Patent ID: 8202277

Claim:
A vitrectomy instrument, comprising: a handheld substantially rigid small diameter vitrectomy instrument portion extending from a base unit, the small diameter vitrectomy instrument portion chosen from a group consisting of fiber optic devices, laser guides, suction tools, forceps, and scissors having a length and a diameter smaller than 20 gauge; a support sleeve located around an end of the vitrectomy instrument portion adjacent to the base unit, and extending from the base unit to a location along the length of the vitrectomy instrument portion, wherein a distal end of the vitrectomy instrument portion is configured to enter an eye, while the support sleeve is configured to remain outside a surface of an eye when in use, wherein the support sleeve includes a tube with a constant inner diameter that contacts an outer diameter of the vitrectomy instrument portion; wherein a level of rigidity of the small diameter vitrectomy instrument portion is enhanced by the support sleeve.