Abstract: A device for surgery of the cornea comprising: an annular base (100) for fixing the apparatus to the eye of a patient; a cutter head (200) comprising a body (200a) and a blade (201) suitable for being displaced along a plane trajectory parallel to the annular base (100); guide means (106) for guiding the cutter head (200) relative to the base (100); drive means (302) for driving the blade (201) in the cutter head (200) with reciprocating linear motion parallel to its cutting edge (201b); and drive means (303) for driving the cutter head (200) relative to the annular base (100) along said trajectory. Said drive means (302, 303) comprise two independent motor units surmounting the cutter head and having mutually parallel outlet shafts (306, 310) perpendicular to the plane of the trajectory of the cutter head (200).

Abstract: A method for applanating an anterior surface of a cornea and coupling the eye to a surgical laser is disclosed. A interface is provided which has a central orifice and top and bottom surfaces. A suction ring is removably coupled to the bottom surface of the interface. The interface is positioned over an operative area of an eye, such that the suction ring comes into proximate contact with the surface of the eye. A suction is applied to the suction ring to stabilize the position of the interface relative to the operative area of the eye. An applanation lens is positioned in proximate contact with the operative area of the eye. Finally, the applanation lens is coupled to the interface to stabilize the position of the lens relative to the operative area of the eye.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved tip (1) for oculistic surgery, particularly for the removal of cataract, having a proximal joint end (2) and a distal end (4), contacting the crystalline during the surgical intervention, wherein the distal end (4) contacting a corneal or sclera tissue is coated with an anti-friction treatment, based on carbon and tungsten carbide.

Abstract: An incising apparatus for cataract surgery is provided. The incising apparatus includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. A circular cutting band is adapted to slide along the handle. At least one stopper element is provided in the vicinity of the proximal end of the handle. The at least one stopper element is positioned within the interior of the circular band so as to restrict the motion of the circular band relative to the handle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating the epithelial layer of a cornea from the eye. The device includes a separator having an edge to remove the epithelial layer as the separator moves across the eye. The edge includes a thickness thicker than the thickness of at least one epithelial cell and less thick than the thickness of the epithelial layer. Separation can be performed mechanically, without the use of chemicals, so that the shape and integrity of the separated epithelial layer is preserved. The device can also be used with a polymer film that adheres to the epithelial layer to help preserve an integrity of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: A device for radial optic neurotomy comprising a radial optic neurotomy knife and its method of use. Comprising in a preferred embodiment, a uniquely formed asymmetrical “V” shaped tip having a first sharpened leg and a second dulled leg and a depth gauge. In a preferred embodiment said depth gauge comprises a laser mark which is substantially perpendicular with a central axis of a tip holding shaft. The device is specially designed for performing the radial optic neurotomy (RON) surgical procedure and thereby promoting relaxation of the scleral outlet.

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 blade and holder combination for use with a microkeratome, and including means for improving mechanical stability when the blade is reciprocated during cutting, as well as a peripheral configuration minimizing local nonuniformities. Blades in accordance with the invention have a generally hemispherical posterior geometry that include an adjacent centralized ovoid coupling aperture and a small centrally disposed access slot that may include indicia for denoting blade type. The hemispherical geometry minimizes both local deformities and the processing needed to assure that the product functions to provide a clean, uniform surgical result.

Abstract: An improved applanation lens and method for use in an interface between a patient's eye and a surgical laser system does not discolor or lose light transmittance when subjected to gamma radiation. The improved applanation lens has an applanation surface configured to contact the eye upon application of a pressure. The lens is formed of high purity silicon dioxide (SiO2) with purity great enough to resist discoloration upon prolonged irradiation by high-energy radiation such as UV, x-rays, gamma rays or neutrons, and is preferably a fused silica.

Abstract: A control circuit that provides a driving signal to a transducer coupled to a mechanical cutting element. The transducer is capable of operating in a resonant mode. The driving signal contains a plurality of pulses provided in a time interval that does not cause the transducer to operate in the resonant mode.

Abstract: A disposable stabilization and applanation device for reconfiguring the cornea of an eye for ophthalmic laser surgery, includes an applanation lens that is disposed in a particular spatial position with respect to an incident laser beam. The applanation lens is inserted into the central opening of an attachment ring and applanates the eye in response to pressure from a lens cone. The attachment ring is coupled to the eye and includes a skirt which surrounds the applanation lens and extends outwardly therefrom to define a chamber. The skirt is formed with a groove which defines a suction channel between the attachment ring skirt and the corneal surface of an eye. A vacuum source is connected and fluid communication with the suction channel and is selectively activated to create a partial vacuum in the channel.

Abstract: Featured is a device for puncturing tissue of a body, such as the lamina cribosa and methods for treating a CVRO with such a puncturing device. The puncturing device includes a puncture member being generally configured and arranged to locally disrupt tissue proximal an area of the puncture site, to minimize the potential for damage to body parts or tissue immediately adjacent to this area of the puncture site and to facilitate perforation of the tissue at the puncture site. When the lamina cribosa is being punctured, the puncture member is more particularly configured and arranged to locally disrupt connective tissue of the lamina cribosa proximal to and surrounding the central retinal vein while minimizing the potential for structural damage to the central retinal vein. In an exemplary embodiment, the lamina cribosa is repeatedly punctured to strip/locally disrupt connective tissue surrounding the central retinal vein.

Abstract: A device for surgery of the cornea includes an annular base for fixing the device to the eye of a patient and a cutter head including a body and a blade assemble. The blade assembly includes a blade and a blade carrier with a resilient tongue integral with the blade carrier. The resilient tongue has a stud located at one end. The cutter head is a one piece body with provisions to connect it to a drive. An orifice is formed in the body for accepting the blade assembly.

Abstract: An eye fixation apparatus including an eye fixation portion with an annular convex bottom, having criss-crossing channels, which goes upon the surface of an eyeball and encircles the cornea, a vacuum port in communication with the criss-crossing channels to exert vacuum pressure through the channels to pull the eyeball membrane to the bottom, and adjustment arms An eye fixation apparatus can further be provided with an X-translation guide member to adjustably moveable in the X-translation direction in relation to the eye fixation portion, a Y-translation guide member adjustably moveable in the Y-translation direction in relation to the eye fixation portion, and a docking screw.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly 20 includes a ceramic blade 22 with a forward cutting edge 24. A lower portion 28 of a blade holder 26 is formed of ceramic and is integral to ceramic blade 22. An upper blade holder portion 30 is attached to the lower blade holder portion 28, such that the upper blade holder portion 30 is structured for engagement with a microkeratome oscillation mechanism 84.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade assembly 20 includes a cutting blade 22 having a forward cutting edge 24. A blade holder 26 is attached to the blade 22. At least one indentation 30 is formed in a front surface 29 of the blade holder 26 for reducing shear force between the blade holder 26 and a microkeratome cutting head 38.

Abstract: An instrument for separating at least a portion of the epithelium from Bowman's layer of a cornea of an eye. The instrument includes a vacuum-operated positioning ring for temporary attachment to the eye so that the cornea is received and exposed in a non-planar configuration and the epithelium is not in contact with any portion of the instrument. In addition, the instrument has a separator with an edge that separates the epithelium of the non-planar cornea from the underlying Bowman's layer as the separator moves along a predetermined path intersecting the cornea. No portion of the instrument contacts the epithelium prior to it being separated from Bowman's layer by the separating edge.

Abstract: A separator constructed of a polymeric material is used with a surgical device that separates the epithelium of a cornea from the underlying Bowman's layer of an eye of a patient. The surgical device includes a positioning ring for temporary attachment to the eye and is structured to present and expose the cornea to be separated. The separator support is structured and disposed to carry the separator. A drive is operably connected to the separator support for causing movement of the separator across the positioning ring and for causing oscillating movement of said separator.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device for producing a generally circular, interlamellar pathway within the corneal stroma of the eye. The device is made up of three major components: a vacuum centering guide having an inner bore which fits at one end against the front of the eye, a barrel which fits within the inner bore of the centering guide and to which is attached the third major component, a generally circular dissecting ring. The dissecting ring is shaped in such way that when an eye surgeon twists the barrel to which the ring is attached, the ring moves through the interlamellar space in the stroma producing the desired channel or pathway. The centering guide may optionally include a ring having one or more pins which firmly engage the cornea's epiphilium. The constituent parts of the surgical device, particularly the dissecting ring, also form a part of this invention.

Abstract: A system for cutting the cornea of an eye, including: a moveable member with a cutting blade at one end, a pivot element disposed thereon, and a cutting guide restraint disposed thereon; a mechanism for oscillating the moveable member around the pivot element; a cutting guide 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 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.

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 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: The present invention discloses a blade for a surgical device, namely a device for processing the cornea of a human or animal eye, comprising a blade body, a front and a rear edge, and two lateral edges connecting the front and rear edges of the blade, the front edge serving for processing the cornea, wherein an end of the front edge of the blade is formed bluntly, such that it is not suitable for severing the cornea. The present invention further relates to a surgical device, namely a device for processing the cornea of a human or animal eye.

Abstract: A suction ring providing an inferior engaging surface and a superior engaging surface that engages and grips the ocular globe, immobilizing the ocular globe relative to a corneal surgical procedure. The inferior engaging surface grips the sclera of the ocular globe while the superior engaging surface grips the corneal region. The suction ring also provides an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea for a surgical procedure. The suction ring has a non-circular gripping structure to provide a closer fit to abnormally shaped ocular globes and corneas. The aperture is non-circular to enable the surgeon to obtain a non-circular corneal disk during a lamellar keratotomy procedure.

Abstract: A blade and holder combination for use with a microkeratome, and including means for improving mechanical stability when the blade is reciprocated during cutting, as well as a peripheral configuration minimizing local nonuniformities. Blades in accordance with the invention have a generally hemispherical posterior geometry that include an adjacent centralized ovoid coupling aperture and a small centrally disposed access slot that may include indicia for denoting blade type. The hemispherical geometry minimizes both local deformities and the processing needed to assure that the product functions to provide a clean, uniform surgical result.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating the epithelial layer of a cornea from the eye. The device includes a separator having an edge to remove the epithelial layer as the separator moves across the eye. The edge includes a thickness thicker than the thickness of at least one epithelial cell and less thick than the thickness of the epithelial layer. Separation can be performed mechanically, without the use of chemicals, so that the shape and integrity of the separated epithelial layer is preserved. The device can also be used with a polymer film that adheres to the epithelial layer to help preserve an integrity of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A blade separation fixture (300) is disclosed. A wafer (130) is positioned on the fixture (300). This wafer (130) includes a plurality of cutting blades (56) that are initially spaced above the fixture (300). Blade handles (24) will typically already have been mounted on each of the various cutting blades (56) at this time. In any case, each of the various cutting blades (56) are separated from the wafer (130) by applying an appropriate downwardly directed force. Separated blades (56) in effect pivot into an inclined position against the fixture (300) without having their corresponding cutting edges (80) contact the fixture (300).

Abstract: A remotely controllable system and method for positioning and operating a scleral depressor. A track is positioned to encircle at least a portion of the eye. One or more independent thrusters, or actuators, are radially positionable about the eye. An actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by remote control. Thrusters may be mechanically operated and include pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, chemical or other power supply forces. Remote control is provided by hand-operated controls, foot-operated switches or voice-operated control. A light source is positioned about at least a portion of the eye to provide transcleral illumination.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen. The shaft comprises at least a portion which has a ribbed outer surface. This needle minimizes heat generation and can therefore be used with or without sleeve.

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 cutting tool (20) for a microkeratome (4) is disclosed. This cutting tool (20) includes a blade handle (24) and a separate cutting blade (56). Both the blade handle (24) and cutting blade (56) include features to register or align a cutting edge (80) of the cutting blade (56) with a microkeratome registration surface (28) of the blade handle (24). This microkeratome registration surface (28) of the blade handle (24) interfaces with a cutting tool registration surface (14) of a head assembly (10) of the microkeratome (4) on which the cutting tool (20) is installed. Therefore, the cutting edge (80) of the cutting blade (56) is registered or aligned relative to the cutting tool registration surface (14) of the head assembly (10) of the microkeratome (4).

Abstract: A cutting head assembly (10′) for a microkeratome (4′) is disclosed. The cutting head assembly (10′) includes a blade (56). This blade (56) has a first major surface (64) and a second major surface (60). A first cutting edge surface (72) extends between the first major surface (64) and the second major surface (60), and defines a cutting edge (80) at its intersection with the first major surface (64). The blade (56) is oriented in the cutting head assembly (10′) such that the first major surface (64) is above the second major surface (60).

Abstract: A cutting tool (20′) for a microkeratome (4) is disclosed. This cutting tool (20′) includes a blade handle (24) and a separate cutting blade (56). The blade handle (24) is mounted on the cutting blade (54) on a surface (64) of the blade (54) that also contains a cutting edge (80). This cutting edge (80) is defined by an intersection of the surface (64) and a first cutting edge surface (72). Cutting edge surface (72) actually extends between the major surfaces (60), (64) of the blade (56), which are oppositely disposed.

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: 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 multi-function surgical instrument for facilitating ophthalmic surgery of the eye (3) by laser means, included are a lower ring (1) and an upper ring (2). One or two intermediate rings may also be included. The lower ring (1) includes a central aperture (11) to capture the limbus and aid in positioning of the eye (3). Protuberances on the lower surface (18) of said ring (1), application of vacuum between the lower surface (18) of the ring (1) and the eye (3), or both may be used to more firmly grip the eye (3). Ports (14) disposed on the upper surface (13) of the lower ring (1) and connected to a vacuum source may be used to control hydration of the surgical field. Attached to structures of the lower ring (1) is a sterile platform (17) for reposing temporarily removed tissues (32) during the administration of laser pulses to other tissues. The upper ring (2) is disposed above the surgical bed.

Abstract: An operation kit is provided for access into the subretinal region of the eye. The kit comprises an elongated flat body of soft material, which can be inserted into the subretinal region from the side through an incision in the sclera. The body is formed as a strip, whose one surface is configured as a guiding surface for a medical device, for example for implanting a microphotodiode chip.

Abstract: A device for radial optic neurotomy comprising a radial optic neurotomy knife and its method of use. Comprising in a preferred embodiment, a uniquely formed asymmetrical “V” shaped tip having a first sharpened leg and a second dulled leg and a depth gauge. In a preferred embodiment said depth gauge comprises a laser mark which is substantially perpendicular with a central axis of a tip holding shaft. The device is specially designed for performing the radial optic neurotomy (RON) surgical procedure and thereby promoting relaxation of the scleral outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a corneal flap includes a housing from which extend a shaft and a reciprocating member. An aplanating member is mounted at a distal end of the shaft to aplanate a region of the cornea. A cutting blade is mounted to the reciprocating member at a position selected to slice the aplanated region off the cornea.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 and a blade holder 14 attached to the cutting blade 12. The cutting blade 12 is keyed to aid in ensuring that a cutting blade 12 top surface 24 abuts the blade holder 14 during manufacturing.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 attached to a blade holder 14. A blade extension 18 is controlled to within at least six (6) ten-thousandths of an inch of a tangent extension length.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 attached to a blade holder 14. Either the blade 12 or blade holder 14 includes indicia representative of a blade extension.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 having a cutting edge 22 attached to a blade holder 14. When the assembly 10 is placed in a compatible cutting head 90, the cutting edge 22 is within a precision zone relative to the cutting head 90.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for incising an intraocular tissue, such as the anterior capsule of the eye, which requires only a small wound cut in the corneal or scleral tissue. The instrument includes a handle and a head portion attached to the handle, the head portion including spaced first and second ends which define an opening therebetween. The head portion further includes a cutting edge which is operable to engage the intraocular tissue and penetrate at least partially therethrough to create a first incision therein. Creating a second incision in the intraocular tissue adjacent the first incision results in a continuous tissue flap incised in the intraocular tissue.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and kit for producing a desired channel or pathway in the interlamellar space in the corneal stroma for inserting a biocompatible material. The biocompatible polymer may be an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR). The method involves the use of clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors, and optionally channel connectors and finish channel connectors. The kit contains clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors and optionally channel connectors, finish channel connectors and probes.

Abstract: A cataract surgery microscopy system is provided which comprises a microscopy optics for producing an image of an object plane of the microscopy optics and a pattern generator for generating a pattern superimposed on the image, said pattern generator being provided to generate a circular pattern having an adjustable diameter.

Abstract: Blade assembly 18 for use in a microkeratome during eye surgery includes a cutting blade 20 and a blade holder 22 attached to the blade 20. Tabs 30 are attached to the blade holder 22 to assist in aligning the blade assembly 18 with a mating slot 12 in a microkeratome to minimize damage to the cutting blade 20. Tab 30 is attached to the blade holder 22, such that the tab 30 may be detached from the blade holder 22 after insertion into the microkeratome.

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.