Abstract:
A multipurpose handpiece for use with an abrasive material delivery system is disclosed wherein the handpiece includes channels for delivery and removal of an abrasive material applied to a patient's skin. The invention includes a multi-port applicator for selectively applying the abrasive material, said application of abrasive material suited for different areas of tissue such as stomach versus eye lids. The present invention comprises a pair of tubings connected to a housing for delivery and vacuum removal of abrasive material, and a flow regulator disposed within the housing. Connected to the housing at an application end is a resurfacing applicator with a plurality of differing sized openings designed for different types of tissue. The present invention includes means for blocking the unused openings while permitting injection of the abrasive material through a selected opening. The blocking of the unused openings may be achieved by a shield or covers for each opening. The present invention is further adapted to stop the flow of the abrasive material while the openings are being changed, and means are provided for rotating the resurfacing applicator, and for aligning the resurfacing applicator opening with the injection port of the flow regulator for even and uninterrupted flow of material.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of an eye alter aspiration flow from the eye in response to an occlusion of the aspiration conduit pathway. Where aspiration is drawn from the eye using a volumetric pump, the pump can be reversed so as to induce fluid reflux from the aspiration conduit pathway into the eye to help clear the occlusion. The pump may vary the reverse flow in response to sensed aspiration pressure or the like, and the reverse flow may be halted before the pressure within the aspiration conduit pathway adjacent the eye significantly exceeds the irrigation fluid pressure and/or the pressure within the eye. Reflux may alternatively be generated by modulating a vent valve disposed between an irrigation conduit pathway and the aspiration conduit pathway.
Abstract:
The invention is generally directed to phacoemulsification systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing transverse phacoemulsification. In accordance with one embodiment, a phacoemulsification system is provided having a handpiece with a needle, wherein the phacoemulsification system is configured to vibrate the distal end of the needle in both an effective transverse direction and an effective longitudinal direction when power, having a single effective operating frequency is applied to the handpiece.
Abstract:
A needle safety apparatus comprises a hollow needle having a sharpened distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is anchored in a syringe barrel adapter. The needle safety apparatus further comprises a protective sheath having a proximal region, a distal region and a slit running between the proximal region and the distal region. The protective sheath is movable between an armed position and a deployed position. When the protective sheath is in the armed position, the hollow needle passes through the slit in the protective sheath distal region. When the protective sheath is in the deployed position, the hollow needle passes through the slit in the protective sheath proximal region.
Abstract:
A manually operable tablet splitting apparatus, including a base having a frame mounted on an upper surface thereof and a disposable tablet-receiving tray, including a plurality of tablet shaped cavities for receiving and holding the tablets in position to be split. A handle is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a tablet loading position and a tablet splitting position. The handle includes a blade for splitting the tablets into two substantially equal parts. A retractable shield is provided for covering the blade while it is in the tablet loading position, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to an operator during operation of the apparatus. Each one of the tray cavities is adapted for receiving a tablet and for holding the received tablet in position for splitting.
Abstract:
A system for removing the lens from an eye of a mammal, including a lens-removal device having a probe for penetrating the lens capsule. The probe includes a sheath that shields a rotating impeller at all times, with the impeller being pneumatically actuated to advance to a lens removal position within the sheath. The impeller is pneumatically rotated using a turbine mechanism within a handle for the probe. Irrigation and aspiration are provided to facilitate removal of the lens tissue. The turbine is driven with pulsed air to prevent stiction. A purge/protection cap helps remove air bubbles from the system prior to use and protects the delicate impeller during transport. An operating system is also provided with a foot pedal actuator.
Abstract:
A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve hosing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough. The method further comprises piercing the patient's skin, thereby inserting the catheter into the patient. The method further comprises holding the catheter and valve housing in place while removing the hollow needle through the catheter and valve housing. The hollow needle passes through the first and second ports of the valve housing.
Abstract:
An athletic system for monitoring the condition of a wearable athletic device includes the wearable athletic device, first and second input parameters, a computer readable memory, and a microprocessor. At least one of the parameters may be provided a measurement device that may also be part of the athletic system or may be separate therefrom. The first parameter comprises at least one of an event count and a travel distance, while the second parameter comprises at least one of an athletic footwear device identifier, a physical property of the athletic footwear device, a physiological condition, an environmental condition, an event rate, a velocity, and an acceleration. The computer readable memory contains instructions for calculating a condition of the athletic footwear device. The microprocessor is configured to perform the instructions in order to calculate the condition of the athletic footwear device, the calculation being based at least in part on the parameters.
Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, devices, and systems for eye surgery. In some embodiments, the invention may provide new and/or improved devices, systems, and methods for detecting surgical fluids in a fluidics cassette, particularly cassettes which are used to couple an eye treatment probe to an eye treatment console. Rather than relaying on internal reflection by a gas-liquid interface, the fluid detection techniques described herein may make use of the changes in propagation of light through a portion of the holding tank when the portion varies between empty and full. For example, light may propagate directly through the holding tank portion when there is no surgical fluid, but may be directed away from a light detector when the portion of the holding tank is filled with surgical fluid. As the light may be controllably refracted using the interface between the transparent holding tank material and the surgical fluid, the propagation properties of the light may be more reliably predicted and controlled. While the sensor may not determine the actual liquid level within the holding tank, a plurality of individual liquid detectors may be sufficient to determine when it is appropriate to (for example) turn drain pumps on and off, when the holding tank is in danger of being overfilled, and the like. Other aspects of the invention may provide devices, systems, and methods for producing different types of fluidics cassette using a single cassette body type.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of an eye alter aspiration flow from the eye in response to an occlusion of the aspiration conduit pathway. Where aspiration is drawn from the eye using a volumetric pump, the pump can be reversed so as to induce fluid reflux from the aspiration conduit pathway into the eye to help clear the occlusion. The pump may vary the reverse flow in response to sensed aspiration pressure or the like, and the reverse flow may be halted before the pressure within the aspiration conduit pathway adjacent the eye significantly exceeds the irrigation fluid pressure and/or the pressure within the eye. Reflux may alternatively be generated by modulating a vent valve disposed between an irrigation conduit pathway and the aspiration conduit pathway.