Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for improved followability in laser-based ocular procedures. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic instrument comprises a projection located at the distal end of the shaft or cannula, the projection having a distal surface in proximity to the distal end of the optical fiber, the distal surface adapted to be positioned facing the treatment area during use of the ophthalmic instrument. An example method includes delivering laser energy through an optical fiber to the treatment area, wherein the distal surface of the projection inhibits bubbles formed during the procedure from moving distally away from the distal end of the ophthalmic instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring for an occlusion in an aspiration line during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. An ophthalmic surgical system may include a first aspiration pump located in a handpiece, a second aspiration pump located away from the handpiece such as in a console, and a pressure sensor located between the first aspiration pump and the second aspiration pump. The pressure sensor is adapted to monitor for an occlusion in the aspiration line upstream of the first aspiration pump. The second aspiration pump may be operated at the same flow rate as the first aspiration pump and/or to maintain a constant pressure between the second aspiration pump and the first aspiration pump. Systems and methods as disclosed allow for a handpiece pump located close to the working tip while providing reliable occlusion detection with a pressure sensor located away from the handpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring for an occlusion in an aspiration line during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. An ophthalmic surgical system may comprise a first aspiration pump located in a handpiece, a second aspiration pump located away from the handpiece such as in a console, and a pressure sensor located between the first aspiration pump and the second aspiration pump. The pressure sensor is adapted to monitor for an occlusion in the aspiration line upstream of the first aspiration pump. The second aspiration pump may be operated at the same flow rate as the first aspiration pump and/or to maintain a constant pressure between the second aspiration pump and the first aspiration pump. Systems and methods as disclosed allow for a handpiece pump located close to the working tip while providing reliable occlusion detection with a pressure sensor located away from the handpiece.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods including a lubricating solution bath for a pump integrated into an ophthalmic surgical hand piece are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic pump system includes a housing defining a cavity. The system includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity of the housing. The system includes a flexible tubular structure positioned within the housing adjacent to the rotating element such that rotation of the rotation element urges a fluid through the flexible tubular structure. The system includes a lubricating solution positioned within the cavity around the rotating element and at least a portion of the flexible tubular structure.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, systems and processes for ocular surgery may include the ability to emulsify a lens in an eye using a modular hand-held system including a phacoemulsification unit detachably coupled to a pump unit and remove lens portions from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit. The system and the process may also include the ability to decouple the phacoemulsification unit from the pump unit, couple an irrigation-aspiration unit to the pump unit to form a second hand-held system, and remove material from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed comprising an ultrasonic handpiece having a housing, a working tip extending from the distal end of the housing, and a crystal and horn assembly positioned within the housing. The proximal end of the ultrasonic horn is free to move relative to the housing. In embodiments, the ultrasonic horn is resiliently suspended within the housing, with no rigid fixation points. The ultrasonic horn may be resiliently suspended by one or more resilient rings at the proximal end of the ultrasonic horn and by one or more resilient rings at the single nodal region of the ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic handpiece may include a pumping module located at the proximal end of the handpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for insertion in an eye of a patient for aspirating material from the eye in the treatment of an ocular condition, the apparatus comprising a needle disposed at a distal end of the apparatus, an aspiration channel extending from a distal aperture of the needle to a proximal end of the apparatus, and an irrigation sleeve coaxially disposed about the needle. The aspiration channel comprises a proximal portion having a first diameter, a bypass portion having a second diameter and at least one bypass port, and a distal portion having a third diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The irrigation sleeve and the needle form an annular irrigation passageway therebetween. The bypass port is shaped and configured to establish fluid communication between the irrigation passageway and the aspiration channel.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and method for hydraulic pumps are disclosed. Particularly, hydraulic pumps for ophthalmic surgical procedures are disclosed. Hydraulic pumps within the scope of the disclosure may include an aspiration pump. An example aspiration pump may include first and second hydraulic cylinders and a plurality of one-way valves that are operable to permit fluid flow into a first part of a hydraulic cylinder responsive to movement of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder in a first direction and operable to permit fluid to flow out of the hydraulic cylinder responsive to movement of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction. The aspiration pump may be attached to a housing of a hand piece, or a portion of the aspiration pump may be received into the housing of the hand piece.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods including a lubricating solution bath for a pump integrated into an ophthalmic surgical hand piece are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic pump system includes a housing defining a cavity. The system includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity of the housing. The system includes a flexible tubular structure positioned within the housing adjacent to the rotating element such that rotation of the rotation element urges a fluid through the flexible tubular structure. The system includes a lubricating solution positioned within the cavity around the rotating element and at least a portion of the flexible tubular structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods including a lubricating solution bath for a pump integrated into an ophthalmic surgical hand piece are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic pump system includes a housing defining a cavity. The system includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity of the housing. The system includes a flexible tubular structure positioned within the housing adjacent to the rotating element such that rotation of the rotation element urges a fluid through the flexible tubular structure. The system includes a lubricating solution positioned within the cavity around the rotating element and at least a portion of the flexible tubular structure.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system that includes a hand-graspable body and a phacoemulsification needle extending from a distal portion of the body is disclosed herein. The phacoemulsification system may also include an impeller pump carried by the hand-graspable body and configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The impeller pump may include an aspiration motor and a flexible impeller coupled to and rotatably driven by the aspiration motor. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, systems and processes for ocular surgery may include the ability to emulsify a lens in an eye using a modular hand-held system including a phacoemulsification unit detachably coupled to a pump unit and remove lens portions from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit. The system and the process may also include the ability to decouple the phacoemulsification unit from the pump unit, couple an irrigation-aspiration unit to the pump unit to form a second hand-held system, and remove material from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, systems and processes for ocular surgery may include the ability to emulsify a lens in an eye using a modular hand-held system including a phacoemulsification unit detachably coupled to a pump unit and remove lens portions from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit. The system and the process may also include the ability to decouple the phacoemulsification unit from the pump unit, couple an irrigation-aspiration unit to the pump unit to form a second hand-held system, and remove material from the eye using suction provided by the pump unit.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system that includes a hand-graspable body and a phacoemulsification needle extending from a distal portion of the body is disclosed herein. The phacoemulsification system may also include an impeller pump carried by the hand-graspable body and configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The impeller pump may include an aspiration motor and a flexible impeller coupled to and rotatably driven by the aspiration motor. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system and a process for ocular surgery may include the ability to draw ocular fluid into a channel of a hand-held pump system and separate the fluid into multiple compressible channels to create multiple flows. The system and the process may also include the ability to peristaltically pump the fluid through the compressible channels.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods including a lubricating solution bath for a pump integrated into an ophthalmic surgical hand piece are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic pump system includes a housing defining a cavity. The system includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity of the housing. The system includes a flexible tubular structure positioned within the housing adjacent to the rotating element such that rotation of the rotation element urges a fluid through the flexible tubular structure. The system includes a lubricating solution positioned within the cavity around the rotating element and at least a portion of the flexible tubular structure.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system and a process for ocular surgery may include the ability to draw ocular fluid into a channel of a hand-held pump system and separate the fluid into multiple compressible channels to create multiple flows. The system and the process may also include the ability to peristaltically pump the fluid through the compressible channels.