Abstract: A fixed arc cyclic cutter-extractor and handpiece assembly for use in ophthalmic microsurgery incorporates a tubular cutter tip having a closed outer end and a lateral orifice therethrough in close proximity to the end. The periphery of the orifice defines a cutting edge for cooperation with a cutter blade component which is of segmental cross section and is oscillatable therewithin throughout an angular path of travel which carries it between two extreme positions, in one of which positions it closes the orifice, to complete a shearing action and in the other of which the orifice is open. The cutter blade is formed as an anterior continuation of, and driven by, a combined driving and extraction tube fitted within said tubular cutter tip. An infusion tube concentrically surrounds the tubular cutter tip in the area posterior to the cutting orifice. The integral cutter blade-driving-extraction tube component is driven by a low voltage D.C.

Abstract: An automated electronic microsurgical control system is disclosed which is capable of performing the various aspiration functions customarily performed manually by a surgical assistant. The system is entirely subservient to the surgeon's foot control unit which is adapted to control seven different surgical functions. In addition, the electronic control system is designed to communicate audibly with the surgeon regarding actual fluid flow and the build-up of vacuum pressure in the aspiration lines connected to the microsurgical cutting instrument, thus permitting the surgeon to audibly ascertain complete information as to the actual activity within the aspiration line without requiring him to take his eyes from the operating microscope.

Abstract: A cutting tip for a rotary motor-driven cutting instrument for cataract surgery consists of a hollow stationary tube and a tubular cutter journaled therein and projecting therefrom, the cutting tip being open at its end and having concentric axially directed arcuate cutting edge portions. An annular passage extends between the concentric tubes, and the stationary tube has an orifice in the side close to the tip. An irrigating fluid is adapted to be discharged through the side opening of the stationary tube, and a suction connection to the internal tube is effective to remove severed tissue through the hollow rotatable internal cutter.