Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dimming the white light received by an optical fiber. The apparatus is a cover having a thin edge and a flat surface for application to the optical fiber commencing at the fiber rim.

Abstract: A receptacle and plug assembly for connecting a plurality of optical fibers to a single light source. The receptacle contains a plurality of individual sockets. The receptacle is generally cylindrical and the sockets are generally pie shaped and arranged within the receptacle about a focal point. The light is focused on the focal point. Each socket has a spring biased shutter that remains in the closed position when not in use. Each plug is configured to fit into any one of the sockets and to open the shutter when introduced into the socket. The receptacle has guides between the individual sockets to facilitate introduction of the plug. Each plug has an axial bore containing one end of an optical fiber. When a plug is inserted into a socket, the end of the optical fiber is positioned at the focal point and exposed to the light. When more than one plug is inserted in the receptacle the light effectively illuminates all of the fibers simultaneously.

Abstract: A laser delivery system for ophthalmic surgery and the like includes a handpiece terminating distally in a probe, a laser connector, and an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from a laser source to an eye to be treated. The optical fiber extends substantially through the handpiece probe. The probe also includes a fluid path from the distal end thereof to the interior of the handpiece body. The probe has a soft tip to reduce the possibility of injury to the interior of the eye by contact with the metal portion of the probe.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery probe assembly includes a handpiece having a handpiece body and a hollow tip of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye, the hollow tip extending distally from the handpiece body. A laser connector is provided for connection to a laser source. A first optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the laser connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting laser light from the laser source to an eye to be treated, the first optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip. An illumination connector is provided for connection to an illumination source. A second optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the illumination connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting illumination from the illumination source to an eye to be treated, the second optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in surgery on the human body has a optical fiber which terminates distally in a bullet-shaped tip. The tip has an exterior surface which is a surface of revolution of a predetermined curve about the longitudinal axis of the tip, the predetermined curve having a first proximal segment, a second intermediate segment, and a third distal segment. The first segment has tangents substantially all of which make less than a first predetermined angle with the longitudinal axis. The second segment has tangents substantially all of which make angles with the longitudinal axis which are greater than the first predetermined angle and less than a second predetermined angle. The third segment has tangents substantially all of which make angles with the longitudinal axis which are greater than the second predetermined angle. A method of manufacturing the tip is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A laser delivery system for ophthalmic surgery and the like includes a handpiece, a laser connector, and an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from a laser source to an eye to be treated. The optical fiber extends through the handpiece tip. The tip also includes a fluid path from the distal end thereof to the interior of the handpiece body. The handpiece body has a fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid path of the tip, which fluid path extends to the exterior of the handpiece. The probe is inserted into the eye during surgery and may have multiple functions, reducing surgical complications. Fluid in the eye may flow through the tip and the handpiece body while laser light from the laser source is directed by the optical fiber into the eye. Structure is provided for refluxing material in the tip back into the eye as desired by the user. Alternatively, fluid may be delivered through the handpiece and tip to the surgical site if needed.

Abstract: A laser delivery probe includes a silica optical fiber extending generally from the distal to the proximal end of the probe, a laser connector adapted to be secured to a laser source, and a handpiece. The laser connector forms the proximal end of the probe and the handpiece forms the distal end. The optical fiber provides optical paths through the laser connector and the handpiece and is secured by adhesive to both. A sheath having a lumen in which the silica optical fiber is disposed terminates proximally inside the laser connector and terminating distally inside the handpiece. The sheath is mechanically free-floating with respect to the optical fiber so that torque applied to the optical fiber is not directly applied to the sheath. The probe is used in an anti-curl laser delivery system which also includes a laser source to which the laser connector is removably secured. The sheath damps curling movements caused by rotation of the handpiece.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery probe assembly includes a handpiece having a handpiece body and a hollow tip of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye, the hollow tip extending distally from the handpiece body. A laser connector is provided for connection to a laser source. A first optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the laser connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting laser light from the laser source to an eye to be treated, the first optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip. An illumination connector is provided for connection to an illumination source. A second optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the illumination connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting illumination from the illumination source to an eye to be treated, the second optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in penetrating and working in the vitreous humor of an eye comprises a finger grip member and a rigid needle extending from the finger grip member, with a single continuous fiber optic member extending from a distal end of the needle through the needle and the finger grip member to a cone shaped proximal end contained in a large connecting member constructed of heat conductive material. The surgical instrument includes a stripping tool at its distal end that is bent at a right angle and positioned in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not intersect this axis. The surgical instrument also comprises an infusion/aspiration system including a hollow pipe attached to the needle that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not interfere with a beam of light projected from the distal end of the fiber optic member extending through the needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in penetrating and working in the vitreous humor of an eye comprises a finger grip member and a rigid needle extending from the finger grip member, with a single continuous fiber optic member extending from a distal end of the needle through the needle and the finger grip member to a cone shaped proximal end contained in a large connecting member constructed of heat conductive material. The surgical instrument includes a stripping tool at its distal end that is bent at a right angle and positioned in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not intersect this axis. The surgical instrument also comprises an infusion/aspiration system including a hollow pipe attached to the needle that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not interfere with a beam of light projected from the distal end of the fiber optic member extending through the needle.

Abstract: An improved vitrectomy probe for removing vitreous and cutting mechanism therefore. A hollow elliptically flared cutting blade is reciprocated within a smooth-bore hollow needle of a microsurgical vitrectomy probe across a cutting edge of the outer needle slicing the fibrous material of the vitreous. The cutting blade is configured to provide a more even contact of the cutting surfaces as the cutting blade is reciprocated across the cutting edge of the probe needle. A pressurized fluid source, diaphragm and spring cooperate to provide for the reciprocation of the blade.