Abstract: A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes at least one tube through which waste is drawn into a manifold cage. The tube extends through an inlet port into a void space internal to the manifold cage at an angle. The tube exits the manifold cage and is centered along an axis that is off center to the longitudinal axis of the manifold cage where it engages a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the tube engages the valve and rotation of the manifold moves the valve to the open position allowing fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating the removal of material from an anatomical structure with a robotic system are discussed herein. For example, the robotic system can include a first robotic component configured to control movement of a first device and a second robotic component configured to control movement of a second device. The first device and the second device can be controlled within a chamber of the anatomical structure to remove material from the chamber. For instance, the first device can be controlled to emit energy to break up the material into pieces and the second device can be controlled to remove the pieces from the chamber. In some cases, the first device can be controlled to gradually vary a parameter associated with the first device between a first value and a second value.

Abstract: A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes at least one tube through which waste is drawn into a manifold cage. The tube extends through an inlet port into a void space internal to the manifold cage at an angle. The tube exits the manifold cage and centered along an axis that is off center to the longitudinal axis of the manifold cage where it engages a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the tube engages the valve and rotation of the manifold moves the valve to the open position allowing fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.

Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.

Abstract: A water jet system may be used for performing surgery. The water jet system includes a water jet device to provide a water jet flow to break apart tissue in an enclosed operative site. The water jet system includes an aspiration device to remove material from the enclosed operative site. The water jet system includes a control system with an aspiration pump coupled to the aspiration device and to draw material through the aspiration device. The control system includes an aspiration flow rate meter to measure an aspiration flow rate through the aspiration pump. The control system includes a controller to control operation of the aspiration pump based at least in part on feedback from the aspiration flow meter. The control system is configured to provide a targeted aspiration flow.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing surgery. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.

Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of cataract material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.

Abstract: A method for controlling an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument, said instrument comprising at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion may include receiving an input command at a controller for articulation of said steerable distal portion, the articulation correlating to an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion; calculating an approximate overall bend from said approximate y-bend and said approximate x-bend; and setting a limit of said approximate overall bend beyond which said steerable distal portion is not permitted to achieve. The method may further include one of: causing actuation of said at least one tensioning member to achieve said y-bend and said x-bend on a condition of said calculated approximate overall bend being equal to or less than said limit, and repeating the receiving, calculating, and setting steps on a condition of said calculated approximate overall bend being greater than said limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing surgery. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A system for graphically visualizing an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument is disclosed. The system includes an instrument having an elongate body. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The system also includes at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion, wherein the actuation of said at least one tensioning member results in an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion, and wherein said approximate y-bend and approximate x-bend define an approximate overall bend of said steerable distal portion. The system further includes a graphical user interface and an icon representing said approximate overall bend on said graphical user interface.

Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of cataract material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: A system for graphically visualizing an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument is disclosed. The system includes an instrument having an elongate body. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The system also includes at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion, wherein the actuation of said at least one tensioning member results in an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion, and wherein said approximate y-bend and approximate x-bend define an approximate overall bend of said steerable distal portion. The system further includes a graphical user interface and an icon representing said approximate overall bend on said graphical user interface.