Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

Abstract: A task light system for a surgical console includes a task light that can be held to a coupling location on a surgical console. The task light has an inductive coupling, a light source, and a goose neck connecting the light source to the inductive coupling. The coupling location is located on a face of the surgical console. The coupling location is configured to magnetically attract and hold the inductive coupling. The face of the surgical console where the coupling location is located is a continuous surface.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable apparatus has been disclosed to facilitate the viewing of an object by the human eye. The apparatus provides an electronic camera unit disposed on a holder mechanism and in electrical communication with an image processor module to capture the image of an object and format the image for display on a display device also disposed on the holder mechanism. At least one user-interfaced control mechanism is also disposed on the holder mechanism and in electrical communication with the image processor module for controlling the operations of the module to regulate display of the image by the display device. In this way the viewing of an object by the human eye is facilitated by the use of camera and the image enhancing features of the image processor module.

Abstract: A method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe, is disclosed. The probe includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source, and the member is actuated in a cyclic manner to open and close the port over a plurality of cut rates. A duty cycle of the member is varied with the cut rate to vary the flow of the tissue into the port. The method yields the ability to adjust flow rate into the probe and aperture of the probe for a given cut rate so as to effectively perform a wide variety of vitreoretinal surgical objectives.

Abstract: A method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe, is disclosed. The probe includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source, and the member is actuated in a cyclic manner to open and close the port over a plurality of cut rates. A duty cycle of the member is varied with the cut rate to vary the flow of the tissue into the port. The method yields the ability to adjust flow rate into the probe and aperture of the probe for a given cut rate so as to effectively perform a wide variety of vitreoretinal surgical objectives.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe, is disclosed. The probe includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source, and the member is actuated in a cyclic manner to open and close the port over a plurality of cut rates. A duty cycle of the member is varied with the cut rate to vary the flow of the tissue into the port. The method yields the ability to adjust flow rate into the probe and aperture of the probe for a given cut rate so as to effectively perform a wide variety of vitreoretinal surgical objectives.

Abstract: A method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe, is disclosed. The probe includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source, and the member is actuated in a cyclic manner to open and close the port over a plurality of cut rates. A duty cycle of the member is varied with the cut rate to vary the flow of the tissue into the port. The method yields the ability to adjust flow rate into the probe and aperture of the probe for a given cut rate so as to effectively perform a wide variety of vitreoretinal surgical objectives.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable apparatus has been disclosed to facilitate the viewing of an object by the human eye. The apparatus provides an electronic camera unit disposed on a holder mechanism and in electrical communication with an image processor module to capture the image of an object and format the image for display on a display device also disposed on the holder mechanism. At least one user-interfaced control mechanism is also disposed on the holder mechanism and in electrical communication with the image processor module for controlling the operations of the module to regulate display of the image by the display device. In this way the viewing of an object by the human eye is facilitated by the use of camera and the image enhancing features of the image processor module.

Abstract: A cassette having, in a first embodiment, a series of break-off, prismatic tabs integrally formed in the cassette that can be optically sensed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A cassette having, in a first embodiment, a series of break-off, prismatic tabs integrally formed in the cassette that can be optically sensed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An array of four infrared LEDs and an array of four phototransistor receivers with each LED and phototransistor mounted inside a light baffle. The LEDs are positioned in a substantially vertical array just outside one side wall of the cassette. The vertical line on which the LEDs are arranged is substantially parallel to the direction in which the fluid/air interface moves within the cassette. The LEDs are aimed upwardly at an angle of approximately 20.degree. from horizontal. A corresponding substantially vertical array of four phototransistor receivers is mounted outside the cassette opposite the LEDs such that each of the receivers is aimed at its corresponding LED.

Abstract: A process control system according to the present invention uses analog control circuitry in which a differential amplifier stage is incorporated into the feedback path rather that the feedforward path to enable the control of highly non-linear processes that may also exhibit high levels of hysteresis. Such processes often have superior performance characteristics that conventional control circuitry cannot exploit. The present invention additionally incorporates an automatic control circuit which varies the gain of various stages the control circuitry when the output of the process is within a predetermined range. An embodiment of the present invention is used to control a nonlinear proportional valve with severe hysteresis. The valve regulates the pressure within pressure-driven ophthalmic surgical instruments, which must be controlled extremely precisely to enable successful eye surgery.