Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stacked multi-disk pump for the pumping of ocular fluid and/or tissue during ophthalmic surgery. The stacked multi-disk pump includes an inlet port, a stacked multi-disk assembly, a fluid chamber, a central hub, a motor, and an outlet port. The motor and the hub induce the multi-disk assembly to rotate. As the multi-disk assembly rotates, the fluid is propelled into the inlet port, progresses axially, circumferentially, and radially through the stacked multi-disk assembly, and flows out the outlet port. The pump may be incorporated, for example, into the handpiece of an ophthalmic surgical instrument or a surgical console.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stacked multi-disk pump for the pumping of ocular fluid and/or tissue during ophthalmic surgery. The stacked multi-disk pump includes an inlet port, a stacked multi-disk assembly, a fluid chamber, a central hub, a motor, and an outlet port. The motor and the hub induce the multi-disk assembly to rotate. As the multi-disk assembly rotates, the fluid is propelled into the inlet port, progresses axially, circumferentially, and radially through the stacked multi-disk assembly, and flows out the outlet port. The pump may be incorporated, for example, into the handpiece of an ophthalmic surgical instrument or a surgical console.

Abstract: Fluidic components, systems, and methods for use in ophthalmic surgeries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a fluidics cassette for use with an ophthalmic surgical console system is provided. The fluidics cassette includes a housing, a fluid passageway extending through the housing, a membrane positioned in fluid communication with the fluid passageway such that a fluid passing through the fluid passageway contacts the membrane, and an opening extending at least partially through the housing such that the opening is in communication with the membrane and is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is coupled to the opening, fluid passing through the passageway is subjected to the vacuum generated by the vacuum source through the membrane to remove dissolved gasses from the fluid.

Abstract: A hand piece for a surgical instrument is provided. The handpiece has an inlet, a chamber (with upstream and downstream portions), a flow control member, a pulse engine, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the upstream portion of the chamber. The downstream portion of the chamber communicates with the engine. The engine communicates with the outlet. In a closed position of the member, flow from the inlet moves the member to the open position thereby allowing flow through the flow path. In the open position, pulses from the engine move the member to the closed position before pulses from the pulse engine can flow through the flow path, thereby preventing flow through the flow path.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a liquefaction surgical handpiece having a break-away or frangible tip protector. The tip protector protects the delicate tip from damage during handling and shipment, but is easily removed prior to use.

Abstract: A tip wrench/coupler having a generally hollow body for the storage and/or attachment of a tip, and a plurality of fluidic couplers that allow the wrench/coupler to connect two or more handpiece together in series, fluidically, thereby allowing the handpieces to be primed at the same time.

Abstract: A check valve having a piston-like ball or stopper a pre-determined distance from the valve seat so that the ball or stopper seats against the valve seat only under backflow pressure.

Abstract: A hand piece for a surgical instrument is provided. The handpiece has an inlet, a chamber (with upstream and downstream portions), a flow control member, a pulse engine, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the upstream portion of the chamber. The downstream portion of the chamber communicates with the engine. The engine communicates with the outlet. In a closed position of the member, flow from the inlet moves the member to the open position thereby allowing flow through the flow path. In the open position, pulses from the engine move the member to the closed position before pulses from the pulse engine can flow through the flow path, thereby preventing flow through the flow path.

Abstract: A check valve having a piston-like ball or stopper a pre-determined distance from the valve seat so that the ball or stopper seats against the valve seat only under backflow pressure.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity. The brace may also be a back brace or an ankle brace having compression molded components. A method of compression molding an orthopaedic support includes compression molding at least one sheet of resilient foam material in selected areas to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the material in those areas.