Abstract: A microcatheter system that allows for vascular infusion into retinal veins for extended periods of time. The microcatheter system includes a flexible cannula that is inserted into the retinal vein lumen and that remains stably within the retinal vein lumen without being held by a robot, micromanipulator or similar holding devices. The microcatheter system is particularly suitable for the treatment of retinal venous occlusive disease.

Abstract: Featured are new methods for performing intra-ocular surgery that allow surgical personnel to access the intra-ocular volume to perform a surgical procedure or technique but which does not require the use of sutures to seal the sclera and/or conjunctiva following the procedure. The methods of the present invention generally include providing an entry alignment device and inserting the entry alignment device into an eye through both the conjunctiva and sclera so as to form an entry aperture that extends between the exterior of the eye and the intra-ocular volume within the eye. The provided alignment device is configured so as to form or provide an aperture or opening in each of the conjunctiva and sclera of the eye and to maintain these apertures or openings in each of the conjunctiva and sclera aligned during the surgical procedure so these apertures or openings form the entry aperture.

Abstract: Featured are surgical devices that provide enhanced perceptual feedback to a medical practitioner in the form of e.g. tactile sensations or auditory feedback, and methods of use of the devices. The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for microsurgery applications including ophthalmic or neurosurgical procedures. Use of the present devices and methods will enhance user feedback, allowing for improved perception, thereby increasing performance, speed, and accuracy of surgical procedures.

Abstract: Featured are new methods for performing intra-ocular surgery that allow surgical personnel to access the intra-ocular volume to perform a surgical procedure or technique but which does not require the use of sutures to seal the sclera and/or conjunctiva following the procedure. The methods of the present invention generally include providing an entry alignment device and inserting the entry alignment device into an eye through both the conjunctiva and sclera so as to form an entry aperture that extends between the exterior of the eye and the intra-ocular volume within the eye. The provided alignment device is configured so as to form or provide an aperture or opening in each of the conjunctiva and sclera of the eye and to maintain these apertures or openings in each of the conjunctiva and sclera aligned during the surgical procedure so these apertures or openings form the entry aperture.

Abstract: Featured is a device that provides a mechanism for imaging structure and/or tissue of a surgical site during and after performing a microsurgical procedure such as ophthalmic surgical procedures. Also featured are methods and systems related thereto. In the imaging method of the present invention using such a device includes positioning a high frequency ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus imaging mechanism in close proximity to the area to be scanned/imaged (e.g., surgical site), so that the high frequency ultrasonic signal penetrates the tissue/structure of the surgical site being scanned. The reflected ultrasonic signals, are processed so as to yield high quality/high resolution images of the scanned tissue/structure. Further, the high resolution images are evaluated by the surgeon during the procedure to determine if the surgical approach should be adjusted.

Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe is provided with a distal end portion of an optic fiber that projects from a tubular sleeve of the probe and can be caused to bend relative to the probe sleeve by manual manipulation of a mechanism on a handle of the probe.

Abstract: In preferred aspects, the present invention features a non-traumatic cannula for use in connection with eye surgery, such as retinal tear and/or detachment surgery. The non-traumatic cannula of the present invention is particularly configured so as to minimize or avoid the potential for damage to the retina when infusing air or a gas therein. Related methods are also disclosed for infusing air during eye surgical procedures e.g. for treating a retinal tear or detachment and macular hole surgery. The method for infusing a fluid, such as a gas, into a patient's eye during eye surgery includes flowing the fluid from a fluid source to the patient's eye and diffusing the flowing fluid as it enters into the patient eye. Such a method further includes providing a non-traumatic cannula that is fluidly coupled to the fluid source, and which diffuses fluid exiting an end thereof. Thus, the fluid flowing out of the cannula is thereby diffusively infused.

Abstract: A microcatheter system that allows for vascular infusion into retinal veins for extended periods of time. The microcatheter system includes a flexible cannula that is inserted into the retinal vein lumen and that remains stably within the retinal vein lumen without being held by a robot, micromanipulator or similar holding devices. The microcatheter system is particularly suitable for the treatment of retinal venous occlusive disease.

Abstract: Featured is a device that provides a mechanism for imaging structure and/or tissue of a surgical site during and after performing a microsurgical procedure such as ophthalmic surgical procedures. Also featured are methods and systems related thereto. In the imaging method of the present invention using such a device includes positioning a high frequency ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus imaging mechanism in close proximity to the area to be scanned/imaged (e.g., surgical site), so that the high frequency ultrasonic signal penetrates the tissue/structure of the surgical site being scanned. The reflected ultrasonic signals, are processed so as to yield high quality/high resolution images of the scanned tissue/structure. Further, the high resolution images are evaluated by the surgeon during the procedure to determine if the surgical approach should be adjusted.

Abstract: Featured are surgical devices that provide enhanced perceptual feedback to a medical practitioner in the form of e.g. tactile sensations or auditory feedback, and methods of use of the devices. The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for microsurgery applications including ophthalmic or neurosurgical procedures. Use of the present devices and methods will enhance user feedback, allowing for improved perception, thereby increasing performance, speed, and accuracy of surgical procedures.