. The focusing and magnifying lenses are mounted in an alternatively positionable lens system, while a zoom lens assembly can be substituted therefor.

Abstract: The acoustical coupler has a closed-bottom containment with compliant diaphragm attached to the containment periphery to form an acoustic chamber. A length of tubing is connected through the side or bottom of the containment to the chamber for conveying sound pressure between the chamber and an electroacoustic transducer connected at the other end of the tubing. The transducer may be either a microphone or a hearing aid receiver. The electroacoustic transducer, being too large for direct placement within the middle ear cavity may be located elsewhere in the skull, such as behind the ear adjacent to the surface of the skin. When connected to a microphone the coupler may be placed within the middle ear cavity behind the tympanic membrane and may be attached to the malleus with a wire hook secured to the coupler diaphragm.

Abstract: This ophthalmological instrument is intended to aid in the removal of the mount (lens haptic) of an artificial intraocular lens from the eye, allowing the portion of the mount located behind the iris to be captured and severed by means of an axially sliding cutter installed inside the instrument head, in a tubular guide. In order to capture, sever and remove the mount from the eye in one single operation, it is the intent for the tubular guide to have a lateral opening at its tip, which is closed off by a stop plate at its face end. Parallel with the cutter, a holder with axially sliding motion is supported inside the tubular guide, which may be moved to contact the stop plate, independent of the cutter. The loop end to be severed is inserted sideways into the opening and, initially, clamped down by the holder against the stop plate, only to be severed by the cutter. Subsequently, the severed loop end is removed from the eye while still clamped down by the holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a microscope system including an objective lens common to at least two paths of light rays from an image to be viewed and a prism for re-directing at least one of the light rays in a direction orthogonal to the other of the light rays which travels to a first viewing station. An optical focus is provided in alignment with the orthogonal light ray for magnifying the orthogonal light ray. A plurality of prisms being rotatable are provided for redirecting the orthogonal light ray to a second viewing station which is maintained parallel to the image.

Abstract: The control system is programmable by the user by inserting a preprogrammed key into the system console. The key changes the default values normally used by the control system to those values selected by a particular surgeon. The control console thus emulates the performance characteristics of a wide variety of different types of microsurgical control systems, leaving the surgeon free to perform the operation without having to adjust to a new or unfamilar system. The display screen is self-illuminating and provides a plurality of control menus generated by data stored in computer memory circuits. By bank switching the memory circuits, the display can be caused to appear in a wide variety of different languages.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens apparatus preferably includes a lens member having a relatively flexible portion and a relatively rigid portion, with a fluid-filled chamber therebetween. The preferred intraocular lens also includes a hydraulic or other fluid accommodation provision for changing the shape or position of the flexible lens by changing the fluid pressure in the fluid-filled chamber in response to muscle movement of the eye.

Abstract: A method and system is described for electrically stimulating the auditory nerve with multiple channels of audio information. Audio information is transmitted from an external microphone to a speech processor through a single transcutaneous path to an implanted receiving device. Power is transmitted through a second transcutaneous path to power the implanted device.

Abstract: A documentation illumination module by which full illumination of a properly oriented image of a microscope's field-of-view is returned to a documenting camera or the like. The module includes a cavity with a forming and field-of-view-controlling lens system, channel for returning the image, focusing and magnifying lenses in the image channel, and an iris across the image channel. Fiber optics light is transmitted through the cavity and its lens system to a microscope and its field-of-view, then returned to module and to binoculars for an observer (surgeon), without need of beam splitting optical elements. Full light is available to camera and observer. The focusing and magnifying lenses are mounted in an alternatively positionable lens system, while a zoom lens assembly can be substituted therefor.

Abstract: A foot pedal assembly for remotely controlling an instrument is disclosed. The foot pedal assembly comprises a base member upon which a foot pedal is mounted. The foot pedal assembly also comprises a means for providing an optical transmitted signal for use in controlling the instrument in response to the movement of the foot pedal. The means for providing an optically transmitted signal comprises a plurality of individual light channels.

Abstract: A lens folding and insertion apparatus for use in insertion of an intraocular lens through an incision in an eye. The lens folding and insertion apparatus includes a lens folding jaw arrangement having a first trough shaped jaw and a second rod shaped jaw which hingedly folds an intraocular lens upon itself into a U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The collection container has a reusable, autoclavable vessel with a resilient plastic reusable insert to which the aspiration instrument is connected. The insert incorporates a fluid passageway which may be blocked by squeezing action of a solenoid-type actuator. The insert includes a breakaway portion which is severed from the body of the insert during installation prior to use. This insert may also stay in place during autoclaving or cleaning.

Abstract: An improved surgical cannula assembly adapted for receiving and guiding a surgical instrument having an instrument portion insertable through the cannula assembly includes two selectively interconnectable and separable cannula subassemblies. An elongated, longitudinally outer cannula subassembly includes a fluid port extending generally laterally through a portion of the outer cannula subassembly in communication with the interior of the generally hollow outer cannula subassembly. An elongated longitudinally inner cannula subassembly includes an open inner end adapted to be positioned adjacent a surgical sit. A connecting or coupling apparatus is provided for selectively interconnecting the inner and outer cannula subassemblies with one another, in order to define a so-called "full-length" cannula for receiving full-length instruments.

Abstract: The illumination system has primary and secondary light sources with a lamp current sensor control circuit for automatically switching from the primary lamp to the secondary lamp in the event the primary lamp fails. An illumination directing mirror is positioned between the light sources and directs one or the other of the light sources towards a fiber optic cable. The lamps are mounted on a movable carriage which is remotely controllable by a pneumatic cylinder. The carriage moves to alter the distance from the lamp to the port of the fiber optic cable. This controls the intensity of illumination entering the cable without changing the color temperature of the light.

Abstract: An improved vitrectomy probe for removing vitreous and cutting mechanism therefore. A hollow elliptically flared cutting blade is reciprocated within a smooth-bore hollow needle of a microsurgical vitrectomy probe across a cutting edge of the outer needle slicing the fibrous material of the vitreous. The cutting blade is configured to provide a more even contact of the cutting surfaces as the cutting blade is reciprocated across the cutting edge of the probe needle. A pressurized fluid source, diaphragm and spring cooperate to provide for the reciprocation of the blade.

Abstract: The replaceable cassette is integrally formed with a small primary container for fast response time when aspirating, and an integrally formed, larger secondary container into which the contents of the primary container are periodically flushed. During aspiration, the secondary container is sealed from the primary container and, therefore, has no adverse effect on aspiration response time. The primary container is located above the secondary container and the two containers are connected by a standpipe through which substances are flushed by the force of gravity in emptying the contents of the primary container into the secondary container. Although the cassette will operate with microsurgical consoles having two separate vacuum sources, only one vacuum source is required.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic scanner for obtaining ocular measurements is described. The ultrasonic diagnostic scanner generally comprises transmitter means for generating an ultrasonic signal, receiver means for receiving echo signals and for producing a peak signal at substantially the maximum amplitude of the echo signals when the echo signals exceed a predeterminable threshold level, programmable means for producing count signals indicative of the times between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the occurrence of a selected number of peak signals, and between the occurrence of predetermined peak signals, microcomputer means for controlling the transmitter and programmable means, and output means for generating a perceptible output indicative of the ocular parameter being measured. The ultrasonic diagnostic scanner also includes sensitivity adjustment means for maintaining a predetermined amplitude level of at least one of the echo signals under the control of the microcomputer means.

Abstract: A trephine particularly adapted for use in surgical procedures has a universal handle having a tubular portion from which extend a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers which removably support a tubular trephine blade. In use, the bore of the handle and blade provides a line of sight and illumination along the axis of the trephine to the inside cutting edge of the blade, while additional illumination is allowed to enter through spaces between the fingers. A trephine kit has a universal handle and a variety of different blades for use therewith.

Abstract: A miniature surgical instrument that is particularly useful for removing ferrous foreign particles from an eye, includes a housing and a wire wound coil positioned within the housing. A magnetizable, axially elongated probe includes a first tip portion that is positioned externally of the housing and a second, body portion that is within the housing and which is surrounded by the coil. A switch is coupled to the coil and is adapted to interconnect the coil to a source of electrical energy so that when the switch means is operated the coil is energized and the probe is magnetized.