Abstract: A surgical handpiece having an ultrasonically driven tool operated by gas under pressure. A surgical handpiece useable for ophthalmic and other microsurgery uses a whistle for generating ultrasonic waves and causing a driving member to reciprocate at ultrasonic frequency. The handpiece has a probe with a needle or other tool reciprocable within the probe. Irrigation liquid can be supplied through the handpiece and through the probe, surrounding the tool to remove heat. The tool has a lumen, and the lumen is connected to a source of vacuum through the handpiece for aspiration of tissue fragmented by the reciprocating tool.

Abstract: An ophthalmic handpiece is disclosed. The handpiece includes coaxial irrigation and aspiration needles, with passageways through the body of the handpiece for connection to conventional equipment for supplying irrigation and aspiration. Within the aspiration needle, there is a reciprocating cutting device for cutting tissue, that extends into the aspiration needle. The cutting device is moved by a driving device that rotates as it moves, to rotate the cutting device during the cutting motion. The aspiration passageway is also provided with a supply for reflux irrigation to assist in removal of tissue from the aspiration port.

Abstract: A fluid operated and controlled irrigation and aspiration device for ophthalmic use. A source of fluid under pressure is connected through foot pedal operated valves to clamps for controlling irrigation through a conventional handpiece, and to a vacuum generating device. Selecting valves are provided for isolating the vacuum generating means, and for directing pressure to a pulsing circuit. The pulsing circuit can be used to control the vacuum to yield a pulsing aspiration; and, in a modification of the device, the pulsing circuit can be used to control a pressure circuit to operate a cutting device.