Abstract: An inflatable balloon (34) for use in the treatment of retinal detachments. The balloon (34) has a hollow elliptic-shaped body (36), a solid base (38), and a solid cylindrical stem (40). The balloon is inserted into Tenon's space by inserting a fine blunt-ended needle (52) longitudinally through the solid base (38) and stem (40) of the balloon (34). The needle (52) is then used to guide the balloon (34) into place. Once the balloon (34) is in place, it is inflated with a sterile solution to create the necessary degree of buckling in the sclera. The needle (52) is then removed, with the stem (40) and base (38) maintaining the solution in the body (36) of the balloon (34), and the cylindrical (40) stem is trimmed to the desired length.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic module is provided that permits the gradual control of the level of air pressure pulses injected into pneumatic vitrectomy probes used in intraocular microsurgical procedures. This invention permits the interchangeable use of the different pneumatic probe models according to their working pressure. The module generates in an alternating mode a flow of air pressure that can be varied from 0 to 30 p.s.i. or more, intercalated with a vacuum flow. This alternate air pulse is blown in a variable frequency of 0 to 800 times per minute into the piston of vitrectomy probes, moving in this way the internal cutting needle back and forth. The module contains also an gradually adjustable aspirating system responsible for sucking out the material sectioned by the chopping action of the internal needle.