Abstract: A capsulorhexis apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a cutting electrode device that in turn comprises a handle, a flexible ring having a single ring-shaped wire electrode embedded therein, and a shaft connecting the flexible ring to the handle, wherein the flexible ring is configured for insertion into an eye through an incision.

Abstract: A high-intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) vitrectomy apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a HIPEF probe comprising at least one electrode disposed at a distal end of the HIPEF probe, such that the distal end is configured for insertion into an eye. A load detection circuit is coupled to the HIPEF probe and is configured to compare a measured physical parameter to a corresponding threshold value. A control circuit is electrically coupled to the load detection circuit and configured to selectively disable application of pulsed energy to the at least one electrode of the HIPEF probe, based on the comparison. The measured physical parameter may include, for example, resistivity, permittivity, reflected light, pressure, or heat dissipation capability.

Abstract: An eye surgery apparatus includes a HIPEF probe comprising at least two electrodes and is configured for delivery of a high-intensity pulsed electrical field to a surgical site within an eye via the electrodes. Embodiments also include a transducer configured to monitor one or more surgical parameters within the eye during application of the high-intensity pulsed electrical field to the surgical site, a pulse generation circuit configured to generate a series of electrical pulses for application to the electrodes to create the high-intensity pulsed electrical field, and a control circuit, operatively connected to the at least one transducer and the pulse generation circuit and configured to automatically adjust one or more characteristics of the series of electrical pulses, based on the one or more monitored surgical parameters. With these apparatus, the amount of energy delivered can be limited to levels necessary for effective operation without over-exposing the vitreous.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: A catheter usable for cryogenic ablation of tissues is described. The catheter has a deflectable segment with a reduced diameter and a tip portion with a diameter greater than the reduced diameter. A resilient element allows for bending of the deflectable segment preferentially in one plane, and an actuator is used to control the bending of the deflectable segment.

Abstract: A flexible cryosurgical catheter having a deflectable segment adjacent its distal end, a pull wire through said catheter connected to the deflectable segment, and a deflection mechanism in its handle for pulling on the pull wire to establish a desired curvature in the deflectable segment.

Abstract: A flexible cryosurgical catheter having a deflectable segment adjacent its distal end, a pull wire through said catheter connected to the deflectable segment, and a deflection mechanism in its handle for pulling on the pull wire to establish a desired curvature in the deflectable segment.

Abstract: A flexible cryosurgical catheter having a deflectable segment adjacent its distal end, a pull wire through said catheter connected to the deflectable segment, and a deflection mechanism in its handle for pulling on the pull wire to establish a desired curvature in the deflectable segment.

Abstract: A minimally intrusive endoscope having a deflectable tip. A remotely bendable section adjacent a distal viewing tip enables movement of the tip between a neutral position and angularly disposed positions. A deflection control lever on a proximal control member causes deflection of the viewing tip by means of two sets of operating cables which are operatively connected at one end to the control member and at the other end to axially spaced locations along the controllably bendable section. The control member includes a mechanism for sequentially displacing cables within each set. The operating cables are constructed of flat ribbons to increase their flexibility in the bending plane while still providing axial strength. The wires are closely encased in an oval-shaped sheath along the length of the endoscope.

Abstract: A minimally intrusive catheter having a deflectable tip. A remotely bendable section adjacent a distal tip enables movement of the tip between a neutral position and angularly disposed positions. A deflection control lever on a proximal control member causes deflection of the distal tip by means of two sets of operating cables which are operatively connected at one end to the control member and at the other end to axially spaced locations along the controllably bendable section. The control member includes a mechanism for sequentially displacing cables within each set. The operating cables are constructed of flat ribbons to increase their flexibility in the bending plane while still providing axial strength. The wires are closely encased in an oval-shaped sheath along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: A surgical device employs a catheter for removing obstructive material from the body cavity or lumenal passage. The catheter has a blade subassembly on its distal tip for coring, homogenizing, diluting, and aspirating the obstructive material. The obstructive material is homogenized and diluted after it is cored but prior to its aspiration into the catheter. Homogenization and dilution of cored obstructive material is shown to enhance the reliability of the surgical protocol by helping to prevent clogging of the catheter during aspiration.

Abstract: An endoscope having a deflectable tip configured so as to have a small outer diameter of approximately 0.15 inch or less. The endoscope includes a flexible shaft subassembly comprised of a conduit having a deflectable end segment at its distal end which can be controlled by a manually operable mechanism on a handle subassembly. The shaft subassembly further includes a cone subassembly at its proximal end including means for structurally connecting to the handle subassembly. Illumination fibers, an imaging fiber, a pull wire and a working channel extend through the shaft subassembly from its distal end to terminals in the cone subassembly for interfacing to the handle subassembly.

Abstract: A laser-energizable thermal probe apparatus useful for laser angioplasty procedures comprises a heat generating probe assembly connected to the distal end of an optical fiber, the proximal end of the fiber being connected to a source of laser energy. A thermocouple mounts on the probe assembly and is connected to control the temperature of the probe assembly in use.

Abstract: A composite microsize cable construction comprises a microsize optical fiber for transferring laser energy to a site, a pair of microsize electrical leads for transferring temperature sensing or other signals from the site and a casing material of microsize diameter extruded over the optical fiber and electrical leads and positioning the electrical leads in a parallel non-overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A laser-energizable thermal probe comprising a probe assembly connected to the distal end of an optical fiber, the proximal end of the fiber being connectable to a source of laser energy. The probe assembly comprises a thermally conductive probe body, including a curvoidal tip and a neck portion, and contains an interior passage receiving the distal portion of the optical fiber. At the extremity of this interior passage may be disposed a mass of high emissivity material, to facilitate conversion of laser energy to thermal energy. The probe body is fixedly secured to the optical fiber by a helically wound conductive wire joined at its distal portion to the neck of the probe body and at its proximal portion to the optical fiber, to provide an extended heat transfer dissipation path for heat generated by the probe in use.The disclosed device is useful for recanualization of occluded arteries, to remove intravascular plaque and thrombi therefrom.