Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) injector is configured for single hand operation and employs a compressed gas to provide a motive force to present an IOL to a surgical site. The IOL injector includes a mechanical brake coupled to a plunger to preclude translation of an IOL absent operator input. The mechanical brake provides for selectively varying the speed and translation of the plunger, and hence IOL during presentation of the IOL to a patient. The IOL injector can also include at least a first stop, which halts movement of the plunger at a predetermined position. The at least first stop is then moved to a passing position, thereby allowing further operator controlled translation of the plunger to present the IOL to the surgical site.

Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.

Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.

Abstract: An implantation device includes an elongated tube having a first end portion, an opposing second end portion, and a third tapered portion connecting the first and second end portions. The first end portion includes a first opening and an angled tip. The second end portion includes a second opening, and the second end portion is wider than the first end portion. The implantation device also includes a rod inserted through the first opening and extending out of and away from the first end portion. The rod includes a tapered and rounded end. The second end portion is configured to receive a scleral prosthesis into the second opening and to release the scleral prosthesis from the second opening.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end, a second free end opposite the first free end, a central portion extending between and coupling the ends, and a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the central portion. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body along the central portion. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert having a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the insert. The body includes multiple portions that form the first end and part of the central portion. The portions are separated lengthwise along part of a total length of the body by empty space, which tapers and then expands in width. The insert has a shape complementary to the empty space such that the insert tapers and then expands in width.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) injector is configured for single hand operation and employs a compressed gas to provide a motive force to present an IOL to a surgical site. The IOL injector includes a mechanical brake coupled to a plunger to preclude translation of an IOL absent operator input. The mechanical brake provides for selectively varying the speed and translation of the plunger, and hence IOL during presentation of the IOL to a patient. The IOL injector can also include at least a first stop, which halts movement of the plunger at a predetermined position. The at least first stop is then moved to a passing position, thereby allowing further operator controlled translation of the plunger to present the IOL to the surgical site.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end, a second free end opposite the first free end, a central portion extending between and coupling the ends, and a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the central portion. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body along the central portion. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert having a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the insert. The body includes multiple portions that form the first end and part of the central portion. The portions are separated lengthwise along part of a total length of the body by empty space, which tapers and then expands in width. The insert has a shape complementary to the empty space such that the insert tapers and then expands in width.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, an insert that is configured to maintain the separation of the first portions.

Abstract: An implantation device includes an elongated tube having a first end portion, an opposing second end portion, and a third tapered portion connecting the first and second end portions. The first end portion includes a first opening and an angled tip. The second end portion includes a second opening, and the second end portion is wider than the first end portion. The implantation device also includes a rod inserted through the first opening and extending out of and away from the first end portion. The rod includes a tapered and rounded end. The second end portion is configured to receive a scleral prosthesis into the second opening and to release the scleral prosthesis from the second opening.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, an insert that is configured to maintain the separation of the first portions.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The body includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise between the ends. The insert includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise along the insert.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body and an insert. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end. The insert, when placed between the first portions, keeps the first portions separated and prevents the first portions from being pushed together and reducing the width of the first end.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) a pair of first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The insert, prior to insertion, includes one or more slots. The first portions include one or more ridges configured to engage with the one or more slots of the insert.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) a pair of first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The insert, prior to insertion, includes one or more slots. The first portions include one or more ridges configured to engage with the one or more slots of the insert.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The body includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise between the ends. The insert includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise along the insert.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body and an insert. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end. The insert, when placed between the first portions, keeps the first portions separated and prevents the first portions from being pushed together and reducing the width of the first end.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes opposing first and second ends. Multiple portions form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The multiple portions of the body are separated by empty space such that the multiple portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end of the body. The second end of the body is integral with the remainder of the body and not divided into multiple separated portions.