Disclosed is a surgical instrument for cataract eye surgery. The instrument generally includes a handpiece that delivers sub-ultrasonic and ultrasonic vibrations in either a steady-state emulsification mode or with on-off pulses that dynamically drives a hollow needle in either a pulsed fragmentation mode or a pulsed emulsification mode. The pulsed fragmentation mode is efficient at cutting lens tissue and the pulsed emulsification mode is efficient and emulsifying the cut lands tissue. The pulsed modes manage heat buildup from becoming excessive in the eye during the cataract surgery. While in the pulsed fragmentation mode, the hollow needle is never given the chance to vibrate at an established resonant frequency of the handpiece due to the short on-off period. In contrast, the pulsed emulsification mode has a long enough on-off period to permit an ultrasonic resonant frequency in the handpiece to develop thereby driving the hollow needle at a higher energy than the pulsed fragmentation mode.

Techniques for automated rotation of a needle in a computer-assisted system include an end effector having a drive mechanism configured to be coupled to a curved needle and configured to rotationally actuate the curved needle along an arcuate path and a control unit coupled to the drive mechanism. The control unit is configured to, in response to receiving a first input, cause the drive mechanism to rotationally actuate the curved needle by a first preset rotation amount along the arcuate path, and, in response to receiving a second input, cause the drive mechanism to rotationally actuate the curved needle by a second preset rotation amount along the arcuate path.

A method and system for controlling an ultrasonically driven handpiece employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The method includes operating the ultrasonically driven handpiece in a first tip displacement mode, such as a longitudinal mode according to a first set of operational parameters, and enabling a user to alter the ultrasonically driven handpiece to employ a second tip displacement mode, such as a transversal or torsional mode, using a second set of operational parameters. Enabling the user to alter performance of the handpiece comprises the user being enabled to dynamically select operational parameters for the first tip displacement mode relative to the second tip displacement mode by using, for example, a switching apparatus such as a footpedal.

A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

A foot pedal device configured to provide force feedback to an operator during ophthalmic surgery is described. The foot pedal device includes a processor and a memory containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to transmit, in response to a movement of a moveable member, a control signal to a surgical console for initiating an action of an ophthalmic surgery tool coupled with the surgical console. The foot pedal device includes a force feedback mechanism configured to selectively apply a resistance force in opposition to the movement of the movable member. The memory contains instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, from the surgical console, a trigger signal, and send a force feedback signal to the force feedback mechanism. The force feedback mechanism is configured to apply the resistance force to the movable member upon receiving the force feedback signal.

A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Techniques for automated rotation of a needle in a computer-assisted system include an end effector having a drive mechanism configured to be coupled to a curved needle and configured to rotationally actuate the curved needle along an arcuate path and a control unit coupled to the drive mechanism. The control unit is configured to, in response to receiving a first input, cause the drive mechanism to rotationally actuate the curved needle by a first preset rotation amount along the arcuate path, and, in response to receiving a second input, cause the drive mechanism to rotationally actuate the curved needle by a second preset rotation amount along the arcuate path.

A thermal system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.

Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width. A control system and pulse duty cycle is provided for controlling the off duty cycle to insure heat dissipation before a subsequent pulse is activated, including a foot pedal switch.