Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of controlling aspiration and detecting an occlusion via monitoring a change in either suction flow rate or suction impedance.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of priming its aspiration circuit using a pressurized gas source, a pressurized infusion fluid source, an aspiration chamber fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas source and the pressurized infusion fluid source, and a computer.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of priming its aspiration circuit using a pressurized gas source, a pressurized infusion fluid source, an aspiration chamber fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas source and the pressurized infusion fluid source, and a computer.

Abstract: Embodiments to the present invention provide a peristaltic pump. This peristaltic pump includes a flexible flow path, an exterior casing, an elastomeric member, and a number of rollers driven by a motor. The exterior casing and elastomeric member have a first and second annular recess, respectively. An annular flow path guide is formed when the exterior casing and elastomeric member are mechanically coupled. Rollers move along the annular flow path to compress and release the flexible flow path and in so doing draw fluid through the flexible flow patch to achieve pumping action. Mechanical guides proximate to the first annular recess and second annular recess prevent relative motion between the first annular recess and second annular recess ensuring that the flexible flow path remains in place.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate.

Abstract: A surgical cassette have a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The piezoelectric crystals of an ultrasonic flow meter are positioned on one side of the fluid channel. The side wall of the fluid channel opposite the piezoelectric crystals is exposed to fluid in the flow channel on its interior side and is exposed to ambient air on its exterior side. The interface between the wall and the air acts as an acoustic reflector for the operation of the ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate and a dual infusion chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining the location of the bottom of a fluid chamber in a surgical cassette to calibrate the surgical system. According to one embodiment, the surgical cassette is shaped to allow light from a light source to pass unobstructed to a linear sensor array in an area that is a known distance from the bottom of a fluid chamber. Light rays intersected by solid cassette material, on the other hand, will insufficiently illuminate the linear sensor array. Because the slot is a known distance from the bottom of the chamber, the location of the bottom of the chamber can be determined by determining the transition between illuminated and insufficiently illuminated portions of the linear sensor array.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate and a dual infusion chamber.

Abstract: A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. A surgical console contains a cassette receiving area having a pump head with rollers that are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate. The cassette is held in place against the pump head by a latching mechanism that draws the cassette against the pump head. The periphery of the elastomeric sheet contains a raised ridge or boss integrally formed as part of the elastomeric sheet at or near the area(s) of the elastomeric sheet that is/are subject to high transient or static pressures. The ridge allows the elastomeric sheet to be firmly pressed against the cassette receiving portion of the surgical console, yet still allow the cassette to be drawn against the pump head.

Abstract: An elastomeric acoustic coupler formed by molding a thermoplastic or silicone rubber into a recess of a surgical cassette housing. The coupling has a raised pad to aid in the removal of all air between the transducer and the fluid conduit, and to provide an efficient transmission of an ultrasound signal into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A surgical cassette have a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The housing serves as a substrate for an elastomeric acoustic coupling that can be formed on the housing outside of the fluid channel by an over molding process. Such a construction method eliminates the need for adhesives to attach the elastomeric acoustic coupling to the housing and ensures the removal of any air from between the elastomeric acoustic coupling and the housing.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cassette for removably receiving in a cassette receiving mechanism of an ophthalmic surgical system. The system includes first and second plunger valves. The cassette includes a body having a rear surface, an irrigation inlet for receiving irrigation fluid from a source, a first irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a first ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in an anterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, a first manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the first irrigation outlet, a second irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a second ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in a posterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, and a second manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the second irrigation outlet.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of priming its aspiration circuit using a pressurized gas source, a pressurized infusion fluid source, an aspiration chamber fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas source and the pressurized infusion fluid source, and a computer.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate and a dual infusion chamber.

Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of controlling aspiration and detecting an occlusion via monitoring a change in either suction flow rate or suction impedance.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cassette for removably receiving in a cassette receiving mechanism of an ophthalmic surgical system. The system includes first and second plunger valves. The cassette includes a body having a rear surface, an irrigation inlet for receiving irrigation fluid from a source, a first irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a first ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in an anterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, a first manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the first irrigation outlet, a second irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a second ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in a posterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, and a second manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the second irrigation outlet.

Abstract: A surgical cassette for use in a combined anterior segment and posterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure is disclosed. The surgical cassette includes an irrigation inlet for receiving irrigation fluid from a source, a first irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a first ophthalmic microsurgical instrument, a first manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the first irrigation outlet, a second irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a second ophthalmic microsurgical instrument, and a second manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the second irrigation outlet. The surgical cassette greatly simplifies the combined procedure by eliminating the need for separate anterior segment and posterior segment cassettes for the combined procedure.