Patent Description:
This description generally relates to medical devices and specifically to microsurgical instruments for lens capsulotomies during cataract surgery.

A conventional stand-alone capsulotomy device requires several components to provide its own power, suction, and control capabilities. The stand-alone device may include a control system that includes, for example, a touch screen display, a wireless foot pedal, and/or a wireless remote to control the device. The suction capability may be implemented by a suction module that controls a pump to create suction power for a capsulotomy procedure. Additionally, the stand-alone device may include separate suction, irrigation and/or aspiration tubes. All these components increase the space required in the operating rooms, whereas floor space is at a premium in most operating rooms. Further, the separate control system may complicate the operator's control procedures. For example, an operator may need to switch from a foot pedal that controls a phacomachine to the foot pedal that controls a stand-alone capsulotomy device, which may lower operation efficiency.

Therefore, a capsulotomy system that can be incorporated with a phacomachine may improve efficiency in the operating room and ease of operation to enhance clinical outcome and patient safety. <CIT> discloses a system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a circular, extended configuration, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element. Optionally, predefined points of weakness allow removal of the tool should breakage occur during surgery. <CIT> discloses a system and method for performing a capsulotomy which employ a handpiece including a cutting assembly that fits into an anterior chamber of an eye, and cuts an opening in a capsule of the eye with mechanical oscillation. The cutting assembly includes a rigid sleeve enclosing an oscillating shaft. The sleeve and oscillating shaft are configured to induce a laminar flow of fluid in an interior of the sleeve during operation of the system. The cutting member oscillates in a direction transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the handpiece. <CIT> discloses a capsulorhexis apparatus. An exemplary apparatus includes a cutting electrode device that in turn comprises a handle, a flexible ring having a single ring-shaped wire electrode embedded therein, and a shaft connecting the flexible ring to the handle, wherein the flexible ring is configured for insertion into an eye through an incision. The apparatus further includes a grounding electrode configured for placement in or on the eye, independently of the cutting electrode device, and a pulse generator electrically connected to the ring-shaped wire electrode and the grounding electrode and configured to supply pulsed power to the eye via the ring-shaped wire electrode and the grounding electrode. <CIT> discloses an apparatus, system and method which may include at least a surgical fluid container that includes a fluid reservoir capable of containing surgical fluid and a gas pressure pocket applied to the surgical fluid therewithin; a first external port extending from outside the fluid reservoir into fluid communication with the surgical fluid within the fluid reservoir; and a second external port extending directly from outside the fluid reservoir into the gas pressure pocket.

A system for performing a capsulotomy is provided according to claim <NUM>. The methods for performing microsurgery described here are given for illustrative purposes only and are not part of the scope of the claimed invention.

Embodiments relate to a microsurgical system for tissue cutting that produces consistent capsulotomies and improves upon current tissue cutting devices. The microsurgical system can be used for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform a microsurgery. The system is configured to operate in conjunction with a phacoemulsification machine (phacomachine) for cutting tissue, for example, creating excisions in the eye's anterior lens capsule membrane during an eye cataract surgery. The system offers benefits in terms of ergonomic efficiency in the operating room and ease of operation to enhance clinical outcome and patient safety.

A capsulotomy system can include a capsulotomy handpiece, a converter, a control console, and an interface. The functional end of a capsulotomy handpiece may contain an elastic ring for performing capsulotomies. The elastic ring is configured for cutting tissue and includes a conductive surface on a bottom of the elastic ring. The interface may include one or more connectors configured to couple to a vitrector air port of a phacomachine. The vitrector air port on the phacomachine is connected to a converter that detects a pulse of air from the phacomachine's vitrector port. Air pulse detection produces an electrical signal that is sent to the control console. The control console is configured to, in response to receiving the electrical signal, drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring, causing the elastic ring to perform a tissue cutting operation.

An illustrative method for performing a microsurgery using the capsulotomy system includes detecting a pulse of air from a phacomachine using a converter of the capsulotomy system. The capsulotomy system includes an interface configured to couple to an air port, for example the vitrector port of the phacomachine to receive the pulse of air. The method further includes producing, by the converter, an electrical signal in response to detecting the pulse of air; and driving, by a control console of the capsulotomy system, a series of electrical pulses to an elastic ring of the capsulotomy system to perform a tissue cutting operation. The control console may drive the electrical pulses based on the produced electrical signal from the converter.

The illustrative method for performing a microsurgery using the capsulotomy system may include using the phacomachine's foot pedal to control the initiation of an air pulse delivered through its vitrector port. This air pulse can then be detected using the capsulotomy's converter and used to generate a series of electrical pulses to an elastic ring of the capsulotomy system to perform a tissue cutting operation.

In one aspect, this disclosure presents a capsulotomy system that includes an elastic ring, a suction cup, an interface, and a control console. The elastic ring is coupled to a stem and includes a conductive surface for cutting tissue. The suction cup is coupled to the elastic ring. The interface is coupled to a fluid line of a phacomachine and configured to receive fluid from the suction cup. The control console is configured to deliver the received fluid to a space between the suction cup and a surface of an eye.

In another aspect, the interface is coupled to a fluid aspiration or suction line of a phacomachine and configured to remove at least a portion of fluid from the suction cup. The control console through its use of the aspiration functions of the phacomachine, is configured to remove the fluid from the space between the suction cup and the surface of the eye to form a suction seal between the suction cup and the surface of the eye; and after the suction seal is formed, the capsulotomy system drives a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring to perform the capsulotomy. In some embodiments, the aspiration functions of the phacomachine can be controlled by the use of a foot pedal. In this manner, the foot pedal can be used to control the aspiration required for the creation of the appropriate seal between the suction cup with the elastic ring and the capsule surface for the operation of a capsulotomy.

An illustrative method for performing a microsurgery using the capsulotomy system includes receiving fluid from a fluid line (e.g., irrigation line) of a phacomachine. The irrigation fluid from the phacomachine is delivered to the capsulotomy system. The method further includes delivering the received fluid into a space between a suction cup of the capsulotomy system and a surface of an eye. The delivery of this irrigating fluid can also be controlled by a foot pedal of the phacomachine. Fluid delivered in this manner to the capsulotomy system may serve a multitude of purposes including but not limited to repositioning the suction cup onto a different location on a surface of the eye, removing viscous material such as ophthalmic surgical device from under the suction cup, maintaining the pressure inside the eye during surgery, and reversing the suction created by the aspiration of fluid.

The figures depict various example embodiments of the present technology for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that other alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology described herein.

Embodiments described herein relate to a microsurgical system for cutting tissue that that performs a capsulotomy. In some embodiments, the microsurgical system may be incorporated with a phacomachine in which an air pulse delivered from a vitrector port of the phacomachine can be sensed by a converter of the microsurgical system. The detected signal triggers the capsulotomy function in the microsurgical system and delivers a series of electrical pulses to perform the capsulotomy. In one example, the phacomachine includes a foot pedal that controls the generation of air pulses from the phacomachine. In this way, full control of all aspects of the capsulotomy procedure are completely within the control of an operator using the phacomachine foot pedal.

In addition to control of suction and energy delivery, the microsurgical system and the phacomachine can be programmed at the operator's discretion to automate certain aspects of the capsulotomy procedure, e.g., push rod retraction, identification of full suction, automatic energy delivery on maximum suction, verbal confirmation of achievement of key procedural steps, etc. The procedure can be automated depending on operator preference by the operator's phacomachine's foot pedal, which reduces the operator's learning curve as the operator is using the phacomachine foot pedal they are accustomed to using.

Further, the ability to add the microsurgical system largely within the footprint of the existing a phacomachine saves space and provides the circulator and scrub technician easy access for a surgery. The integration of the microsurgical system and a phacomachine provides the opportunity to use less tubing and still be able to manage any operating room requirements. The integration also simplifies the consumables and eliminates the need for a syringe, a roller pump, and a fluid isolator necessary to manually release suction and protect the microsurgical device from fluid ingress, thus improving ergonomic efficiency in the operating room.

In some embodiments, the microsurgical system may include irrigation and/or aspiration tubes that can be integrated with fluid lines of a phacomachine. The irrigation tube may receive fluid from the fluid line and inject the fluid into an anterior chamber of the eye, for example to maintain the pressure within the anterior chamber, amongst other uses.

Further, the irrigation and/or aspiration functions can assist in removing or diluting the viscous Ophthalmic Surgical Device (OVD) present under the suction cup. OVD is a viscous gel-like material used in surgery to protect endothelial cells. Removing high viscosity OVD from under the suction cup will help the suction cup to attach to the capsule surface once suction is activated by the operator. The irrigation and/or aspiration functions may also assist the reversal of suction to lift the suction cup off the capsule after capsulotomy, or if an operator desires to re-position the capsulotomy in a different location on the capsule. Collection of trapped air bubbles in the microsurgical system and in the anterior chamber hinder operator visualization of the surgical field. The ability to irrigate helps to remove the air bubbles in the microsurgical system, the anterior chamber, as well as the presurgical setup.

Figures (<FIG> illustrate various views of a microsurgical device <NUM> for tissue cutting. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a microsurgical device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of the microsurgical device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the microsurgical device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a bottom perspective view of the microsurgical device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of the microsurgical device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a suction cup <NUM>, a cutting element <NUM> (also referred to as "cutting ring" herein), one or more suction tubes <NUM>, electrical leads 120A, 120B, and a stem <NUM>. The suction cup <NUM> and cutting element <NUM> are located at a distal end of the stem <NUM>, which houses the one or more suction tubes <NUM> and the electrical leads 120A, 120B. The device <NUM> further includes a control console <NUM> (also referred to as "controller" herein) that is configured to provide suction to the suction cup <NUM> and electrical energy to the cutting element <NUM>. The suction cup <NUM> is connected to the control console <NUM> via the one or more suction tubes <NUM> and a suction connector <NUM>. The cutting element <NUM> is connected to the control console <NUM> via the electrical leads 120A, 120B, one or more sets of electrical conductors, such as electrical conductors 140A, 140B, and an electrical connector <NUM>.

The suction cup <NUM> is a foldable structure that can provide a water-tight seal between the edges of the suction cup <NUM> and the tissue being excised (e.g., lens capsule, corneal tissue, connective tissue, and the like). Because of the fluidic seal between the suction cup <NUM> and the tissue, vacuum or fluidic pressure can be applied to the suction cup <NUM> and the tissue so that the resulting pressure presses the cutting element <NUM> against the tissue. Pressing the cutting element <NUM> against the tissue facilitates a more precise, smoother cut. The foldable structure of the suction cup <NUM> is reversibly collapsible such that a cross-section of the suction cup <NUM> can decrease for insertion of the device <NUM> through an incision. As such, the suction cup <NUM> may include a compliant material, such as silicone, polyurethane, and the like. In one embodiment, the material of the suction cup <NUM> is a medical grade silicone having a Shore A durometer of <NUM> (e.g., Nusil MED-<NUM>). Further, the silicone may be clear, which may assist in the placement of the suction cup <NUM>.

The cutting element <NUM> is an element designed to cut tissue through application of pressure and/or electrical current via one or more electrical leads 120A, 120B coupled to the cutting element <NUM>. The cutting element <NUM> can be made from various materials. In some embodiments, the metallic components of the cutting element <NUM> may be made by electroforming suitable materials such as nickel, nickel-titanium alloys, gold, steel, copper, platinum, iridium, molybdenum, tantalum, and the like. When the cutting element <NUM> is configured to electrically excise tissue, the material for the cutting element <NUM> is electrically conductive. In addition, the cutting element <NUM> is reversibly collapsible such that a cross-section of the cutting element <NUM> can decrease for insertion of the device <NUM> through an incision. Therefore, the material of the cutting element <NUM> is generally elastic so that it can return to its original shape after insertion of the device <NUM> through the incision. A typical construction example is a superelastic nitinol ring having a wall thickness of <NUM>, height of <NUM>, and tabs. Another strategy is to add to this superelastic body a thin film (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) of a more conductive material that does not have to be superelastic because it is very thin. Examples of materials include, but are not limited to, spring steel, stainless steel, titanium nickel alloy, graphite, nitinol, nickel, nickel-chrome alloy, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, gold, silver, or any other material that will allow the cutting element <NUM> to return to its prior shape.

The device <NUM> is capable of delivering a wide range of energies (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> joules, or more) via the cutting element <NUM>. The energy dissipated by the cutting element <NUM> during use in surgery may be determined empirically through use on a specific tissue of interest. For example, in a capsulotomy of the anterior lens capsule of an adult human, it was found that about <NUM> joules produced a satisfactory result. Some specific example of applications to lens capsulotomies include pediatric as well as adult humans and other animals such as dogs, listed in order of increasing energy need. To accommodate the varying energy needs, the amount of energy dissipated by the cutting element <NUM> may be controlled by controlling parameters such as the number of pulses, duration of each pulse, time between pulses, and/or energy of each pulse applied to the tissue via the cutting element <NUM>. These parameters may be determined empirically for each tissue application and/or via computational modeling. In addition, temperature gradients in the cutting element <NUM> may be designed and/or modified for different tissues.

The one or more suction tubes <NUM> are located within the stem <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The one or more suction tubes <NUM> are configured to provide suction to the suction cup <NUM>. The one or more suction tubes <NUM> provide suction to the suction cup <NUM> to cause the suction cup <NUM> to be collapsed and create a suction seal. The one or more suction tubes <NUM> may also be configured to reverse the suction and/or fluid flow being applied to the suction cup <NUM> to disengage the suction cup <NUM> and cutting element <NUM> from the excised tissue. In some embodiments, the material of the suction tubes <NUM> is a medical grade silicone having a Shore A durometer of <NUM> (e.g., Nusil MED-<NUM>). In some embodiments, the electrical leads 120A, 120B, an anchor thread, and/or a rigid extender run through the one or more suction tubes <NUM> to the suction cup <NUM>.

The one or more suction tubes <NUM> may be further configured to act as fluid paths. For example, the one or more suction tubes <NUM> may be primed before use with a solution, such as a balanced salt solution. Priming the fluid paths of the one or more suction tubes <NUM> may help ensure that there is little to no compressible air in the device <NUM>. In addition, after excision of the tissue is complete, a hydraulic release of the one or more suction tubes <NUM> may be performed to release the suction cup <NUM> from the tissue. In some embodiments, the hydraulic release consists of forcing <NUM> to <NUM> of a balanced salt solution from the suction tubes <NUM> back into the suction cup <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> may further include one or more fluid tubes configured to receive fluid. The fluid tubes and the suction tubes <NUM> may connect to the stem <NUM> at a same connection point. The fluid tubes and the suction tubes <NUM> may be switched to connect to the stem <NUM>. Inside the stem <NUM>, the fluid tubes and the suction tubes <NUM> may share the same channel that is coupled to the suction cup <NUM>. Alternatively, the fluid tubes and the suction tubes <NUM> may connect to the stem <NUM> at different connection points, for example, at the opposite ends of the stem <NUM>. In another example, the fluid tubes include an inlet coupled to the suction cup <NUM> and the suction tubes <NUM> include an outlet coupled to the suction cup <NUM>. The inlet of the fluid tubes is different from the outlet of the suction tubes <NUM> so that the fluid tubes and the suction tubes <NUM> can be operated at the same time.

The configuration of the one or more suction tubes <NUM> along the inner surface of the suction cup <NUM> may vary. For example, when there are two or more suction tubes <NUM>, the suction tubes <NUM> may be located at antipodal points of the suction cup <NUM>. This configuration may ensure equal distribution of suction throughout the suction channels of the suction cup <NUM>. In other embodiments, the suction tubes <NUM> may be adjacent, located within a threshold number of degrees of each other, located within a threshold distance of each other, and the like. Further, the suction tubes <NUM> may be located along an outer surface of the suction cup <NUM>, along a bottom surface of the suction cup <NUM>, along a top surface of the suction cup <NUM>, and the like. In embodiments where the device <NUM> includes a single suction tube <NUM>, the suction tube may be located at any point along the inner surface of the suction cup <NUM>. For example, an orifice of the suction tube <NUM> may be located in a roof of the suction cup <NUM>, at a proximal end of the suction cup <NUM>, at a distal end of the suction cup <NUM>, and the like.

The electrical leads 120A, 120B are configured to provide electrical energy to the cutting element <NUM>. The electrical leads 120A, 120B are located within the stem <NUM> of the device <NUM> and coupled to a surface of the cutting element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical leads 120A, 120B are silver wires. In other embodiments, the electrical leads 120A, 120B are made of copper, aluminum, gold, or the like. In addition, the electrical leads 120A, 120B may insulated.

The control console <NUM> is configured to provide suction to the suction cup <NUM> and electrical energy to the cutting element <NUM>. In addition, an operator of the device <NUM> may control the depth of cut via the control console <NUM> by modifying the suction and/or electrical parameters of the device <NUM>.

Suction is provided to the suction cup <NUM> via one or more suction tubes <NUM> connected to the control console <NUM> and a suction connector <NUM>. Using the control console <NUM>, an operator of the device <NUM> may provide suction to the suction cup <NUM>, reverse suction during disengagement of the device <NUM>, and/or flush the fluid paths of the one or more suction tubes <NUM> with a solution. In addition, an operator of the device <NUM> may modify the amount of suction applied to the suction cup <NUM> based on the operation being performed. In some embodiments, an operator of the device <NUM> may manually modify the amount of suction applied to the suction cup <NUM>, for example using a vacuum valve and/or a vacuum gauge of the control console <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the control console <NUM> may include predetermined suction parameters determined via experimentation, modeling, and/or a combination thereof that are each associated with a procedure. In addition, using the control console <NUM>, different amounts of suction may be provided to different suction tubes. By way of example, suction pressure of <NUM> +/- <NUM> inch of Hg (<NUM> kPa +/- <NUM> kPa) vacuum has been used successfully. That is gauge pressure, not absolute pressure, so the same pressure differential is established by the control console <NUM> across the suction cup wall regardless of altitude at which it is used. Further, as described below, the pressure applied may be fluidic pressure.

The control console <NUM> delivers electrical energy to the cutting element <NUM> via the electrical leads 120A, 120B, one or more sets of electrical conductors 140A, 140B, and an electrical connector <NUM>. A first set of electrical conductors 140A may be configured to provide power to the cutting element <NUM>. A second set of electrical conductors 140B may be for resistance measurement and may be connected to a measurement device, such as a Kelvin probe (also known as the <NUM>-wire resistance measurement method). In some embodiments, the first set of electrical conductors 140A and/or the second set of electrical conductors 140B are copper wires, such as (respectively) <NUM> ga copper wires, <NUM> ga copper wires, and the like. In other embodiments, the first set of electrical conductors 140A and/or the second set of electrical conductors 140B are composed of aluminum, gold, silver, or the like. Electrical energy may be provided to the cutting element <NUM> as one or more electrical waveforms. The one or more electrical waveforms are discharged through the cutting element <NUM> to cause the cutting element <NUM> to heat up for a short time, such as <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds, depending on the applied voltage and current.

Using the control console <NUM>, the depth of cut may be controlled by controlling the amount of electrical discharge applied to the cutting element <NUM>. For example, the depth of cut may be controlled by modifying one or more of: the energy of each pulse, the number of pulses in the pulse train, the inter-pulse intervals, and the like. As with the suction, these parameters may be manually modified by an operator of the device <NUM> using control elements of the control console <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the control console <NUM> may include predetermined sets of parameters that are each associated with different depths of cut, different patient types, and the like. These sets of parameters may be determined through experimentation, modeling, and/or a combination thereof. The control console <NUM> may be a controller, microprocessor, a programmable hardware logic, etc..

In some embodiments, the control console <NUM> may change the operating parameters of the device <NUM> automatically. For example, the control console <NUM> may change the operating parameters according to a predetermined set of operating steps associated with a procedure. Alternatively, or additionally, the control console <NUM> may change the operating parameters of the device <NUM> based on feedback from the device <NUM> itself. For example, the control console <NUM> may change the operating parameters of the device <NUM> in response to a detection of a device resistance, a pressure, a pressure change, a temperature, a temperature change, a determined depth of cut, or the like, during use.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> may further include a converter. The converter is coupled to an interface which further couples to a phacomachine. The converter detects a pulse of air from the phacomachine through the interface and covert the pulse of air to an electrical signal. The control console <NUM> which couples to the converter receives the electrical signal and delivers electrical pulses to the cutting element <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, a height of the proximal end of the suction cup <NUM> is greater than a height of a distal end of the suction cup <NUM>, forming a tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> in the suction cup <NUM>. The tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> helps ensure even suction is applied, in part, because the height of the chamber decreases as the volume to be evacuated reduces.

In some embodiments, a first height of the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> may have a first height at an orifice of the suction cup <NUM> and a second height at an antipodal point of the suction cup. In these embodiments, the first height may be larger than the second height. For example, the height of the suction cup <NUM> may be greatest at the proximal end and shortest at the distal end. In some embodiments, the relative heights of the proximal end of the suction cup <NUM> and the distal end of the suction cup <NUM> may be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the amount of total volume to be evacuated, the amount of suction being applied, the type of procedure being performed, the type of tissue being excised, the amount of electrical energy being applied, features included on the underside of the suction cup <NUM> (e.g., standoffs and/or visual guides), or the like. For example, the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> may slope at an angle so that the volume to be removed from the suction cup is proportional to the volume of the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> along a horizontal axis of the suction cup <NUM>. Examples of the slope angle include, but are not limited, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degree, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees.

In addition, the geometry and specifications of the suction cup <NUM> may be modified to prevent collapse of the suction cup <NUM> when suction is applied. For example, the top of the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> may be arched to prevent collapse, as shown in <FIG>. The rise and span of the arched portion may vary based on factors including, but not limited to the amount of suction being applied, the type of procedure being performed, or the like.

In addition, the thickness of the suction cup <NUM> may be modified to prevent collapse when suction is applied. In some embodiments, the thickness of the entire suction cup <NUM> is a uniform thickness that prevents collapse of the entirety of the suction cup (e.g., <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, <NUM> microns or more, etc.). In other embodiments, portions of the suction cup may have various thicknesses. For example, portions that should not collapse during use, such as an arched portion of the suction cup <NUM>, may be relatively thicker than other portions of the suction cup <NUM> that are collapsible during use. In these embodiments, the portions that have an increased thickness may have a thickness around <NUM> microns or more. Other portions of the suction cup may have thicknesses around <NUM> microns or less, such as <NUM> microns or less, <NUM> microns or less, <NUM> microns or less, <NUM> microns or less, as <NUM> microns or less, <NUM> microns or less, <NUM> microns or less, or the like. By limiting the portions of the suction cup <NUM> that have increased thicknesses, the total amount of silicon required to manufacture the suction cup <NUM> is reduced and collapse of the suction cup <NUM> is prevented. Further, by reducing the amount of silicon, the force needed to insert the suction cup <NUM> through an incision is reduced.

The stem <NUM> is coupled to the proximal end of the suction cup <NUM> via an opening within a tapered side of the suction cup <NUM>. A neck <NUM> of the stem <NUM> enables the flow of fluid to and from the stem <NUM> into the suction cup <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the suction force being applied against the tissue. For example, the angle between the flow of fluid to and from the stem <NUM> and the direction of the suction force being applied against the tissue may be between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, and the like. The substantially perpendicular flow helps ensure uniform distribution of suction. In alternative embodiments, the neck <NUM> of the stem <NUM> may be configured to provide substantially vertical flow. In these embodiments, an additional mechanism may be coupled to the neck <NUM> of the stem <NUM> to facilitate horizontal flow of suction and/or fluid to the suction cup <NUM> from the stem <NUM>.

As previously discussed, the device <NUM> may include a rigid extender (not shown) that is used to extend the cutting element <NUM> for insertion of the device <NUM> through an incision, such as a corneal incision. The end of the rigid extender may include one or more prongs to which the cutting element <NUM> is coupled. The one or more prongs may prevent substantial decoupling of the rigid extender and cutting element <NUM> during transport. However, the length of the one or more prongs may necessitate a containment pocket <NUM> that prevents the one or more prongs from puncturing the suction cup <NUM>.

A basic principle of injection molding in device manufacturing is that the intended molded part must not have features that create significant undercuts and prevent the separation of the two mold halves and retrieval of the molded part. In certain cases, the use of side pins may create the desired molded features but involve greater cost and may impart less precision. A horizontal containment pocket may represent a significant undercut and may not be able to be manufactured using standard molding techniques with two mold halves that separate in a vertical direction.

To remove the presence of an undercut created by a horizontal containment pocket, the containment pocket <NUM> may be collapsible between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In some embodiments, the containment pocket <NUM> may be collapsible between horizontal and vertical positions because of the flexibility of the material of the containment pocket <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the containment pocket <NUM> may be collapsible because of one or more joints, or any other suitable collapsing mechanism. For ease of manufacturing, the containment pocket <NUM> may be molded in the vertical position. The vertical position of the containment pocket <NUM> helps ensure the containment pocket is easily released as the two mold halves are pulled in a vertical direction to separate. When the containment pocket <NUM> is collapsed into the horizontal position, it can accept the end of the rigid extender. In some embodiments, the containment pocket <NUM> is constrained to lie horizontally during transport. It may remain horizontal as the suction cup <NUM> and cutting element <NUM> are elongated via a rigid extender. As the rigid extender is retracted, the containment pocket <NUM> returns to its vertical as molded shape due to silicone's elasticity.

<FIG> illustrates an additional cross-sectional view of the device <NUM>. As discussed with reference to <FIG>, the suction cup <NUM> may form a tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> that slopes downward in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the suction cup <NUM>. In addition, a central portion <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM> may have a shorter height than the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM>. The shortened height of the central portion <NUM> may reduce the amount of material needs to be evacuated from within the space enclosed by the suction cup <NUM>, which facilitates a more uniform distribution of suction. In some embodiments, the entirety of the central portion <NUM> may be of uniform height. In alternative embodiments, the central portion <NUM> may slope at the same angle as the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> or at a different angle as the tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM>. In addition, the height(s) of the central portion <NUM> may vary based on the amount of total volume to be evacuated, the amount of suction being applied, the type of procedure being performed, the type of tissue being excised, the amount of electrical energy being applied, features included on the underside of the suction cup <NUM> (e.g., standoffs and/or visual guides), or the like.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the suction cup <NUM> includes a sealing contact <NUM> and a tapered edge <NUM> along the skirt <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM>. The compliant skirt <NUM> enables the sealing contact <NUM> to remain on the capsular membrane even if a handpiece of the device <NUM> is rotated or translated by an operator of the device <NUM>. The tapered edge <NUM> may facilitate the placement of the compliant skirt <NUM> under the iris, e.g., for procedures involving small pupils. In some embodiments, the tapered edge <NUM> is where a mold parting line is located. The distance between the tapered edge <NUM> and the sealing contact <NUM> may be such that flash from the molding process is not long enough to reach the sealing contact <NUM>. For example, a flash| up to <NUM> long will not get between the seal and the capsule and cause a leak.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the proximity of the cutting element <NUM> to the suction cup <NUM> may help ensure that only inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM> is in physical contract with the tissue being excised (e.g., a capsular membrane). For example, the cutting element may be coupled to a surface of the suction cup such only the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element is in contact with the tissue being excised. In these embodiments, upon application of suction to the suction cup <NUM>, the outer diameter of the cutting element <NUM> is not in physical contact with the tissue being excised. In these embodiments, the outer diameter of the cutting element <NUM> affects tissue excision remotely through conduction. For example, the outer diameter of the cutting element <NUM> may be located at a sufficient distance from the capsular membrane to remotely affect the capsular membrane by a temperature change. The temperature change may assist in the creation of a consistent rolled edge, discussed below with reference to <FIG>. In other embodiments, the coupling of the cutting element <NUM> and suction cup <NUM> may be configured such that the outer bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element excises the tissue, both the inner bottom edge <NUM> and outer bottom edge <NUM> excise the tissue, or any other suitable portion of the cutting element <NUM> excises the tissue.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of the device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cutting element <NUM> and electrical leads 120A, 120B are installed. In some embodiments, the electrical leads are electrically insulated silver wires (e.g., <NUM>-micron thick layer of polyimide). In some embodiments, the electrical leads 120A, 120B are pushed back near the top of the interior flow chamber to be out of the way of the cutting edge (e.g., the inner bottom edge <NUM>) of the cutting element <NUM>.

The suction cup <NUM> shown includes one or more features. Features shown may include hollow standoffs, such as hollow standoff <NUM>, and aiming guides, such as aiming guide <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the hollow standoffs are placed on an inner surface of the suction cup <NUM>. The hollow standoffs prevent the central portion <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM> from completely sealing against the capsular membrane surface, creating channels for material flow and a uniform distribution of suction. In addition, the hollow standoffs may provide a visual indication of the suction level within the suction cup <NUM>. As suction develops, the trapped air bubble is removed from the inside of the hollow standoff. The escape of the air bubble can be used as a visual signal that adequate suction has been developed. The dimensions of the standoffs and aiming guides be varied to select one that traps air bubbles and allows escape only when the desired level of suction has been applied. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the standoffs may vary such that they provide a visual indication of different levels of suction.

In the embodiment shown, the suction cup <NUM> includes ten stand-offs. In alternative embodiments, the suction cup <NUM> may include any suitable number of standoffs, such as one standoff, five standoffs, or the like. In some embodiments, the standoffs have a high aspect ratio air traps (e.g., <NUM> diameter and <NUM> height). In alternative embodiments, the standoffs have low aspect ratio air traps, intermediate aspect ratio air traps, and the like. Further, the aspect ratio can be modified to ensure that air is always trapped. Because silicone rubber is stretchable, the standoff opening can have a smaller diameter than the trap cavity and still be moldable. Reduced diameter at the opening of the standoff may help ensure that air will be trapped until suction reaches the pressure needed for a successful capsulotomy. However, the diameter of the cavity may include smaller and/or equal dimensions as the standoff opening.

In some embodiments, the standoffs include a slot, e.g., slot <NUM>. The slots face away from the stem <NUM> and/or suction tubes <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the slots may face the stem and/or suction tubes <NUM>, each slot may face a different direction, or the like. The slots may be modified to let air out at different levels of suction.

The placement of the capsulotomy at a precise location on the surface of the lens is critical as off-centered capsulotomies may provide less IOL stability and poorer IOL optical performance. The operator may use a number of different surgical landmarks to center the capsulotomy. These include the positions of certain Purkinje images or light reflections that may be used to indicate the position of the patient's visual axis. An automated capsulotomy device, such as device <NUM> should allow easy centration of the cutting element <NUM> aligned with such Purkinje images. In the device <NUM> shown, the alignment of the center of the suction cup <NUM> with a desired surgical landmark such as a Purkinje light reflection is assisted by the placement of aiming guides, such aiming guide <NUM>, near the center of the suction cup <NUM>. Aiming guides may have various geometric shapes and assist in the operator's visual recognition of the location of the center of the suction cup <NUM> and / or the cutting element <NUM>. Aiming guides may be manufactured onto the suction cup <NUM> using silicone micro-molding techniques that are well known in the art.

Once the desired alignment of the suction cup <NUM> has been identified, the initiation of suction must not cause a substantial shift in the position of the cutting element <NUM>, which may result in an off-centered capsulotomy. Undesirable movement of the cutting element <NUM> can occur if the cutting element <NUM> is merely inserted into holes in the suction cup <NUM> that do not completely constrain cutting element <NUM> movements as the suction cup <NUM> reduces its internal volume under suction. To prevent undesirable movement, the cutting element <NUM> may be physically bonded to the suction cup <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The cutting element <NUM> consists of a conductive metal and the suction cup <NUM> may consist of silicone and thus are made as two separate parts. Hollow pockets, such as pocket <NUM> are disposed in the suction cup <NUM> to accept one or more tabs protruding from the cutting element <NUM>. During manufacture, the tabs are placed within the corresponding hollow pockets and silicone is deposited into the hollow pockets to secure the attachment tabs in place. In some embodiments, the silicone is potted from the topside of the suction cup <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the silicone is potted from the bottom side of the suction cup <NUM>. For example, during bottom potting, liquid silicone may be dispensed in each pocket. The cutting element <NUM> is then brought to the suction cup <NUM>, the electrical leads 120A, 120B are fed through the lumen of the stem <NUM>, and the attachment tabs are submerged in the liquid silicone in the potting pockets. The assembly may then be heated to cure the silicone. In some embodiments, the pockets include a thin membrane that prevents the liquid silicone from getting onto the cutting element <NUM>. The thin membrane may be pierced by the attachment tabs as the attachment tabs are placed into the hollow pockets.

<FIG> illustrates the path of electrical current flow (i) within the cutting element <NUM>. Upon entering the cutting element <NUM> through an electrical lead 120A, a portion of the current, such as one half of the current (i<NUM>/<NUM>), travels along one half of the cutting element <NUM>, while another portion of the current, such as the other half of the current (i<NUM>/<NUM>), travels along the other half of the cutting element <NUM>. Current then exits the cutting element <NUM> at the other electrical lead 120B. Due to the electrical resistance of the cutting element <NUM>, the current flow causes a rapid increase in the temperature of the cutting element <NUM>. Because of the rapid increase in temperature, the water molecules near or adjacent to the cutting element <NUM> and the tissue being excised vaporize rapidly and mechanically fracture the tissue along the path dictated by the portion of tissue being excised.

<FIG> illustrate steps for using the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, according to one embodiment. <FIG> a cross-section of the device <NUM> in close proximity to the capsular membrane <NUM> that encloses the lens capsule <NUM>. In the cross-section shown, the suction cup <NUM> has a flow channel where the silicone is arched and thick enough to prevent collapse when the suction is applied, e.g., along tapered circumferential suction chamber <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM>. The standoffs, such as standoff <NUM>, keep the flow path under the center of the membrane open during suction. The body of the cutting element <NUM> illustrated has a rectangular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the cutting element <NUM> may be any suitable shape, such as conical, elliptical, and the like.

The sealing contact <NUM> of the skirt <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM> comes into close proximity to the capsular membrane <NUM> which encloses the lens <NUM>. An operator of the device centers the device <NUM> on the patient's visual axis. Once centered, the rigid extender has been retracted from its extended position such that the end of the rigid extender is in the neck <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The rigidity of the rigid extender enables the operator to position the suction cup <NUM> on the visual axis over a large range of anterior chamber depth, ACD, (e.g., ACD <NUM> to <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates the deformation of the lens <NUM> and suction cup <NUM> that occur when suction is applied to the suction cup <NUM>. The suction forces pull the capsular membrane <NUM> inside the suction cup <NUM> and establish a contact force against the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>. Concurrently, a surface of the suction cup <NUM> is pulled against the outer surface of the cutting element <NUM>. The skirt <NUM> of the suction cup <NUM> prevents contact between the capsular membrane and the outer bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM> to limit cutting to the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, cutting may occur at the outer bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>, at both the inner bottom edge <NUM> and outer bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>, or the like.

A small volume <NUM> is created such that liquid there is trapped between the capsular membrane <NUM>, cutting element <NUM>, and suction cup <NUM>. The stretching force from suction causes capsular membrane <NUM> to develop significant tensile stress. There is a tensile stress concentration where the capsular membrane <NUM> is in contact with the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>. Since this tensile stress is built up prior to the electrical discharge that makes the cut, it is already there waiting to act at the instant that the discharge occurs, and a brief flash of heat is added. In some embodiments, small volume <NUM> separating the outer diameter of the cutting element <NUM> and the capsular membrane <NUM> is sufficiently small that it allows the cutting element <NUM> to remotely cause a temperature change in the capsular membrane <NUM> from a distance to aid in the capsular roll up after the cutting procedure is complete.

<FIG> illustrates the condition when the electrical discharge is occurring through the cutting element <NUM>. Within the first few microseconds of the cutting event, the cutting element <NUM> heats up to a temperature hotter than the critical temperature of water. As a result, the water molecules located within a few microns of the cutting element <NUM> vaporize. The steam within the trapped small volume <NUM> cannot escape during this short time, so the pressure in the trapped small volume <NUM> rises. The increase in pressure results in the change of curvature that appears in the capsular membrane <NUM>. This may also cause a change in volume of the small volume <NUM>.

At the same time, heat is flowing from the cutting element <NUM> into the capsular membrane <NUM> at the point of contact with the cutting element <NUM> (e.g., the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>). As heat flows into the collagen at the point of contact between the capsular membrane <NUM> and the cutting element <NUM>, the capsular membrane <NUM> weakens. Due to the symmetry of the device <NUM>, equal forces and temperatures are exerted across the circumference of the cutting element <NUM> in contact with the capsular membrane <NUM>. When the strength of the capsular membrane <NUM> is less than the forces acting to tear it, the capsular membrane <NUM> breaks. The forces acting to tear the capsular membrane <NUM> may arise from <NUM>) the tensile stress from the suction being applied, and/or <NUM>) the increasing pressure in the small volume <NUM> as a result of the steam heating up.

Because the cutting event, occurs on the millisecond time scale (e.g., <NUM> millisecond to <NUM> milliseconds), it is the inertia of the surrounding mass of material that confines the steam. It would take a great force to accelerate the surrounding mass of material during this brief time interval. During the millisecond time interval, the steam pressure builds, the material will start to move, but the capsulotomy is done by then. For example, the electrical discharge may consist of <NUM> pulses, <NUM> microseconds on, <NUM> microseconds off, for a total time of <NUM> milliseconds. This may not be enough time for the mass of material to accelerate and move. Note that the cutting of different thickness capsules or other tissues may be performed by altering the number of pulses, duration of each pulse, interpulse interval, and energy per pulse. In addition, the width of the bottom aspect of the cutting ring may be adjusted to change the spatial extent of remote temperature effects such as the roll up.

<FIG> illustrates the pullback <NUM> of the stretched capsular membrane <NUM> from the inner bottom edge <NUM> of the cutting element <NUM>, which occurs after the electrical discharge has completed. In some embodiments, there is little inertial mass involved in this movement.

<FIG> illustrates the edges of the capsular membrane <NUM> roll up as edges cool. The edges of the capsular membrane <NUM> roll up because the heating method employed by the device <NUM> creates a temperature gradient through the thickness of the capsular membrane <NUM>. As discussed with respect to <FIG>, the outer surface of the capsular membrane <NUM> will receive heat from the cutting element <NUM> through the steam that contacts it, such as the steam confined within the small volume <NUM>. The heat causes the collagen to shrink. The collagen shrinks more at the outer surface 305A of the capsular membrane <NUM> than at the inner surface 305B of the capsular membrane <NUM> because the cutting event is too brief for significant heat to get through the steam layer and shrink the inner surface 305B of the capsular membrane <NUM> as much the outer surface 305A. This creates a tensile stress gradient through the thickness of the capsular membrane <NUM> as it cools down. The shrinkage of the collagen in the top layer pulls the edge in so it rolls up. The edge of the capsular bag can only roll up until it contacts the bottom of the cutting element <NUM> and/or the suction cup <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the flow direction <NUM> of the fluid release that is performed to disengage suction and lift the suction cup <NUM> off the lens <NUM>. Because the edge of the capsular bag is rolled up against the bottom of the cutting element <NUM> and suction cup <NUM>, the flow at that location goes between the capsular membrane <NUM> and the lens <NUM>. This performs a hydrodissection to separate capsular membrane <NUM> from the lens <NUM>.

As the fluid release progresses, the edge of the capsular bag is still rolled up against the bottom of the suction cup <NUM>, so fluid is still being directed between the capsular membrane <NUM> and the lens <NUM> to complete the hydrodissection. In some embodiments, the fluid release is performed rapidly (e.g., <NUM> seconds or less). If the release flow is fast enough, inertia of the surrounding fluid above the suction cup <NUM> may delay it rising long enough for the release flow to follow the path of the hydrodissection rather than simply floating off the suction cup <NUM>. Once the edge of the capsule bag is no longer held down by the suction cup <NUM>, the capsular bag is free to roll up under the influence of the surface stress induced by the flash of heat that came to it during the cutting event.

<FIG> illustrates an example system <NUM> for performing a capsulotomy. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> operates in cooperation with a phacomachine <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a microsurgical device <NUM>, a converter <NUM>, and an interface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may include different and/or additional components. Functionality described in conjunction with one or more of the components shown in <FIG> may be distributed among the components in different manner than described in conjunction with <FIG> in some embodiments. For example, the converter <NUM> may be a separate device from the microsurgical device <NUM>; alternatively, some or all of the functionality of the converter <NUM> may be integrated with the microsurgical device <NUM>. In another example, both the converter <NUM> and the interface <NUM> may be integrated with the microsurgical device <NUM>.

The microsurgical device <NUM> is configured for cutting tissue to perform a capsulotomy. The microsurgical device <NUM> may include all or part of the components in the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the microsurgical device <NUM> includes at least a cutting element <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, and a control console <NUM>. The cutting element <NUM> may be an elastic ring coupled to the stem <NUM>. The cutting element <NUM> includes a conductive surface on the bottom of the cutting element <NUM>, which is configured to cut tissue through application of electrical current as downward pressure is applied on the elastic ring via the suction cup. The control console <NUM> is configured to drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring.

The converter <NUM> is electrically coupled to the microsurgical device <NUM>. In some examples, the converter <NUM> may be coupled to the control console <NUM> of the microsurgical device <NUM>. The converter <NUM> is also coupled to the interface <NUM> which is further connected to the phacomachine <NUM>. In this way, the converter <NUM> detects a pulse of air from the phacomachine <NUM> via the interface <NUM> and produces an electrical signal based on the detected pulse of air. The produced electrical signal is then sent to the control console <NUM> to drive the electrical pulses for the cutting element <NUM> to perform a tissue cutting operation. The converter <NUM> may detect the number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air, and produce electrical signals correspondingly.

In some embodiments, the converter <NUM> may include an air sensor for detecting the pulse of air from the phacomachine <NUM>. The air sensor may detect the air pressure, or a change of air pressure applied by the pulse of air. In some embodiments, the converter <NUM> may include a transducer for converting the detected air pressure (or change of air pressure) to electrical signals as an output. One or more air pulses can be sensed by the air sensor and used by the transducer to produce electrical signals to trigger the delivery of the capsulotomy electrical pulses to perform the lens capsulotomy. All of the parts of the converter <NUM> may reside outside of the control console <NUM>. Alternatively, some of the components (e.g., transducer) may be integral components of and located inside the control console <NUM>. In some examples, the converter <NUM> and interface <NUM> are integrated with the microsurgical device <NUM>, the air sensor and/or the transducer may be located anywhere from the interface <NUM> to the control console <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> connects between the phacomachine <NUM> and the converter <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may include a connector that connects to the air port of the phacomachine <NUM>. The interface <NUM> is configured to couple to an air port (e.g., vitrectomy air pulse port) of the phacomachine <NUM> to deliver the air pulses received from the phacomachine <NUM> to the converter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may include air lines, fluid lines, and/or connectors that connect to other ports of the phacomachine <NUM>, such as suction, irrigation, etc. In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may be integrated with the converter <NUM>, and/or further integrated with the control console <NUM> of the microsurgical device <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may allow for the capsulotomy system <NUM> to be attached to the side of phacomachine <NUM>, without any change in floor footprint.

In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may further include electronic components, user interface, etc. so that the interface <NUM> functionally integrate the capsulotomy system <NUM> and the phacomachine <NUM>. The capsulotomy system <NUM> may be controlled by the phacomachine <NUM>, and the operations on the phacomachine <NUM> may be delivered to the capsulotomy system <NUM>. For example, one or more functions of the phacomachine <NUM> are often performed and controlled by an operator operating a multifunctional phacomachine foot pedal <NUM>. Operations of the capsulotomy system <NUM> via the phacomachine <NUM> may also be achieved through the use of the foot pedal <NUM>. For instance, depressing the foot pedal <NUM> to a pre-determined level initiates a suction function of the microsurgical device <NUM>. Depressing a side switch on the foot pedal <NUM> or depressing the foot pedal <NUM> to a second pre-determined level may trigger the air pulse to deliver the electrical signals for performing capsulotomy cutting. When the foot pedal <NUM> is released, a suction vent function may be performed, e.g., to release the suction cup <NUM> from a capsule of an eye, which may be facilitated by fluid delivery into the suction cup. The foot pedal may be used to control the delivery of air pulses from the phacomachine's vitrector port, including the number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air.

In some embodiments, with the interface <NUM>, an operator may control all aspects of a capsulotomy procedure using the foot pedal <NUM>, including suction, irrigation, aspiration, tissue cutting, etc. The operator initiates suction by depressing the foot pedal <NUM> to the appropriate position. The operator can quickly discontinue suction and/or abort the procedure by lifting the foot from the foot pedal <NUM>. The operator can perform a tissue cutting operation (i.e., deliver energy) by depressing a pre-programmed treadle or side switch on the foot pedal. In some examples, the operator can deliver irrigation through a tip of the microsurgical device <NUM> to open an incision and assist in insertion of the microsurgical device <NUM> by depressing the foot pedal <NUM>. The operator may release the suction cup <NUM> from the capsule, if needed, by activating phacomachine fluid reflux with the side switch on the foot pedal <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the capsulotomy system <NUM> may further includes a cassette that can be inserted into the control console <NUM> to increase efficiency and security of the suction tubing and electrical connections. Additional operations may also involve the use of the cassette inserted into the control console <NUM> to facilitate various aspects of suction, venting of suction, surgical intraocular irrigation, irrigation for tenting the corneal incision to facilitate capsulotomy tip entry, push-rod retraction, energy pulse delivery during capsulotomy while ensuring fluidic isolation, etc..

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for using a capsulotomy system to perform a capsulotomy. The capsulotomy system may be the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>; alternatively, the capsulotomy system may be an integrated system including the microsurgical device <NUM>, the converter <NUM> and the interface <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The steps shown in <FIG> may be performed in cooperation of a phacomachine. Other entities may perform some or all of the steps in <FIG>. Illustrative methods may include different and/or additional steps, or perform the steps in different orders.

An operator places <NUM> a suction cup on a target position of an eye of a patient. The microsurgical device includes a suction cup that is configured to provide a water-tight seal between the edges of the suction and the tissue being excised. The target position of the eye may be the tissue to be excised, for example, lens capsule, corneal tissue, connective tissue, etc..

The operator operates to form <NUM> a suction seal by evacuating the material under the suction cup thereby causing a partially collapsed suction cup. The microsurgical device includes one or more suction tubes connected to the suction cup and configured to provide suction to the suction cup by evacuating the material under the suction cup thereby causing a partially collapsed suction cup and a suction seal. In some embodiments, the suction tubes may be connected to a control console of the capsulotomy system with a suction connector, and the control console provides the suction power to the suction cup via the suction tubes. Alternatively, the suction tubes and the tube connecter may connect to the phacomachine which provides the suction power to the suction cup. The operator may operate the control console and/or the phacomachine to form the suction seal. Additionally, the capsulotomy system includes an interface display that allows the user to monitor and control the suction process.

The operator proceeds to send <NUM> a pulse of air from the phacomachine to initiate a tissue cutting operation. Operations of the phacomachine may be achieved through the use of a foot pedal. By depressing a side switch on the foot pedal or depressing the foot pedal to a second pre-determined level, the operator can generate the pulse of air. Air pulses can also be delivered by the phacomachine through touch screen operation or other methods such as a remote control.

The converter of the capsulotomy system detects <NUM> the pulse of air from the phacomachine via the interface of the capsulotomy system. The interface is coupled to an air port of the phacomachine, and the pulse of air is sent via an air line to a converter of the capsulotomy system. The converter may detect the number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air.

The converter produces <NUM> an electrical signal based on the detected pulse of air. The converter may produce electrical signals corresponding to the detected number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air. In some embodiments, the converter may include an air sensor for detecting and convert the detected air pressure to electrical signals as an output to the control console.

In response to the received electrical signal, the control console of the capsulotomy system drives <NUM> a series of electrical pulses based on the electrical signal. In some embodiments, the capsulotomy system may generate the series of electrical pulses corresponding to the electrical signal so that the series of electrical pulses are associated with the number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air. The control console drives the electrical energies through a conductive surface of the cutting element (e.g., an elastic ring) of the capsulotomy system to perform a tissue cutting operation (e.g., capsulotomy).

With the interface and the converter of the capsulotomy system, full control of all aspects of the capsulotomy procedure may be achieved by the operator using the phacomachine's foot pedal. The capsulotomy system and the phacomachine can be programmed at the operator's discretion to automate certain aspects of the capsulotomy procedure, thus, improving ergonomic efficiency in the operating room and ease of operation to enhance clinical outcome and patient safety.

<FIG> illustrates another example system <NUM> for performing a capsulotomy. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> operates in cooperation with a phacomachine <NUM>. The system <NUM> is similar to the microsurgical device <NUM> as described in former sections and as shown in <FIG>. The system <NUM> may be a modified microsurgical device <NUM> that is configured to provide irrigation and/or aspiration functions in a capsulotomy. Similar to the microsurgical device <NUM>, the system <NUM> may include all or part of the components in the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes at least a cutting element <NUM>, a suction cup <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, a control console <NUM>, a tube interface <NUM> and one or more tube connectors <NUM>. Functionality described in conjunction with one or more of the components shown in <FIG> may be distributed among the components in different manner than described in conjunction with <FIG> in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may include different and/or additional components. For example, the system <NUM> may further include the converter <NUM> and the interface <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to integrate the control of the system <NUM> and the phacomachine <NUM>.

The cutting element <NUM> may be an elastic ring coupled to the stem <NUM>. The cutting element <NUM> includes a conductive surface on the bottom of the cutting element <NUM>, which is configured to cut tissue through application of electrical current as downward pressure is applied onto the elastic ring as the contents of the suction cup is evacuated by suction. The suction cup <NUM> is configured to provide a water-tight seal between the edges of the suction and the tissue being excised. The suction cup <NUM> and cutting element <NUM> are located at a distal end of the stem <NUM>.

The tube interface <NUM> is configured to couple to a fluid line of the phacomachine <NUM> to receive an irrigation fluid from the phacomachine <NUM>. One end of the tube interface <NUM> may connect with one or more ports of the phacomachine <NUM> by the one or more tube connectors <NUM>; and the other end of the tube interface <NUM> may be coupled to the stem <NUM>.

The capsulotomy system <NUM> is configured to deliver the received irrigation fluid into a space between the suction cup <NUM> and a surface of an eye so as to provide the irrigation function. For example, fluid channels in the stem <NUM> may deliver the fluid into a space, e.g., an anterior chamber of the eye to maintain the pressure within the anterior chamber. In another example, the fluid channels in the stem <NUM> may deliver the fluid into a space between a top surface of the suction cup <NUM> and an inside surface of an eye. The capsulotomy system <NUM> may be configured to remove a portion of the material or fluid under the suction cup <NUM> with aspiration power to perform a suction operation. In this way, the pressure between the suction cup <NUM> and the surface of the eye decreases, and a suction seal forms between the suction cup <NUM> and the surface of the eye. Then the control console <NUM> may drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring to perform a tissue cutting operation as needed. In some embodiments, after the suction seal is formed, the user may break the suction seal by delivering additional irrigation fluid into the suction cup <NUM> and the surface of the eye. In this way, the suction cup <NUM> may be movable relative to the eye, and a new suction seal may be reformed at a desired location. With the irrigation and aspiration function, the operator may use the capsulotomy system <NUM> to remove or dilute the viscous OVD present under the suction cup <NUM>, lift the suction cup <NUM> off the capsule with reverse suction, or re-position the capsulotomy in a different location on the capsule. In some examples, the irrigation and aspiration functions may help remove the trapped air bubbles in a microsurgical device, an anterior chamber, a surgical setup before or during the capsulotomy process. In some embodiments, the control console <NUM> of the system <NUM> may be integrated with the phacomachine <NUM> in a similar way as shown in <FIG>. In this way, all aspects of a capsulotomy procedure, such as, suction, irrigation, aspiration, tissue cutting, etc., may be controlled using the phacomachine <NUM> and its foot pedal <NUM>.

Referring back to the tube interface <NUM>, the tube interface <NUM> may be configured differently based on the functions it includes. In one example, the system <NUM> includes separate fluid delivery and suction tubes and fluid delivery and suction connectors (e.g., the suction tube <NUM> and the suction connector <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The fluid tube of the tube <NUM> is configured to receive the irrigation fluid from the fluid line of the phacomachine <NUM>. The fluid tube <NUM> and the suction tube may connect to a proximal end of the stem <NUM> at a same connection point. Inside the stem <NUM>, the suction tube and the fluid tube share the same channel that is coupled to the suction cup <NUM>. In this way, the irrigation and aspiration functions are controlled separately and used alternatively.

In another example, the suction tube and the fluid tube in the tube interface <NUM> may connect to the stem <NUM> at different connection points. For example, the suction tube and the fluid tube may be connected to the opposite ends of the stem <NUM>. While the suction tube connects to a proximal end of the stem <NUM>, the fluid tube of the tube interface <NUM> may connect to a distal end of the stem <NUM>. The connection point of the fluid tube is closer to the suction cup <NUM> compared to the suction tube connection point at the stem <NUM>. The suction tube and the fluid tube still share the same inlet/outlet opening in the suction cup <NUM>.

In still another example, the irrigation fluid enters the suction cup <NUM> through its own inlet (i.e., irrigation inlet), and the suction/aspiration fluid exits the suction cup <NUM> through another outlet (i.e., aspiration outlet). The irrigation inlet and aspiration outlet do not share the same opening. They may also be of any shape or size and located anywhere in the suction cup that is appropriate for the necessary irrigation flux and aspiration flux during operation of the capsulotomy.

In some embodiments, the irrigation inlet may be a slit opening within the suction cup <NUM>. Due to its slit geometry and the durometer of the silicone used in suction cup molding, the irrigation inlet may be normally in a "closed" state. During application of suction, the irrigation opening further closes as the suction cup <NUM> may have a tendency to collapse under the suction pressure. When irrigation is desired, the pressure generated by the incoming irrigation fluid that is pushed forward by a remotely located force generation mechanism for example, in the phacomachine, causes the irrigation opening to open and allow inflow of irrigation fluid. The aspiration may or may not be functioned at the same time. If aspiration/suction is activated at the same time as the irrigation function, as long as the entry of irrigation fluid is greater than outflow, there will be net entry of irrigation fluid under the suction cup <NUM>. With this configuration, both aspiration and irrigation functions may be operated at the same time. Depending on which flow is greater, net aspiration or net irrigation can be achieved. Additionally, upon disengagement of the suction cup <NUM> from the capsule post capsulotomy, any OVD or debris may remain in the aspiration line and may not be pushed back into the anterior chamber when the irrigation is applied. The debris remains in the aspiration line since a dedicated irrigation inlet into the suction cup <NUM> may be used to use irrigation fluid to help lift the suction cup <NUM> off the capsule.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for using a capsulotomy system to perform a capsulotomy. The capsulotomy system may be the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The steps shown in <FIG> may be performed in cooperation with a phacomachine. Other entities may perform some or all of the steps in <FIG> Illustrative methods may include different and/or additional steps, or perform the steps in different orders.

An operator places <NUM> a suction cup on a target position of an eye of a patient. The capsulotomy system includes a suction cup that is configured to provide a water-tight seal between the edges of the suction and the tissue being excised. The suction cup is coupled to an elastic ring which includes a conductive surface for cutting tissue. The target position of the eye may be the tissue to be excised, for example, lens capsule, corneal tissue, connective tissue, etc..

The capsulotomy system receives <NUM> fluid from a fluid line of a phacomachine. The capsulotomy system includes an interface that is coupled to the fluid line of the phacomachine so that the capsulotomy system receives the fluid from the phacomachine via the interface. The fluid may be used for irrigation or other purposes.

The capsulotomy system <NUM> delivers the received fluid into a space between the suction cup and a surface of the eye. The space may be an anterior chamber of the eye. Alternatively, the space may be between a top surface of the suction cup <NUM> and an inside surface of an eye. In some embodiments, the fluid is injected into the anterior chamber to maintain the pressure within the anterior chamber.

The capsulotomy system forms <NUM> a suction seal by removing a portion of the fluid or material from under the suction cup. The phacomachine's aspiration function can be used by the capsulotomy system to remove a portion of the fluid with a suction power to perform an aspiration operation. The aspiration operation causes the pressure between the suction cup and the surface of the eye decrease to form the suction seal.

In some embodiments, the system may use the delivered fluid as irrigation fluid to remove or dilute the viscous OVD present under the suction cup. In some other embodiments, the system may deliver fluid to reverse the suction, lift the suction cup off the capsule, and/or re-position the capsulotomy in a different location on the capsule. Additionally, the system may use the fluid to remove the trapped air bubbles in the capsulotomy system, anterior chamber, during surgical setup before or during the capsulotomy process.

After the suction seal is formed, the capsulotomy system drives <NUM> a series of electrical pulses through the elastic ring to perform the capsulotomy. In some embodiments, the capsulotomy system may generate the series of electrical pulses corresponding to the electrical signal so that the series of electrical pulses are associated with the number of air pulses, duration of each pulse of air, time interval between the air pulses, and/or magnitude of each pulse of air. In some embodiments, the control console of the capsulotomy system may be integrated with the controller (e.g., a foot pedal) of a phacomachine, and full control of all aspects of the capsulotomy procedure may be achieved by the operator using the phacomachine foot pedal.

Depending on the configuration of the capsulotomy system, the method <NUM> for using the capsulotomy system may include different and/or additional steps and/or repeat steps. For example, the user may desire to re-position the suction cup and create the capsulotomy at a different location on a surface of the eye. In this case, there is an initial suction performed using aspiration followed by fluid delivery to reverse suction and push the suction cup off the surface of the eye. This will be followed by a re-positioning of the suction cup, followed by a repeat of suction using the aspiration function.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for performing a capsulotomy, comprising:
an elastic ring (<NUM>) for cutting tissue, the elastic ring (<NUM>) comprising a conductive surface on a bottom of the elastic ring (<NUM>);
an interface (<NUM>) configured to couple to an air port of a phacomachine (<NUM>); a converter (<NUM>) configured to:
detect a pulse of air from the phacomachine (<NUM>) via the interface (<NUM>); and
in response to detecting the pulse of air, produce an electrical signal; and
a control console (<NUM>) configured to: in response to receiving the electrical signal, drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring (<NUM>), causing the elastic ring (<NUM>) to perform a tissue cutting operation.