Abstract: A phacoemulsification probe includes a distal end, an aspiration channel, and an anti-vacuum surge (AVS) module. The distal end is configured for insertion into an eye of a patient. The aspiration channel is coupled with the distal end for evacuating material from the eye. The AVS module includes (i) a disposable portion, which is detachably coupled with the aspiration channel, and comprises a valve part configured to be moved to regulate flow in the aspiration channel, and (ii) a reusable portion, which is configured to move the valve part in response to one or more command signals.

Abstract: An anti-vacuum surge (AVS) cartridge includes a solenoid valve with a magnetic plunger having parallel flattened surfaces, in a valve cavity of a rectangular or other similar cross section. The flattened surfaces of the plunger are oppositely disposed from each other and are in line with the flow path through the aspiration channel of the AVS cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, which is configured to compress air and includes an input port and an output port, an output conduit coupled with the output port and configured to receive the air from the compressor, an input conduit coupled with the input port, a switching valve coupled with the output conduit and with the input conduit, and configured to couple a pneumatic surgical cutting tool, alternatingly, with the output conduit and with the input conduit, and a supply conduit coupled with the input conduit and configured to supply the air, to the input conduit, from a surrounding environment. The supply conduit includes a one-way valve configured to inhibit the air from escaping from the input conduit to the surrounding environment when the compressor is idle. Other examples are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a disposable cutting section which is removably attachable from a multiple use motor section, to form a handpiece for use in ophthalmic procedures, such as vitrectomies. The motor section includes a motor for driving a needle of the cutting section.

Abstract: A method for assembling a vitrector, including: providing a distal housing portion for the vitrector, a transmission unit driving a needle into oscillation, an assembly pin to be inserted into the transmission unit to fix the needle in position, and a needle casing, having a lumen, the casing enclosing the needle within the lumen. The transmission unit is fixed to the distal housing portion, and the assembly pin is inserted into the transmission unit to fix a distal tip of the needle at a most distal position of the oscillation. The transmission unit is inserted, with the assembly pin inserted, to a predetermined position in the distal housing portion. The casing is inserted into the distal housing portion so that the distal tip butts a termination of the casing. The casing is fixed to the distal housing portion, and the assembly pin is removed from the transmission unit.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification probe, an aspiration tube and an irrigation tube. The aspiration tube is connectable to the phacoemulsification probe to aspirate a cataract from an eye. The irrigation tube is connectable to the probe and, in one embodiment, has at least one integrated compliant tube section at an end near the phacoemulsification probe. Each integrated compliant tube section is less than 1% of the length of the irrigation tube, has a section diameter larger than a tube diameter of the irrigation tube, and is more compliant than a cornea of the eye. In another embodiment, a compliant tube section is connectable to an end of the irrigation tube and to the probe and is formed of a material more compliant than the irrigation tube.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a progressive cavity pump and a progressive cavity pump assembly having a retaining sleeve, a ring, and an elastic diaphragm terminating in a first end of the diaphragm in a first opening, and in a second end of the diaphragm, opposite the first end, in a second opening larger than the first opening. The second opening is held in contact with the retaining sleeve by the ring, and the first opening is configured to grip a rotor of the progressive cavity pump, and the ring is configured to hold the second opening fixed with respect to a stator of the progressive cavity pump.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus, including a needle configured to be inserted into an organ of a human subject, a counterweight, and a needle driver. The needle driver includes a cylindrical cam configured to rotate about a cam axis and having a curved circumferential groove extending around a radial surface of the cam. There is a motor coupled to rotate the cylindrical cam about the cam axis. A first follower is mounted to travel in the groove at a first azimuthal location and is coupled to the needle so as to cause the needle to oscillate at a predefined frequency parallel to the cam axis as the cam rotates. A second follower is coupled to the counterweight and is mounted to travel in the groove at a second azimuthal location selected so as to cause the counterweight to oscillate parallel to the cam axis in antiphase to the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a proximal shaft configured to mechanically couple to a motor, a first universal joint, a middle shaft coupled to the proximal shaft via the first universal joint, a housing having a bore, a second universal joint within the bore, a distal shaft coupled to the middle shaft via the second universal joint, and a connector disposed over the distal shaft. The bore limits a downward tilt of the distal shaft such that, as a rotor approaches the distal shaft, the distal shaft becomes axially aligned with the rotor by virtue of the proximal end of the rotor entering the connector or vice versa. A spring connected proximally to the connector and distally to the second universal joint is configured to decompress, thereby reversibly coupling the connector to the proximal end of the rotor, upon the motor rotationally aligning the connector with the proximal end of the rotor.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a progressive cavity pump and a progressive cavity pump assembly having a retaining sleeve, a ring, and an elastic diaphragm terminating in a first end of the diaphragm in a first opening, and in a second end of the diaphragm, opposite the first end, in a second opening larger than the first opening. The second opening is held in contact with the retaining sleeve by the ring, and the first opening is configured to grip a rotor of the progressive cavity pump, and the ring is configured to hold the second opening fixed with respect to a stator of the progressive cavity pump.

Abstract: A medical device having a housing, an annular fixture contained in the housing and having a central opening, a needle having a proximal end contained within the central opening of the annular fixture and a distal end protruding out of the housing, a motion assembly, which is configured to move the needle longitudinally back and forth relative to the annular fixture and the housing, and a flexible diaphragm comprising a peripheral part that seals externally around the annular fixture and an inner sleeve that seals around the proximal end of the needle, whereby movement of the needle back and forth causes the sleeve to evert and invert within the central opening while maintaining a vacuum seal between the annular fixture and the needle.