Abstract: A biocompatible polyethylene oxide gel implant and method for production which can be injected into the human body for tissue replacement and augmentation. The implant is prepared by dissolving a sample of essentially pure polyethylene oxide in a saline solution in a sealed canister, removing all free oxygen from the container and replacing it with an inert gas, such as argon, and irradiating the canister with a gamma ray source to simultaneously crosslink the polyethylene oxide while sterilizing it. The gel can then be placed into a syringe and injected into the body.

Abstract: A biocompatible polyethylene oxide gel implant and method for production which can be injected into the human body for tissue replacement and augmentation. The implant is prepared by dissolving a sample of essentially pure polyethylene oxide in a saline solution in a sealed canister, removing all free oxygen from the container and replacing it with an inert gas, such as argon, and irradiating the canister with a gamma ray source to simultaneously crosslink the polyethylene oxide while sterilizing it. The gel can then be placed into a syringe and injected into the body.

Abstract: A surgical cutting head includes an outer tube rotatably housing an inner tube. At the distal end of the inner tube is curled cutting wings characterized by a portion of the wall of the inner tube being radially displaced inwardly. The distal end of the inner tube also has v-shaped cutting notches. The distal end of the outer tube has a projecting guard having a poriton which overlies the cutting wings and the distal edge of the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical technique and instrument kit that allows for subtle modification of the corneal curvature by interlamellar injection of a synthetic gel at the corneal periphery while sparing the optical zone. The gel viscosity, volume and disposition within the surgical annular track as well as the diameter of the track, width, depth, and location are all parameters in the refractive change obtained. Following ultrasonic pachymetry performed centrally and at a selected wound entrance located about 2.5 to 3.5 mm from the apex, a one millimeter or so wide, about 75-85% corneal thickness depth radial incision is performed with a micrometric diamond knife adjusted to about 86% corneal thickness. Inserted through the partial-depth incision, a corkscrew-like dissector or helicoidal spatula forms a 360.degree. annular track centered about the apex. A transparent gel is manually injected through the incision, filling the annular channel.

Abstract: A method and device which is used to insert an implant in order for treating an eye with glaucoma in order to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye. The implant is an artificial meshwork formed into a pocket configuration. The implant is attached to a guide knife which is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. The knife is then removed leaving the implant in place. During the operation, a prismatic lens with c-shaped vacuum ring is used to help assist the surgeon in viewing the anterior chamber of the eye and stabilizing the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical technique and instrument kit that allows for subtle modification of the corneal curvature by interlamellar injection of a synthetic gel at the corneal periphery while sparing the optical zone. The gel viscosity, volume and disposition within the surgical annular track as well as the diameter of the track, width, depth, and location are all parameters in the refractive change obtained. Following ultrasonic pachymetry performed centrally and at a selected wound entrance located about 2.5 to 3.5 mm from the apex, a one millimeter or so wide, about 75-85% corneal thickness depth radial incision is performed with a micrometric diamond knife adjusted to about 86% corneal thickness. Inserted through the partial-depth incision, a corkscrew-like dissector or helicoidal spatula forms a 360.degree. annular track centered about the apex. A transparent gel is manually injected through the incision, filling the annular channel.

Abstract: A method of retinal re-attachment is provide including the steps of providing an optical fiber probe assembly; providing a laser system coupled to the optical fiber probe assembly for delivering at least one laser light beam to the optical fiber probe; making an incision in the conjunctiva; passing at least a portion of the optical fiber probe assembly through the incision; advancing the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly so as to separate the conjunctival-Tenon and scleral planes; positioning the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly over a retinal break area; and delivering the laser light beam from the laser system through the optical fiber probe assembly to the scleral at the locus of the retinal break area thereby to produce localized scleral shrinkage to buckle the scleral so as to relax the retinal break area. An apparatus is also provided to employ the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical technique and instrument kit that allows for subtle modification of the corneal curvature by interlamellar injection of a synthetic gel at the corneal periphery while sparing the optical zone. The gel viscosity, volume and disposition within the surgical annular track as well as the diameter of the track, width, depth, and location are all parameters in the refractive change obtained. Following ultrasonic pachymetry performed centrally and at a selected wound entrance located about 2.5 to 3.5 mm from the apex, a one millimeter or so wide, about 75-85% corneal thickness depth radial incision is performed with a micrometric diamond knife adjusted to about 86% corneal thickness. Inserted through the partial-depth incision, a corkscrew-like dissector or helicoidal spatula forms a 360.degree. annular track centered about the apex. A transparent gel is manually injected through the incision, filling the annular channel.

Abstract: Surgical cutting heads for use in infusion/aspiration devices for performing surgery on various parts of the body, are disclosed. These cutting heads include, a first tube, having a cutting edge formed in its proximal end and an inner space bounded by the interior surface of this tube. This first tube contains at least one asymmetrical two-sided notch for cutting tissue, which notch proceeds distally from the first tube's proximal end to an apex where the sides of the notch meet. A first side of the notch commences at the first tube's proximal end and is generally in a plane parallel to the first tube's longitudinal axis. The second side of the notch commences at the first tube's proximal end, at a point radially inwardly therefrom, and extends into the first tube's inner space. A second open tube is disposed concentrically around the first tube and has at least one projection located at its proximal end and extending radially inwardly therefrom overhanging the first tube's proximal end.

Abstract: A method and device which is used to insert an implant in order for treating an eye with glaucoma in order to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye. The implant is an artificial meshwork. The implant is attached to a guide knife which is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. The knife is then removed leaving the implant in place. During the operation, a prismatic lens with c-shaped vacuum ring is used to help assist the surgeon in viewing the anterior chamber of the eye and stabilizing the eye.

Abstract: A noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus and method for marking a cornea of a patient's or donor's eye in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, and in incising or excising the corneal tissue in keratotomy, and for tissue welding and for thermokeratoplasty. The noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus comprises a laser source and a projection optical system for converting laser beams emitted from the laser source into coaxially distributed beam spots on the cornea. The apparatus further includes a multiple-facet prismatic axicon lens system movably mounted for varying the distribution of the beam spots on the cornea. In a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, an adjustable mask pattern is inserted in the optical path of the laser source to selectively block certain portions of the laser beams to thereby impinge only selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: A noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus and method for marking a cornea of a patient's or donor's eye in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, and in incising or excising the corneal tissue in keratotomy, and for tissue welding and for thermokeratoplasty. The noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus comprises a laser source and a projection optical system for converting laser beams emitted from the laser source into coaxially distributed beam spots on the cornea. The apparatus further includes a multiple-facet prismatic axicon lens system movably mounted for varying the distribution of the beam spots on the cornea. In a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, an adjustable mask pattern is inserted in the optical path of the laser source to selectively block certain portions of the laser beams to thereby impinge only selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: A series of implants for intraocular and/or intraorbital use are provided which permit the controlled release of pharmacological agents. The implants are substantial C-shaped rings and are insertable through incisions made in the eye wall or are sutured around the globe of the eye. The C-shaped rings may be formed from the biodegradable polymers so as to release a drug as the polymer biodegrades or the implant may be in the form of a hollow flexible polymeric cocoon with the drug disposed therewithin for slow release by osmosis.