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: An iontophoretic apparatus for ocular iontophoresis comprising a housing element formed to cooperate with the eye. In cooperation with the housing element is a flexible current distribution element that is capable of transmitting electrical current. Coupled to the current distribution element is a conformable medicament containment element that is filled with a medicament which is released under the influence of an electrical current, while a barrier element is provided that is configured to reduce current flow outside of the barrier and aid in the preferential delivery of medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using the apparatus for injecting an agent into a tissue, particularly into thin tissues such as the sclera of the eye. The invention provides an apparatus and method for effectively imbedding a needle into a tissue at a predetermined penetration approach angle and penetration distance thereby reducing the risk of penetrating the full thickness of the tissue. The invention includes a support element and a needle guide platform disposed on the support element with an external support surface and a channel extending therethrough and terminating in an aperture at the support surface. A needle disposed in the channel is axially movable along an axis of injection through the channel. The needle is movable from a first retracted position to an extended position corresponding to the penetration distance, along the axis of injection.

Abstract: A method of injecting a first viscous fluid into a target tissue simultaneous with aspirating a second viscous fluid from the target tissue is disclosed. A surgical system is provided that is capable of supplying pneumatic pressure and vacuum. A first viscous fluid is injected into the target tissue using pneumatic pressure from the system. A mode of operation of the system is changed to provide vacuum and pneumatic pressure. The second viscous fluid is aspirated from the target tissue using vacuum from the system, and the pneumatic pressure remains substantially constant during aspiration. An improved foot pedal for controlling the simultaneous injection and aspiration of viscous fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using the apparatus for injecting an agent into a tissue, particularly into thin tissues such as the sclera of the eye. The invention provides an apparatus and method for effectively imbedding a needle into a tissue at a predetermined penetration approach angle and penetration distance thereby reducing the risk of penetrating the full thickness of the tissue. The invention includes a support element and a needle guide platform disposed on the support element with an external support surface and a channel extending therethrough and terminating in an aperture at the support surface. A needle disposed in the channel is axially movable along an axis of injection through the channel. The needle is movable from a first retracted position to an extended position corresponding to the penetration distance, along the axis of injection.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification handpiece for ophthalmic surgical procedures includes a needle having a tip and connected to a source of ultrasonic energy, for cutting and/or fragmenting eye tissue along with a conduit for introducing irrigation fluid proximate the needle tip. The handpiece also includes separate structure for introducing a viscous fluid, such as a viscoelastic material, proximate the needle tip as well as bore through the needle and handpiece for aspirating irrigation fluid, viscoelastic material end cut and/or fragmented eye tissue. An accumulator, connected to the housing is provided for containing a supply of viscous fluid. A diaphragm assembly and a manual valve are provided for delivering viscous material to the needle tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing surgery inside the human retina using fluidic internal limiting membrane separation (FILMS) to remove the internal limiting retinal layer from the neural retinal layer at the macula. The method comprises inserting a hollow microcannula between the retinal internal limiting membrane and the neural retinal layer at or near the macula and injecting a sterile fluid, such as sodium hyaluronate, through said microcannula and thereby raising the macular internal limiting membrane retinal layer away from the neural retina such that it can then be removed by conventional means, while simultaneously smoothing the neural retina by localized pressure tamponad. The apparatus comprises a hollow microcannula having a proximal end a distal end and a distal tip. The distal end is shaped to conform tangentially to the surface of the retina.

Abstract: A device for transferring a medicament into the eyeball by iontophoresis. A reservoir holding the active product is applied to a patient's eye. The reservoir has at least one active surface electrode facing the eye tissue lying at the periphery of the cornea. The reservoir also has a return electrode and a current generator. The return electrode is in contact with the patient's partly closed eyelids.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. At least one lumen is used for aspiration and at least one other lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second lumen. The pumping chamber may use any type of heater, such as a resistive heater or an induction heater. The handpiece may also contain other lumens for injecting relatively cool surgical fluid.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing surgery inside the human retina using fluidic internal limiting membrane separation (FILMS) to remove the internal limiting retinal layer from the neural retinal layer at the macula. The method comprises inserting a hollow microcannula between the retinal internal limiting membrane and the neural retinal layer at or near the macula and injecting a sterile fluid, such as sodium hyaluronate, through said microcannula and thereby raising the macular internal limiting membrane retinal layer away from the neural retina such that it can then be removed by conventional means, while simultaneously smoothing the neural retina by localized pressure tamponad. The apparatus comprises a hollow microcannula having a proximal end a distal end and a distal tip. The distal end is shaped to conform tangentially to the surface of the retina.