Abstract: An aspiration/irrigation tip adapted for use with a handpiece for the removal of a cataractous lens from the eye is described. The tip, which may be used with an ultrasonic handpiece, is a bent, hollow-bore needle. The shaft of the needle is bent to form a distal invasive portion and a proximal non-invasive portion which attaches to the handpiece. The angle in the shaft enables the surgeon to hold the handpiece at an ergonomically preferred angle with respect to the eye while performing phacoemulsification. Heating of non-target tissues such as the cornea due to friction between the non-target tissue and the vibrating needle is reduced.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for controlling amounts of fluid flow to and from a surgical site. The system includes a surgical handpiece having means including a passage for allowing fluid flow to and from a surgical site. A dispensing assembly is couplable to the handpiece for movement therewith and is selectively operable for automatically controlling continuously or discretely a controlled and metered amount of fluid flow to and from the surgical site.

Abstract: A coaxial flow irrigation and aspiration ultrasonic handpiece for use in surgical operations includes the combination of an elongated outer shell, inner shell and ultrasonic horn assembly disposed within the inner shell. A sealing end cap is provided which functions to center the inner shell within the outer shell as well as to form an irrigation channel therebetween for supplying irrigation fluid to the distal end tip of the surgical handpiece. The sealing end cap includes an irrigation channel and electrical cable integrally therewith to facilitate ease of assembly of the handpiece as well as connection with sources of irrigation fluid and means for providing aspiration.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and system for withdrawing and collecting body fluids is disclosed. The system includes an adapter which is arranged to cooperate with a handheld aspirator apparatus and a syringe assembly having an open end portion. The adapter includes a sealing asembly which engages the interior of the syringe assembly and a barrier which is insertable into the syringe assembly to prevent clogging, but permit body fluid aspiration.

Abstract: A surgical aspirator cannula including an elongated body member having a longitudinal aspiration conduit, and a valve assembly supported by the body member and operable to close off the aspiration conduit. The valve assembly includes a thumb switch pad and a plunger having a bore laterally therethrough. When the switch pad is depressed the bore is aligned with the aspiration conduit and suction pressure communicates with the cannula. By sliding it forward, the switch pad can be locked into this open position. When released the plunger is biased upward by a coil spring so that the bore is no longer aligned with the conduit and thereby closing it. A securing assembly removably secures the desired cannula to the forward end of the elongated body member. A generally tubular hub of the securing assembly is pressed fitted into the forward bore of the elongated body member. A ring lock encircles the hub and is rotatable with respect thereto.

Abstract: An areola/nipple surfical wound protector including a sterile pad having an upper surface, a lower non-stick surface and a centrally-located pad opening extending through it. A transparent cone-shaped nipple protector member having an outwardly-disposed flange at its base portion is secured via the flange to generally the upper pad surface and over the pad opening. The nipple protector member has an opening in its base portion, a dome with holes therethrough at its radially opposite end and an interior configured to receive the patient's nipple up through the opening and into the protector member. Spaced adhesive tape strips extend radially out from the pad for securing the pad and protector member to the patient's breast and over her nipple. Alternatively, the dome can be configured to be flatter on its upper surface and have a large medication opening through the center thereof and a surrounding rasied annular rim having a plurality of suture holes therethrough.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical aspirator cannula including an elongated body having a distal end, a distal end port, a proximal end, a proximal end port and an aspirator conduit passing longitudinally therethrough. A cannula is removably secured to the distal end and when secured its cannula tip opening communicates through the cannula passageway with the distal end port. The proximal end of the body member is connected to a vacuum pump. A ball valve assembly is mounted in the body member in the aspiration conduit, and is operated by a hand-operated lever, knob or button supported on the body member. When the lever is then operated the valve assembly is selectively opened or closed to selectively communicate the source of vacuum with the distal end port and thus the cannula. The cannula has its proximal end fitted into a ferrule which fits into an adaptor that is screwed into the distal end portion of the body member.

Abstract: An aerola/nipple surgical wound protector including a sterile pad having an upper surface, a lower non-stick surface and a centrally-located pad opening through it and engaging the upper and lower surfaces. A transparent cone-shaped nipple protector member having an outwardly-disposed flange at its base portion is secured via the flange to the upper pad surface over the pad opening. The nipple protector member has an opening in its base portion, a dome with air holes therethrough at its opposite end, and an interior configured to receive the patient's nipple up through the opening and into the protector member. Four spaced adhesive tape strips extend radially out from the pad for securing the pad and protector member over the patient's nipple.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical instrument includes an elongated inner tube that is axially movably connected at a first end to a handpiece, and comprises a cutting edge at a distal end. An elongated outer tube is disposed coaxially with the inner tube, is connected at a first end to the handpiece, and includes a cutting edge at a distal end. A first clearance is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube at a first rearward region and a second region adjacent to the cutting edges, such that the cutting edges are maintained in a cutting relationship. A second clearance, larger than the first clearance, is provided at a third region disposed between the first and second regions.