Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a handle and a hollow needle having a first end connected to the handle and a second end. The needle outer diameter is about 0.04 inch or less. An end cap is formed from a blank material. Preferably, at least one bridge is formed between the end cap and the blank material. The end cap is welded to the second end to enclose the needle and then the bridge is cut. The end cap has substantially flat inner and outer surfaces. The needle has a port and a hollow cutter that slides within the needle. The cutter has a first end connected to a drive, and a second end having a cutting edge. An outer cutter diameter is less than the needle inner diameter. The drive reciprocates the cutter within the needle to perform a cut.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a handle and a hollow needle having a first end connected to the handle and a second end. The needle outer diameter is about 0.04 inch or less. An end cap is formed from a blank material. Preferably, at least one bridge is formed between the end cap and the blank material. The end cap is welded to the second end to enclose the needle and then the bridge is cut. The end cap has substantially flat inner and outer surfaces. The needle has a port and a hollow cutter that slides within the needle. The cutter has a first end connected to a drive, and a second end having a cutting edge. An outer cutter diameter is less than the needle inner diameter. The drive reciprocates the cutter within the needle to perform a cut.

Abstract: A cannula for intraocular surgery including a cup, a tube including a wall and having a tube outer diameter, the tube extending from the cup to a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. In one implementation, the distal end includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a tip and being narrower than the second portion. A gripping section is formed in the wall. The gripping section has a diameter that is less than the tube outer diameter. The gripping section allows the sclera to deform into the reduced diameter in order to increase a retention force of the cannula in the eye while minimizing damage to the tissue of the eye.

Abstract: A non-linear cut-rate multiplier for a vitreous cutter is provided whereby a signal from a host drive system may be multiplied in non-linear fashion to achieve significantly higher cut-rates for the vitreous cutter. Depending upon the cut-rate received from the host drive system, the multiplier may be configured to generate a subsequent cut-rate which is, potentially, linear for lower cut-rates of the host drive system and variably non-linear for higher cut-rates of the host drive system.