Abstract: A corneal rivet for passing internally through the cornea and for providing closure of an incision in the cornea with a mechanically and optically configured rivet body including a first rivet head secured at one end thereto and a second member for securing to the other end of the rivet. The securing can either be through frictional engagement of the second member to the rivet body, through a knotting, a crimping, staking, threading, pinning, heat forming a ball or mushroom member, or a ratcheting engagement. The corneal rivet body can be utilized to suture other tissues besides the cornea, such as sclera, iris, other ocular tissues, skin, flesh, or the like.

Abstract: An intraocular lens with an optic of a polymer material and a skirt of polymer material with a reinforcing element used in, about or on the periphery of the skirt of the intraocular lens. In one specific embodiment, a reinforcing element is positioned in the outer circumference of a flexible skirt which supports the optic. The skirt can be folded about the optic so that the lens can be inserted through a minimal incision. In another embodiment, the skirt can be rectangular. The outer loop can either attach to the optic or be integral to the edge of the optic. In an additional embodiment, the reinforcing element can be attached about the edge of the skirt.

Abstract: A corneal rivet for passing internally through the cornea and for providing closure of an incision in the cornea with a mechanically and optically configured rivet body including a first rivet head secured at one end thereto and a second member for securing to the other end of the rivet. The securing can either be through frictional engagement of the second member to the rivet body, through a knotting, a crimping, staking, threading, pinning, heat forming a ball or mushroom member, or a ratcheting engagement. The corneal rivet body can be utilized to suture other tissues besides the cornea, such as sclera, iris, other ocular tissues, skin, flesh or the like.

Abstract: A hand-held or portable diathermy apparatus is disclosed comprising a housing, a battery power supply preferably within the housing, and at least one electrode carried by the housing. The apparatus includes a radio frequency power generator for generating an oscillatory current ranging between about 1 kilohertz and about 20 megahertz, and supplying this oscillatory current to the electrodes. A manually operated switch is carried by the housing for selective energization of the radio frequency generator whereby, upon energization thereof, the apparatus is capable of being cycled several times outputting up to about 20 watts of power for up to 20 seconds or more on each cycle.

Abstract: An autoclavable to and fro washing system and method of operation for use in extracapsular cataract surgery with and without infusion. A hand-held, motorized pump unit includes a reversing peristaltic pump for moving an IV solution back and forth through a hollow probe tip keeping the anterior chamber of the eye filled with fluid and safe from collapse, while the cortex of the cataract is emulsified using to and fro washing through the hollow probe tip and then flushed from the eye by the IV solution. Infusion and to and fro washing flow and pressure rates are proportionally varied by a switch on the hand held pump unit, or alternatively by a foot switch. An alternative embodiment includes a smaller and lighter hand piece, including a peristaltic pump and motor located remote from a hand piece and probe tip.

Abstract: A hole plug for an intraocular lens for insertion into a positioning hole in a posterior chamber lens for reduction of glare, flare, reflection, radial lines or circular disks. The lens plug is opaque. The plug stops light from entering into the positioning hole. Cross-action forceps or other instruments are utilized through an incision to provide support for the optic, as well as pushing the hole plug into the positioning hole. The forceps may include a cavity to hold the plug during the insertion operation. The hole plug can also have an opaque skirt extending beyond the lens in an instance of a lens which does not cover the eye pupil.

Abstract: A microwave toaster including a rectangular block of microwave transparent material including a plurality of parallel and aligned slots therein for receiving cards of material which absorb microwave energy and subsequently dissipates heat therefrom. A piece of bread is positioned next to the material to absorb the heat dissipated therefrom for subsequently turning into browned toast.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspirator and cystotome having a hand-held, motorized instrument which is operated by a battery-run control system. The instrument includes a disposable coaxial aspirator-irrigator tip and a wormdrive mechanism for bidirectional, variable speed operation and also includes a disposable scalpel tip with infusion/irrigation orifice for communication with an intraveneous solution bag. The scalpel tip is coupled through a clutch mechanism to the motor, which may be adjusted by the control system to make single or repeated cuts in either of two rotary directions. The aspirator's most frequently needed controls are mounted on the handpiece to provide an easily operable instrument of great precision for use in eye surgery. The instrument features an electronic control circuit housed in part within a desk top or suspendable unit and in part within the handpiece.