Abstract: Described herein are methods for accurate and precise preparation of corneal grafts. The utilization of pressure optimization in preparing corneal grafts allows for increased accuracy in regards to the residual posterior bed. The increased accuracy allows for greater precision to meet the surgeon's preferences. The greater precision allows for residual posterior bed thickness of grafts that can provide better visual acuity results in recipients.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction.

Abstract: An ophthalmic patient interface system includes an interface device and an ocular device. The interface device includes a frame having a first end and a second end, a lens disposed at the first end, and a skirt affixed to the first end. The second end is adapted to couple with a surgical laser system, and the skirt is adapted to seal against an anterior surface of an eye. The ocular device includes magnifying optics and is adapted to be removably seated within the second end. The magnifying optics image a region on a corneal side of the lens when the ocular device is seated within the second end.

Abstract: Instruments for creating a corneal channel and methods of use.

Abstract: A surgical blade is disclosed for use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The surgical blade comprises a rotatable support arm capable of being rotated by the surgical tool and a detachable curved cutting blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. The surgical tool causes the curved cutting blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the curved cutting blade is detached from the rotatable support arm. The curved cutting blade is then removed from the incision by pulling the curved cutting blade forward out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye.

Abstract: The present invention includes a corneal marker having an adjustable element providing for orientation of the marker to the astigmatic axis of a patient's eye under examination, a handle secured to the corneal marker and a stem secured to and extending below the handle. The stem is weighted to facilitate alignment of the corneal marker to the corneal surface of the patient's eye under examination during corrective eye surgery according to the corneal light reflex from the eye in response to an illumination source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction ring (2) for ophthalmic surgery, with a first suction region (4), which is designed to suck the suction ring onto an eye (18), and with a second suction region (10), which is designed to aspirate a functional element (12). The functional element and/or the suction ring may exhibit measuring means. The functional element may be formed in the manner of a container, so that it can receive a liquid which in operation is located between the cornea of the eye and a lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgery instrument (1; 101) for making a substantially circular cut in an internal part (110) of an eye (109), in particular for capsulorhexis, comprising a handle (2; 102) at the end of which there extends a rod (3; 103) carrying a blade (4; 104) designed to be introduced into the eye (109) via an incision (107) that has been formed in the latter, characterized in that the blade (4; 104) has a loop shape with dimensions substantially equal to those of the cut, and the instrument comprises means for passing the blade through the incision.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the cutting speed of a cutting device employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a control module, a variable gas pressure regulator arrangement configured to receive gas from a gas pressure supply, wherein the variable pressure regulator arrangement is connected to the control module and the control module is configured to regulate gas received from the gas pressure supply, and an accumulator configured to store gas received from the variable gas regulator arrangement at a selected gas pressure. Gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the accumulator to the cutting device. The gas may be air, and the variable gas pressure arrangement may include a single variable pressure regulator or multiple pressure regulators which typically are not variable with respect to the pressure delivered.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a horn coupled to a transducer configured to convert alternating current into mechanical oscillation of the horn. The phacoemulsification handpiece further includes a phacoemulsification needle attached to the horn. The phacoemulsification needle vibrates by oscillation of the horn, to provide for mechanical cutting of tissue and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle. The phacoemulsification system further includes a control system with associated drive circuitry in connection with the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece. The control system is configured to adjust an operating frequency of the transducer to increase or decrease a mechanical cutting performance and a cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.

Abstract: A corneal marking device for placing markings on the cornea of a patient. The device features a mounting member which is adapted for a hand gripping on one end and has a corneal marking component at the other. The marking component has a centrally located hub having an axial passage and has a plurality of marking fins radially extending from said hub. The leading edge of the fins of said marking component are adapted for placement of ink thereon which is communicated to the eye on contact. A light source communicating from the hub masks the approach of the device to the patient's eye diminishing patient flinching and eye movement. A two colored communication of the light source to the eye provides the user a visual reference to maintain the device in alignment with the patient's eye until contact.

Abstract: A device for ophthalmic surgery includes a vacuum-pump arrangement for generating a vacuum serving for fixing a suction ring to an eye, an evacuation-path system for transmitting the vacuum to an interface port which permits the separable attachment of a suction-ring instrumentarium including the suction ring, and also a control unit for controlling the vacuum-pump arrangement. In accordance with the invention, the device includes pressure-measuring components for measuring at least the vacuum pressure, the control unit adapted to ascertain a differential pressure between the measured vacuum pressure and an atmospheric pressure. The vacuum-pump arrangement is preferably operated at maximal pumping power in a test-operation mode with suction-ring instrumentarium not attached, in order to ascertain an optimally obtainable relative underpressure in the evacuation-path system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying a marking to the human eye, in particular on the cornea, comprising a marking head (1) and a retaining device (2) that supports the marking head (1), wherein the marking head (1) comprises a marking element (4) and a support that retains the marking element (4) in a specifiable or changeable angular position, wherein the support is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the retaining device (2) or a reference line and wherein the marking head (1) can be detached from the retaining device (2).

Abstract: A surgical blade is disclosed for use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The surgical blade comprises a rotatable support arm capable of being rotated by the surgical tool and a detachable curved cutting blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. The surgical tool causes the curved cutting blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the curved cutting blade is detached from the rotatable support arm. The curved cutting blade is then removed from the incision by pulling the curved cutting blade forward out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: Trephine apparatus has an outer casing with means defining a substantially cylindrical passage, or aperture, opening at a substantially circular lower end element, and an inner, substantially cylindrical tube having a bore opening at a substantially circular lower end element, the lower end element of the inner tube being upwardly spaced, or recessed, from the lower end element of the outer casing within the passage. A substantially cylindrical trephine blade is mounted within the bore of the inner tube by means that is so constructed as to enable raising and lowering of the blade relative to the end elements of the outer casing and the inner tube. At least a lower end element of the outer casing, or a base portion including it, is made of a non-opaque material, enabling edge-on viewing of the basal element of the inner tube and the blade, such as by use of a microscope, without parallax between the blade and the basal element of the inner tube.

Abstract: An infusion pressure monitoring system for a phacoemulsification or vitrectomy machine to be operated by a health care provider includes an irrigation path configured to carry an irrigation solution to a surgical site and a fluid sensor configured to detect a fluid parameter in the irrigation path. An input device receives a variable fluid flow command from the health care provider commanding an irrigation fluid flow through the irrigation path at a flow rate corresponding to the command. A controller communicates with both the fluid sensor and the input device. The controller determines an expected fluid pressure value and a dynamically variable threshold pressure value based upon the variable fluid flow command.

Abstract: A jig and a cooling fluid injection tool are provided for use in the correction of corneal shape of an eyeball. Correction of the eyeball takes place while the cornea is warmed. The jig includes a shape retention part of a sucking disc configuration having an inner surface side that contacts the eyeball and a grip part formed on an outer surface side of the shape retention part. An inner surface-sided cornea contacting section of the shape retention part is flattened and a cooling fluid injection hole passing through the grip part is formed in the center of the shape retention part with a diameter large enough for a wearer to see outside.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a cutting instrument that creates incisions in selected areas of the cornea; an eye therapy system that applies reshaping forces to the cornea; and a controller that determines the selected areas of the cornea for the incisions and the reshaping forces from the eye therapy system, such that the reshaping forces and the incisions combine to achieve corrective reshaping of the cornea. Other systems and methods include measuring an eye to determine a required amount of reshaping of a cornea; determining one or more doses of cross-linking agent and one or more corresponding doses of photoactivating light according to the required amount of reshaping; applying the cross-linking agent to the cornea; and delivering, from a light source, the photoactivating light to the area of the eye, the photoactivating light combining with the cross-linking agent to induce the corrective reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of astigmatism in an eye that includes an astigmatism axis, the method including determining an astigmatism axis of an eye and forming a first set of incisions in a cornea of the eye that are bisected by the astigmatism axis. The method including forming a second set of incisions in the cornea that are bisected by the astigmatism axis, wherein the first set of incisions and the second set of incisions reduce or eliminate astigmatism in the eye.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for deploying intraocular shunts without the use of an optical apparatus that contacts an eye, such as a goniolens. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve inserting into an eye a deployment device configured to hold an intraocular shunt, determining that a distal portion of the device is properly positioned within the eye without use of an optical apparatus that contacts the eye, and deploying the shunt from the device.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: A system of instruments is provided for vitrectomy surgery, comprising a sharp trochar, a cannula and a cannula valve cap. The sharp trochar provided also has applicability to other fields of surgery. The sharp trochar has a hollow-ground blade that reduces the force necessary for insertion and upon removal leaves a wound with improved healing characteristics. The trochar is selectably insertable in a cannula, and in a preferred embodiment the cannula and the trochar are adapted with mutually tapered exterior surfaces to as to define a smooth transition in diameter to further facilitate insertion. A sealing valve cap is also provided for the cannula, designed to provide sealing while reducing the force required in for inserting instruments into the cannula. A method for angled insertion of this assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an eye marker device that includes a handle having an interior cavity, a marking means coupled to the handle, and a rotational scale for providing a visual representation of the angle of the marking means relative to a predetermined origination point.

Abstract: An ophthalmic marker having a U-shaped yoke at one end of a cranked axle is disclosed. The axle is rotatable mounted with a co-axial cylindrical handle. The other end of the axle extends beyond the handle and is bifurcated. A plumb bob having a sphere and a stem is pivotally mounted on the bifurcated end of the axle. The yoke has three marker points the upper two of which are maintained in a horizontal plane by a gravitational force urging the plumb bob into a vertical plane notwithstanding the handle not being held exactly horizontal. A method of eye marking and marker making are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately making a limbal relaxing incision. An example universal limbal relaxing guide (ULRIG) includes an inner rotating ring, a measurement gauge, a base unit and bumpers. The inner rotating ring and measurement gauge rotate concentrically relative to the base unit. The inner ring guides a keratome along an arc of constant radius. The measurement gauge enables the user to select the length of the arc and the bumpers prevent the keratome from overshooting the desired incision length. Because the thin degree ring rotates relative to the base unit, the example ULRIG can be used with more than one style of keratome. Multiple marks on a pointing bumper enable the user to adjust the resultant incision length for the cornea size of an individual patient.

Abstract: An injector for performing a capsulotomy on a capsular bag, comprising an injector body, an injector nozzle coupled to the injector body, the injector nozzle having a lumen extending therethrough ending in an open tip, a strand of shape-memory material adapted to achieve a predetermined shape when ejected from a tip through an opening, a heating unit coupled to the strand to cause the strand to achieve an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: A device for ophthalmic surgery includes a vacuum-pump arrangement for generating a vacuum serving for fixing a suction ring to an eye, an evacuation-path system for transmitting the vacuum to an interface port which permits the separable attachment of a suction-ring instrumentarium including the suction ring, and also a control unit for controlling the vacuum-pump arrangement. In accordance with the invention, the device includes pressure-measuring components for measuring at least the vacuum pressure, the control unit adapted to ascertain a differential pressure between the measured vacuum pressure and an atmospheric pressure. The vacuum-pump arrangement is preferably operated at maximal pumping power in a test-operation mode with suction-ring instrumentarium not attached, in order to ascertain an optimally obtainable relative underpressure in the evacuation-path system.

Abstract: A microkeratome system for the generation of a flap on the human eye includes a plurality of functionally different, separately interchangeable components with, in each instance, at least one characteristic feature. In addition, the system includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the microkeratome system, the control unit having access to stored information that is representative of at least one predetermined combination of the characteristic features of at least a fraction of the components, and also an input device for entering information that is representative of a desired combination of the characteristic features of at least a fraction of the components. The control unit is adapted to compare the desired combination of features with the at least one predetermined combination of features and to bring about a predetermined response, depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A device for performing an anterior capsulotomy procedure and a method using the same is presented. The device includes a body having a rotatable cutting element rotatably disposed on the proximal end. The cutting element further includes multiple surgical blades. In certain embodiments, the device further includes an arcuate member, wherein two surgical blades are attached at opposing ends and extend outwardly from the arcuate member. In using the device to perform an anterior capsulotomy, the device is inserted into an incision made in an eye and the surgical blades are brought in contact with the anterior capsule wall. The anterior capsule wall is then transformed by rotating the rotatable cutting element, creating an aperture there through.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting head includes a head structure, an applanation plate, and a stromal plate. The head structure may include a blade cavity for receiving a blade and a blade opening through which the blade extends. The blade is configured for creating a corneal flap at a corneal flap thickness. The applanation plate is disposed at an elevation above the stromal plate plane. The elevation difference is approximately equal to the corneal flap thickness. An artificial anterior chamber (AAC) system is used to hold the donor eye for interfacing with the microkeratome. The AAC system includes an optional pressure valve and pressure gauge in a closed loop system for the user or surgeon to control line pressure applied to the donor eye during the procedure.

Abstract: Instruments for creating a corneal channel and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting the cornea of an eye in order to correct the refractive power thereof, with a ring body that can be suctioned onto the eye, with an applanator (7) for deforming the cornea, and with a blade (4) which is guided in a guide plane perpendicular to the axis of the ring body, is mounted in front of the applanator (7) and is used to cut a pocket in the corneal tissue. So as to avoid adversely affecting the cutting depth and therefore the cutting accuracy upon penetration of the holder into the corneal pocket, provision is made that the blade (4) is secured on a blade receptacle (50) of a holder or fixture in such a way that the top side (51) of the blade receptacle (50) does not protrude above the top side (44) of the blade (4), at least within the depth of penetration of the blade receptacle (50) into the cornea.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to improved surgical procedures such as ophthalmic procedures that utilize overlaid visual representations of three-dimensional data or other data with direct or indirect visual images of a surgical region (e.g. the eye) to provide improved information to a surgeon to speed surgical procedures and/or to provide improved outcomes of those procedures. In some embodiments, ophthalmic procedures are combined cataract removal and astigmatism reduction procedures. In other embodiments the ophthalmic procedures are corneal refractive surgical procedures that reshape the cornea to reduce astigmatism or other aberrations. In some ophthalmic procedures the three-dimensional data is topography data associated with the anterior surface of the cornea. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional data may be enhanced or replaced with aberrometric data associated with the optical path of the eye.

Abstract: A dermatome assembly is operable to harvest a skin graft and includes an ultrasonic dermatome and a power supply. The ultrasonic dermatome includes a body and an ultrasonic blade assembly mounted in the body. The blade assembly includes a frequency generator and a cutting horn powered by the frequency generator. The cutting horn is spaced apart from the body so that the body is restricted from damping vibrational movement of the cutting horn. The dermatome assembly is operable to precisely control the thickness of the cut skin graft and also restrict the cutting horn from overheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmology surgical procedures, and specifically to vitreous retinal surgical procedures for marking positions for incision/injection sites on the scleral surface of the eye. The types of ophthalmic vitreous surgical procedures for which are applicable include but not limited to, vitrectomies performed in hospital operating rooms and vitreous injections are routinely performed in doctor's offices for a variety of procedures to treat abnormal eye conditions. The invention discloses a range of scleral limbal marker for adult human patients, pediatric patients, and domestic and other animals. The invention discloses markers in materials capable of sterilization and for markers in materials suitable for disposal and packaged in vacuum sealed packages.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.

Abstract: A method for treating refractive errors and vision disorders of an eye includes fixing a suction ring to an eye, applanating a cornea of the eye, guiding a blade into the cornea with a guiding mechanism, creating a pocket inside the cornea by guiding the blade inside the cornea, removing the blade from the cornea and removing the suction ring from the eye.

Abstract: A surgical knife blade for forming an incision in bodily tissue including a body having a cutting edge terminating at a distal tip, the cutting edge including opposing cutting edge segments extending distally to meet at the tip, the cutting edge being configured by blending a first and second radii. The first radius is concave and the second radius is convex, the first and second radii meet at a juncture which forms a smooth tangential connection, whereby the blended radii form a hollow design and wherein when the body is moved in a cutting direction transverse to the tissue to cause the tip to enter the tissue, less force is required to penetrate the bodily tissue and greater control is provided.

Abstract: A surgical knife blade or other surgical device containing an anti-microbial coating. The coating may be adhered to the device by a water-soluble adhesive that allows the anti-microbial coating to be released into the wound track. The coating may be of a consistency that allows a certain amount of the coating to slough off and pool or puddle around the surgical site as the surgical device is moved into and out of the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for making a circular incision in a surface. The apparatus includes a handle and an elongated blade assembly extending from the handle. The blade assembly includes a rotor. The rotor includes a bar having an elongated axis, with at least one blade extending from the bar. The rotor is adapted to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the bar. The blade assembly is adapted to extend the blade for making the circular incision and to retract the blade. In the retracted state, the bar is aligned with the blade assembly, preventing direct contact between the blade and the surface.

Abstract: A microkeratome that includes a latch assembly that couples a head to a hand piece. The latch assembly allows the head to be readily detached from the hand piece and sterilized. There is no need to also sterilize the hand piece. The microkeratome also has a ring assembly that is coupled to the head and the hand piece. The ring assembly may include a fastener that can be unfastened to allow the hand piece and head to be detached from the ring, even while the ring assembly is fixed to a cornea. The hand piece includes a motor that moves the blade across the ring. The microkeratome may have an aspiration connector with a collar that limits the travel of the blade the and thickness of a resulting lamella flap. The aspiration connector can be replaced with a collar of a different diameter to produce a flap with a different thickness.

Abstract: An ophthalmic pneumatic surgical instrument 10 includes a housing 12, a tissue manipulating structure 14, a pneumatic driver 34, and a pneumatic power port 20. The pneumatic driver 34 is contained within the housing 12 for driving the tissue manipulating structure 14. The pneumatic power port 20 is formed in the housing 12 and is for attachment to tubing that will supply pneumatic power pulses to the pneumatic driver 34. The pneumatic power port includes a tubing connector 22 with a lumen 24 spanning the length of the tubing connector 22 and a length 26 of vibration dampening material surrounding as least a portion of the tubing connector 22 for reducing vibrations created by the pneumatic power pulses transmitted through the pneumatic power port.

Abstract: A scrubbing instrument for scrubbing the human eye corneal epithelium, including a handle, having a grip portion, a scrubbing head having a curved main scrubbing surface, and a connection arrangement for enabling connection of the scrubbing head to the handle and disconnection of the scrubbing head from the handle, thus enabling the scrubbing head to serve as a sterile, disposable, single-use component.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Abstract: A handheld instrument for marking a cornea, comprising: a handle; a pendulum coupled to the handle; an eye contact element coupled to the pendulum, the eye contact element comprising an eye contact surface; and a corneal marker comprising a marking element, the corneal marker being rotatably coupled to the pendulum. The marking element is disposed within the eye contact element at a position such that the marking element is capable of contacting a cornea when the eye contact surface is in contact with the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic cutting device having a base support section for attachment with a movement generating device and a tip with a blade section. The blade section preferably has upper and lower edges, and a forward aspiration free edge extending between them, with the upper edge having a shorter longitudinal length compared with the lower edge and where the forward edge slopes down from a distal end of the upper edge to a distal end of the lower edge, and the lower edge presenting a material contact surface that is thinner in thickness than the upper edge. A slope back in the proximal direction of the forward edge of, for example, 10 to 45 degrees with a straight and/or curving forward edge or a combination of a straight and forward edge sections is preferred.