Abstract: A high-speed surgical handpiece (10) suitable for vitreoretinal surgery having a cutter (42) and actuators (36). The cutter (42) is a guillotine-type cutter activated by an array of leveraged piezoelectric actuators (30) that receive a driving signal from a driving controller. The controller can have control and display units with a plurality of input mechanisms receiving input from a user who selects a desired cutting rate and frequency for the cutter. The control unit produces a piezoelectric actuator output signal based on the inputs received. Fast cutting rates with reduced duty cycle as well as a proportional mode of operation are available, allowing slow controlled cutting action, for example proportional to depression of a foot-pedal (74). Low degrees of vibration and noise generation are produced.

Abstract: A surgical probe with a tip shield (10) for lens removal by vibratory surgical instruments. The probe with tip shield (10) including a tip cap (60) disposed as a membrane covering the distal end (16) surface of a vibratory probe (52) to act to protect the lens capsule during operation. Direct contact between the metallic vibratory probe (52) and the lens capsule (68) is avoided by the interposed tip cap (60) even when the capsule (68) is aspirated by the central aspiration opening (64). Vibratory energy applied to probe tip (50) is transmitted to the lens tissue across the walls of tip cap (60) to provide protection of the lens capsule (68) while effectively fragmenting and liquefying the tissue by emulsification.

Abstract: A method to improve phacoemulsification efficiency by providing bursts of axial ultrasonic activity in synchronization with a fraction of a lower frequency axial oscillatory activity, the fraction corresponding to the portion of the low frequency signal that displaces toward the lens fragments and distally from the phacoemulsification hand-piece. Ultrasonic bursts synchronized with displacement of the phacoemulsification needle tip toward the lens tissue increases efficiency allowing the reduction of the required ultrasonic power minimizing heat generation and cavitation.

Abstract: A method to improve phacoemulsification efficiency by providing bursts of axial ultrasonic activity in synchronization with a fraction of a lower frequency axial oscillatory activity, the fraction corresponding to the portion of the low frequency signal that displaces toward the lens fragments and distally from the phacoemulsification hand-piece. Ultrasonic bursts synchronized with displacement of the phacoemulsification needle tip toward the lens tissue increases efficiency allowing the reduction of the required ultrasonic power minimizing heat generation and cavitation.

Abstract: An improved computer based surgical video overlay system that allows relevant surgical data from a surgical apparatus to be combined as a graphic image with the video image of a surgical procedure in which the data from the surgical apparatus is sent wireless to the video overlay console. Elimination of the data cable between the surgical apparatus and the video overlay console is advantageous in an operating room environment. The same computer based surgical video overlay system runs computer program that occupies a user interface to allows definition of operation modes, input of relevant data, selection of data overlay graphic screen templates and various methods for customization. A time coded-data file is created and stored including all the relevant parameters of a surgical procedure. This file contains the same time-code included in the graphic image overlaid in the surgical video signal. An precise match can be performed between the recorded data on file and the surgical video recording.

Abstract: A surgical instrument controller and actuating system that allows precise hand operated control of a powered instrument based on the detection of variations on the gripping force by means of pressure sensors located on the instrument handle. The grip pressure signal is processed by an electronic actuator controller which in turn drives an actuator system. The actuator system produces an actuation force that is proportional to the gripping force change detected at the instrument handle. The actuation force is transmitted to the active members of the instrument allowing precision proportional activation of surgical instruments such as micro forceps and micro scissors. The system allows an operator to precisely regulate the action of a surgical instrument by variation of the griping force applied over the handle of the instrument.