Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a synthetic lens capsule for use in IOL fixation that is compatible with current and future IOL implants and relatively straightforward to implant. The device of the present invention can be inserted into the eye via a small (<3.0 mm) incision in the eye wall. The device of the present invention is compatible with all known or conceivable ways of securing the device to the eye. Securement is preferably done with at least two-point securement. In some embodiments, the device may also include a proprietary or conventional method of securement. To allow for expansion of the device as space permits, the device can also include a flexible ring structure. The device can include at least one aperture for the passage of light. The device of the present invention simplifies visual rehabilitation in cases of inadequate capsular support for IOL fixation.

Abstract: A device may include an image capturing component to obtain images of an environment of a user, and a light projection system. The light projection system may include a laser source and an optical imager. The device may process, in real-time, images captured by the image capturing component to derive signals for controlling the laser source, provide the signals to the laser source to enable the laser source to generate a laser beam pattern, cause the optical imager to raster scan the laser beam pattern to an absorptive element. The absorptive element may be disposed on or in the user, and positioned proximate to a region-of interest, of the user, that includes neuronal cells. The laser beam pattern may cause the absorptive element to produce acoustic energy that cause depolarization of the neuronal cells. The sensory stimulation may enable the user to visually and/or auditorily perceive the environment.

Abstract: Dexterous manipulation devices are provided having an end effector enabling large curvature with a diameter of 1 mm or less that can articulate about an axis in a working space of about or less than 4 mm by 4 mm. Preferred devices are robotically actuated and controlled and can be used for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a synthetic lens capsule for use in IOL fixation that is compatible with current and future IOL implants and relatively straightforward to implant. The device of the present invention can be inserted into the eye via a small (<3.0 mm) incision in the eye wall. The device of the present invention is compatible with all known or conceivable ways of securing the device to the eye. Securement is preferably done with at least two-point securement. In some embodiments, the device may also include a proprietary or conventional method of securement. To allow for expansion of the device as space permits, the device can also include a flexible ring structure. The device can include at least one aperture for the passage of light. The device of the present invention simplifies visual rehabilitation in cases of inadequate capsular support for IOL fixation.

Abstract: A micromanipulation system includes a micromanipulator that includes a handpiece, and a micromanipulation tool that includes a tool shaft and is operatively connected to the handpiece. The micromanipulator further includes an actuator assembly connected to the micromanipulation tool to provide manual control of the micromanipulation tool, and a force sensing system comprising a force sensor attached to the tool shaft. The force sensing system is configured to provide an output signal that indicates a force imposed on the tool shaft. The micromanipulation system also includes a processor that is in communication with the force sensing system, and is configured to receive the output signal and compensate for forces due to actuation of the micromanipulation tool to determine a force due to interaction of the micromanipulation tool with a region of interest. The processor outputs an indication of at least one of a magnitude and a direction of the determined force.

Abstract: Dexterous manipulation devices are provided having an end effector enabling large curvature with a diameter of 1 mm or less that can articulate about an axis in a working space of about or less than 4 mm by 4 mm. Preferred devices are robotically actuated and controlled and can be used for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A micromanipulation system includes a micromanipulator that includes a handpiece, and a micromanipulation tool that includes a tool shaft and is operatively connected to the handpiece. The micromanipulator further includes an actuator assembly connected to the micromanipulation tool to provide manual control of the micromanipulation tool, and a force sensing system comprising a force sensor attached to the tool shaft. The force sensing system is configured to provide an output signal that indicates a force imposed on the tool shaft. The micromanipulation system also includes a processor that is in communication with the force sensing system, and is configured to receive the output signal and compensate for forces due to actuation of the micromanipulation tool to determine a force due to interaction of the micromanipulation tool with a region of interest. The processor outputs an indication of at least one of a magnitude and a direction of the determined force.

Abstract: A motion-compensating surgical tool system includes a surgical tool that includes a hand piece and a moveable component, a drive assembly connecting the moveable component to the hand piece such that the moveable component is movable in an axial direction relative to the hand piece by the drive assembly. The motion-compensating surgical tool system also includes an optical detection system that includes an optical fiber attached to the moveable component with an end at a fixed distance to a distal-most portion of the moveable component. The optical detection system is configured to output a signal for the determination of a distance of the distal-most portion of the moveable component to a target during surgery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of prophylactically or therapeutically treating choroidal neovascularization, wherein the method comprises directly administering to the eye a therapeutic factor or a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a therapeutic factor, which he expressed to produce the therapeutic factor, to selectively induce apoptosis of endothelial cells associated with neovascularization of the choroid such that choroidal neovascularization is treated prophylactically or therapeutically. The invention also provides a method of prophylactically or therapeutically treating ocular neovascularization, wherein the method comprises directly administering to the eye a nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic factor to promote apoptosis of endothelial cells associated with neovascularization, such that the nucleic acid is expressed thereby producing the therapeutic factor to treat ocular neovascularization prophylactically or therapeutically.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of prophylactically or therapeutically treating choroidal neovascularization, wherein the method comprises directly administering to the eye a therapeutic factor or a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a therapeutic factor, which he expressed to produce the therapeutic factor, to selectively induce apoptosis of endothelial cells associated with neovascularization of the choroid such that choroidal neovascularization is treated prophylactically or therapeutically. The invention also provides a method of prophylactically or therapeutically treating ocular neovascularization, wherein the method comprises directly administering to the eye a nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic factor to promote apoptosis of endothelial cells associated with neovascularization, such that the nucleic acid is expressed thereby producing the therapeutic factor to treat ocular neovascularization prophylactically or therapeutically.

Abstract: A cervical collar that allows varying mobility to the cervical region with the range of motion or degree of mobility being adjustable and quantifiable. The customizable collar having adjustable and quantifiable mobility allows not only graduated mobility for the patient and consequently progressive strengthening but still protects the injured or diseased cervical segments. The cervical collar may also provide a user-defined and adjustable distraction force that in the medical setting allows physicians or rehabilitating specialists to adjust, graduate and monitor the amount of distraction force being applied to the cervical column. In a home use setting, patients are able to select a comfortable amount of force to counter the weight of the head. In addition to graduated rotation and/or an adjustable distraction force, a minimalist cervical collar configuration is provided that is less obtrusive, less conspicuous, light weight and can be worn in part under clothing.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture are provided for treating disorders of smooth muscle function in organ systems. A treatment element comprises a biocompatible polymer matrix loaded with a neuroactive substance. The device is placed in contact with the targeted organ system in a manner effecting a therapeutic effect on the smooth muscle function of the organ system.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture are provided for treating disorders of smooth muscle function in organ systems. A treatment element comprises a biocompatible polymer matrix loaded with a neuroactive substance. The device is placed in contact with the targeted organ system in a manner effecting a therapeutic effect on the smooth muscle function of the organ system.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture are provided for treating disorders of smooth muscle function in organ systems. A treatment element comprises a biocompatible polymer matrix loaded with a neuroactive substance. The device is placed in contact with the targeted organ system in a manner effecting a therapeutic effect on the smooth muscle function of the organ system.