Abstract: A laser system for intraocular tissue removal including a handpiece and a nose cone assembly releasably coupled to the handpiece. The handpiece and nose cone assembly have mating passageways for aspiration and irrigation, and the handpiece supports a laser energy transmitting tube that is releasably received in the nose cone assembly. The nose cone assembly comprises an outer housing, an inner housing located inside the outer housing, and an aspiration tube located inside the inner housing. The outer and inner housings and the aspiration tube have coaxially aligned lateral openings defining a photovaporization chamber. The distal end of the laser energy transmitting tube is located adjacent the photovaporization chamber. In use, tissue to be removed is aspirated into the photovaporization chamber where it is vaporized by the laser energy and then conducted along the aspiration tube.

Abstract: Disposable irrigation and aspiration apparatus is disclosed for use during extracapsular extraction of a cataract from a person's eye. A separate handpiece is provided to allow the surgeon to apply only irrigation flow to the eye during the operation. The irrigation-aspiration and irrigation handpieces are connected by a valve to give the operating surgeon his choice of instruments without changing the rate of irrigation flow. The outer surfaces of both handpieces are obstruction free to give the surgeon a high degree of preciseness and maneuverability.

Abstract: An improved ophthalmic needle and method for manufacturing the same for use with an ophthalmic instrument for extracapsular removal of a cataract. The needle comprises a coaxial tube portion, a separated tube portion, and a tank portion, interposed therebetween for flow conversion purposes. A metal-to-metal seal is effectuated between tubes at the coaxial portion by a spinning method employing a forming die in conjunction with a lathe. A unique use of fixtures is employed to properly orient the various tubes with respect to the tank and to effectuate joint sealing.

Abstract: A chin activated switch for use in adjusting the movement of a binocular microscope along three orthogonal axes allows the operator to utilize his hands and feet to control other devices. This chin switch contains a plurality of microswitches which are activated by specific movements of the chin. A chin plate upon which the operator's chin rests is connected to a pivot rod and rocker assembly the movement of which actuates the microswitches. These microswitches in turn control motors which move the microscope in the desired directions.

Abstract: A one-handed, self-contained, light-weight syringe for use in applying suction during a surgical operation includes a standardized syringe mounted into a longitudinally cut tube with a wheel attached at a right angle to the tube axis. The surgeon-operator, by turning this wheel with his fingers, may operate the syringe and control the amount of suction. The wheel is fastened to a pinion gear which rotates on a fixed shaft causing a rack and syringe plunger to move relative to the syringe barrel. This device allows the syringe barrel to move very smoothly and also enables the surgeon-operator complete freedom of one hand.