Abstract: A surgical instrument for ophthalmic use comprises a rigid elongated outer tubular member which terminates in a closed distal end immediately adjoining a distal side opening. A flexible elongated wire is arranged within the outer tubular member and extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member. The wire is axially movable within the outer tubular member and has a sharp distal end which is positioned in proximity to the distal side opening. The closed distal end of the outer tubular member is provided with an interior curvature which functions as a deflecting member to deflect the distal end of the wire so that the wire projects through the distal side opening at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member when the wire is moved axially toward the distal end of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for ophthalmic use comprises a rigid outer tubular member and a rigid inner tubular member which is axially slidable within the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has a closed distal end which is beveled at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member is also provided with a distal side wall opening, serving as a cutting port, which occupies at least part of the area covered by the distal beveled portion of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an open and tapered distal end terminating in a cutting edge which is movable into the beveled end of the outer tubular member in order to sever material drawn into the cutting port. The instrument is useful for cutting near the retina since the cutting port is located very close to the instrument tip, and is also advantageous in that the beveled tip can be used to elevate or dissect intraocular material prior to cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for aspirating and evacuating a pneumatically operated surgical instrument, such as an intraocular vitrectomy unit having a reciprocating blade for severing unwanted intraocular tissues, is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a collapsible conduit pneumatically connected to a receptacle for conducting an aspirating negative pressure to the surgical instrument and evacuating material received therefrom into the receptacle. A pneumatically operated clamping means functions both to terminate the application of negative pressure through the collapsible conduit and to eliminate residual negative pressure within the conduit between the blocked portion of the conduit and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A powered handpiece for use in endophthalmic surgery comprises a projecting tubular surgical instrument including an inner tubular member slidably received within a coaxial outer tubular member for reciprocation therein, a pneumatic actuator for imparting reciprocation to the inner tubular member, and a coupling member interposed between the actuator and the surgical instrument for transmitting reciprocating motion from the actuator to the inner tubular member. The coupling member has a recessed configuration permitting a flexible suction or infusion tube to be connected to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. The pneumatic actuator, coupling member, and proximal portion of the tubular surgical instrument are received in tandem arrangement by a housing having a side opening for the flexible suction or infusion tube and a separable anterior section for permitting interchangeability among different surgical instruments.