Abstract: A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.

Abstract: An adapter to be applied in contact with an anterior corneal surface. The adapter includes a contact glass portion having a corneal contact surface curvature that is flatter than the undeformed anterior corneal surface. When the contact glass is applied the cornea assumes a deformed state corneal curvature that is parallel to the flatter corneal contact surface curvature. A mount portion circumferentially surrounds the contact glass portion and defines a suction duct that is structured to secure the adapter to the cornea by negative pressure when the suction duct is brought into contact with a surface of the eye surrounding the contact glass portion. The suction duct is partially defined by a peripheral edge of the mount that extends outwardly away from the mount portion and toward but not intersecting or extending beyond a geometric continuation of the corneal contact surface curvature.

Abstract: A single-use scleral marker, including a one-piece molded-plastic marker having an elongate body; a pair of opposite forked ends, and a pair of removable guards, each of the guards encircling one of the ends and having connection ends which connect the guard to the body, wherein the connection ends may be broken by exerting a bending force thereon to enable the guard to be removed.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision for use in astigmatism correcting procedures. The apparatus used to generate real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision includes one or more real-time, multidimensional visualization modules, one or more data processors configured to produce real-time, virtual surgical reference indicia, and at least one user control input for adjusting the at least one real-time virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision.

Abstract: Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required.

Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting the cornea of an eye to correct the refractive power thereof, having a frame that comprises a fixation ring, which may be drawn onto the eye, as well as a receptacle, which may be coaxially displaced relative to the fixation ring and which serves to accommodate an applanator for deforming the cornea within the fixation ring, and a holding device, which is guided on the frame in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis with regard to the fixation ring and which serves to hold a blade, which passes through the frame via a peripheral recess and which is mounted in front of the applanator, being radially displaceable relative to the fixation ring as well as movable around an axis perpendicular to the guiding plane, for the purpose of cutting a pocket through a merely tunnel-like entry into the corneal tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: 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, a system and method is disclosed for determining a position on the sclera for locating the scleral pocket. The system and method determines an optimum location for the scleral pocket. The system and method determines a location on the sclera that represents the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera. The front of the scleral pocket is placed at a location that is four hundred fifty microns posterior to the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera.

Abstract: A system for cutting the cornea of an eye, includes a moveable member with a cutting blade at one end, a pivot element and a cutting guide restraint. A mechanism for oscillating the moveable member around the pivot element and a cutting guide are configured to engage the cutting guide restraint on the moveable member and thereby limit the degree of angular movement of the cutting blade as the moveable member oscillates about the pivot element. A positioning system is configured to advance the moveable member with respect to the cutting guide such that the shape of the cutting guide determines the shape of a cut made by the cutting blade. A suction ring for stabilizing the cornea and an applanating plate for flattening the cornea usually complete the system.

Abstract: A system and method for resecting corneal tissue is disclosed. A resection pattern is selected for resecting corneal tissue. The resection pattern is incised in a cornea using a surgical laser, leaving one or more uncut gaps in the incised resection pattern. Any uncut gaps left in the resection pattern may thereafter be incised using an alternate surgical instrument.

Abstract: Corneal epithelial pocket formation systems include a cutting head and a blade coupled to the cutting head. The blade is coupled to the cutting head at an orientation that is effective in maintaining a viable separated pocket defining portion of corneal epithelium of an eye of a patient during formation of a corneal epithelial pocket of the eye. The blade includes a cutting edge surface at its distal end. The cutting edge surface is effective in separating the corneal epithelium from the underlying Bowman's membrane of the eye without leaving residual corneal epithelial cells in contact with Bowman's membrane that may result in corneal epithelial cell growth between a corneal implant located in the corneal epithelial pocket and the underlying Bowman's membrane. Versions of the present systems include spring loaded blade holders, which may be removable from the cutting head. Versions also can include applanators.

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 cornea incision apparatus for incising a cornea in a layered form, comprises; a blade unit having a blade for corneal incision; and a cutter head unit arranged to detachably hold the blade unit in such a manner as to allow oscillation thereof, the cutter head unit including; a cavity formed with a first opening which opens to the outside to allow direct mounting/demounting of the blade unit, and arranged to hold the blade unit in such a manner as to allow oscillation thereof; and a first stopper provided in the first opening, the first stopper being movable between a first position for restricting movement of the blade unit in the first opening and a second position for allowing the movement of the blade unit in the first opening.

Abstract: A surgical tool for removing a block of tissue or other material from an organ or other body has an elongated support element which carries a first blade assembly including a pair of arms pivotally mounted about a first transverse axis, and a first blade element pivotally mounted to the arms. A second blade element is also pivotally mounted to the support element. A mechanical actuation arrangement is configured to resiliently bias the first blade assembly and the second blade element from in-plane positions towards deflected positions for initiating a predefined cutting sequence for removal of the block of tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eye surgery instrument, comprising an entry module provided with a sharp distal end. Furthermore, the instrument comprises an operating element for manipulating the eye surgery instrument. The operating element is attached to the entry module via a curved segment. The curved segment preferably comprises a kink.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: A microtome blade having a safety portion. The safety portion may include a protective portion spaced from a knife edge and a gripping portion extending outwardly from the protective portion. The protective portion and the gripping portion help reduce unintended knife edge cuts.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: An instrument and method for creating a precise capsulorhexis as a step in cataract surgery is described. The instrument has a curvilinear cutting band attached to a longitudinal support component and cutting band extending on two sides of the support. In an embodiment, the cutting band has a sinusoidal shape. The support is coupled to a supporting structure, and thence to a handle, the supporting structure is shaped to permit it to pass through an incision at a side of a cornea of the eye while positioning the cutting band on an anterior surface of an anterior capsule of a lens of the eye. In an embodiment of the method, the incision in the anterior capsule is formed by pressing the cutting band into the anterior capsule, and capsulorhexis is extended by tearing away the two tabs formed and defined by curvature of the cutting band.

Abstract: A corneal surgical apparatus for incising a cornea in a flap shape, includes: a body portion; and a cutting head unit that is movable back and forth with respect to the body portion and includes a blade holder for holding a blade oscillationally. The cutting head unit includes a cornea applanater mounted through an applanater support for applanating the cornea substantially flatly, the cornea applanater moving forward as the cutting head unit moves forward, and the applanater support includes a movable portion for moving the cornea applanater in a direction apart from the blade holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a flap in the cornea of an eye (10) exhibits the following: a laser radiation source for generating laser radiation, means for shaping and guiding the laser radiation in relation to the cornea (20) in such a manner that in the cornea an incision (28) arises which enables a folding of the flap (26) upwards from the cornea. In the process the incision (28) is guided in the hinge region (22) of the cornea in such a way that an undercut arises under the hinge region (22). By this means it is ensured that, in particular in the case of an fs LASIK, the intervention into the stroma is effected substantially symmetrically in relation to a central axis of the cornea (20), so that no undesirable deformations of the cornea result post-operatively by reason of the intraocular pressure.

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 surgical knife providing enhanced visualization includes an elongated handle, a footplate and a non-transparent blade. The footplate is supported on the handle and has a foot positioned to ride along tissue of a surgical site. The non-transparent blade has a cutting edge and is supported on the handle with at least a portion of the cutting edge extending beyond the foot, to expose the cutting edge for making an incision. The non-transparent blade is visually observable with ease, particularly along a line of sight passing through translucent tissue adjacent an incision. The foot may be constructed of a transparent material to allow direct observation of the blade or the surgical site via a line of sight passing through the transparent foot. These features provide a knife well-suited to making precisely placed and precisely curved incisions of the type required for astigmatic keratotomy and limbal relaxation procedures.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: Device for cutting a curved channel into the cornea (105) of an eye, with a holding means (301, 302) that can be applied to the cornea (105) in a radial direction defined by the radius of curvature of the cornea (105), and with a cutting means (303) that has a curved blade (303.3) for cutting the curved channel, wherein the holding means (301, 302) has a guide means (301.2) with which the blade (303.3) for cutting the channel is guided in a plane extending transversely with respect to the radial direction, and wherein the holding means (301, 302) is designed to define the position of the blade (303.3) in the radial direction during the cutting of the channel.

Abstract: A device (10) for fitting a cutting head (26) of a microsurgical cutting instrument, in particular a cutting instrument for use in refractive eye treatments, with a cutting blade unit, comprises a blade cartridge (12) which can be detachably coupled to the cutting blade holder (26) and in which a cutting blade unit is received. In addition, the fitting device comprises a slide (20) which is or can be held slidably relative to the cartridge and by means of which the cutting blade unit can be pushed out of the blade cartridge into a blade receiving pocket of the cutting head (26). Preferably, the slide (20) can be coupled to the cutting blade unit not only in a thrust-proof manner, but also in a traction-proof manner, so that after use the cutting blade unit can be withdrawn from the cutting head again by means of the slide (20) and guided back into the cartridge (12).

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly with an instrument to increase eye filtration and treat glaucoma. The instrument is surgical tool operated entirely by the surgeon's hands and is composed of a hand-piece and an eye-penetrating intraocular segment each having two opponent and reciprocally operating fork-like arms and blade-sharp leaves, respectively. The eye-penetrating segment is a rigid embodiment of a size to create a limbus-pointing tunnel in the cornea, penetrate the eye of a patient through a water tight incision and, in a five step dissect and extract procedure, remove from within the eye a trabecular tissue block leaving the incision to self-seal by intraocular pressure. In the same “modus operandi”, a sample tissue can be extracted from any other hollowed or parenchimatous organ.

Abstract: A corneal punch comprising a base unit having a first annular mating surface surrounding a well in which a donor cornea may be located, and a separate guide unit including an inner annular guide shaft and an outer locating ring connected to the guide shaft and having a second annular mating surface. The base unit and the guide unit may be releasably positioned in registration with each other by way of the first and second mating surfaces such that the guide shaft is substantially coaxial with the well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corneal excision or scoring device. In one embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to encircle an eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival fornix of the eye when inserted. The device may also include a second opening adapted to receive a cutting portion having a cutter capable of cutting or scoring the eye. In another embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having an interior with a stop and an exterior serrated edge formed from a plurality of teeth. The stabilizing portion becomes inserted in an eye, such that the serrated edge rests on a sclera of the eye. Next, a cutting portion becomes inserted into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye, and the stop limits the distance the cutting portion may be inserted. Related methods are also disclosed.

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 automated mechanical device separates the epithelial layer of a cornea from the cornea. The device includes a separator such as a plate, wire or dull blade. The device can preserve a separated epithelial layer as a disk without rupturing the disk and without substantial epithelial cell loss. The epithelial layer is separated from the cornea without cutting the cornea.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.

Abstract: A handpiece having a single set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency. Preferably, the two drive frequencies are not coincident, but provided in non-overlapping pulses.

Abstract: A microsurgical cutting arrangement, in particular for refractive eye surgery, includes a cutting blade holder as well as a cutting blade unit (14) that can be inserted into a receptacle of the cutting blade holder. A cutting blade (12) of the cutting blade unit forms a cutting edge (20) on a first (front) blade edge, and is supported via an opposite (rear) second blade edge (24) on linear bearing means (42) of the cutting blade holder. According to the invention the rear blade edge forms at least two bearing points (26,28) spaced from one another for the bearing of the cutting blades on the bearing means, and between each pair of adjacent bearing points is set back with respect to am imaginary straight line joining the relevant bearing points, in the direction of the front blade edge (at 30).

Abstract: A medical knife has a cutting edge formed along the outer edge of a blade portion, and the thickness of the lower portion located under a boundary acting as a surface including the cutting edge is made thinner than that of an upper portion located on the boundary, or a lower surface is composed of the surface including the cutting edge. The surface of the upper portion on the above surface including the cutting edge is composed of a first slanting surface constituting the cutting edge, a second reflecting surface, and a flat surface composed of a non-reflecting surface as well as the lower portion has a lower slanting surface 10 and a lower flat surface 11 each composed of a reflecting surface. With the above arrangement, the medical knife can reduce the amount of reflected light when an operation such as an ophthalmic operation is executed under a microscope.

Abstract: A blade assembly that can be assembled into a microkeratome which is used to cut a cornea. The blade assembly is constructed in a manner that minimizes the tolerance of the cutting depth into the cornea. The blade assembly includes a blade holder that can be pressed onto a blade. The relative position of the blade holder can be calibrated to control the distance between a reference surface of the blade holder and the cutting edge of the blade. This distance defines the cutting depth of the blade. The blade holder is coupled to the blade with an interference fit that both secures the holder while providing for calibration of the assembly.

Abstract: A foot controller for a microsurgical system that includes a body, a switch disposed on the body, and a switch guard coupled to the body and disposed in a spaced relationship to an outer surface of the switch.

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: A cannula insertion tool having a needle movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In some embodiments, the needle can be retracted within the periphery of a handle of the insertion tool when not in use to protect the needle. When the needle is needed for surgical use, the needle can be extended at least partially beyond the outer periphery of the handle. The needle can be coupled to a slide movable relative to the handle between the retracted position and the extended position. The slide can be secured in each position to prevent unintentional movement of the slide. A cannula can be positioned on the needle when the needle is in the retracted position, and can be retained upon the needle by a member extending toward the cannula.

Abstract: A knife having a blade tip configuration that reduces incisional force by providing a more efficient distribution of tissue piercing and cutting forces over the cutting edges. The distal tip of the blade has a profile in plan view that may be described as bounded by the following equations w=5.886(d)0.663 and w=1.561(d)0.820 where w is the distance in microns from the blade's longitudinal axis to the blade's cutting edge and d is the distance in microns along the blade's longitudinal axis from the extreme distal point of the blade tip. The extreme distal point of the tip has a slightly rounded, rather than pointed, profile, with a tip radius of approximately 40 microns or less.

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: A method of mitigating an intraoperative hypotony condition using experimental calibrations of different infusion cannulas and vitrectomy probes showing the relationship between infusion pressure, cut rate, and intraocular pressure for various levels of aspiration vacuum in an ophthalmic surgical system.

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.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting-blade assembly 10 includes a cutting-blade 12 having a cutting edge 22 and apertures 18 within the blade 12. Each aperture 18 includes an inwardly-extending portion 20 on the side of the aperture 18 closest to the cutting edge 22. The assembly 10 includes a blade holder 14 having post members 16 configured to be received within the apertures 18. The cutting-blade 12 is attached to the blade holder 14 by staking the post members 16 received within the apertures 18. The cutting-blade's inwardly extending portions 20 cause the cutting-blade 12 to be maintained in accurate alignment while cold staking the post members 16 to expand and fill the apertures 18.

Abstract: A method for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the method creates cuts in the stroma along planes radiating from the visual axis of the eye. Importantly, these cuts are all distanced from the visual axis. The actual location and number of cuts in the surgery will depend on the degree of visual aberration being corrected. Further, the method may include the additional step of creating cylindrical cuts in the stroma. The radial cuts and cylindrical cuts may be intersecting or non-intersecting depending on the visual aberration being treated.

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 implanting a transcorneal implant having a cap, a foot, and a body connecting the cap and the foot, the body having a lesser circumference than either the cap or the foot, the method including the operations: creating a first corneal incision to create a tunnel, such that the a far end of the first incision enters the anterior chamber; creating a second corneal incision opening a roof of the tunnel to an end point past the far end of the first incision and creating flaps; guiding the implant to the end point, so that the foot of the implant is under the flaps; rotating the implant until the foot is entirely within the anterior chamber; and rotating the implant back to a neutral position, such that a portion of the foot is beneath a floor of the tunnel.