Automated free flow mechanism for use in phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the eye

Claim 1

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the ultrasonic surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the ultrasonic surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a third line having a first end connected to the evacuation line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.

Claim 2

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the ultrasonic surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the ultrasonic surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a third line having a first end connected to the evacuation line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.

Claim 6

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a third line having a first end connected to the evacuation line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.

Claim 7

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a third line having a first end connected to the evacuation line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.

Claim 13

The apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end connected through the vacuum pump and leading into a collection container; a free flow line connected at one end to the evacuation line at a location between the surgical handpiece and the vacuum pump, the other end of the free flow line being directed into the collection container; a free flow valve, located along the free flow line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the free flow line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container.

Claim 14

The apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end connected through the vacuum pump and leading into a collection container; a free flow line connected at one end to the evacuation line at a location between the surgical handpiece and the vacuum pump, the other end of the free flow line being directed into the collection container; a free flow valve, located along the free flow line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the free flow line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container.

Claim 24

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic handpiece for insertion into the eye, the ultrasonic handpiece having a first evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for emulsifying the cataract lens; an irrigation and aspiration handpiece for insertion into the eye after the cataract lens has been emulsified, the irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a second evacuation port at a first end thereof; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to one of the ultrasonic handpiece and the irrigation and aspiration handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to one of the ultrasonic handpiece and the irrigation and aspiration handpiece at the corresponding evacuation port, and a second end connected through the vacuum pump and leading into a collection container; a free flow line connected at one end to the evacuation line at a location between the surgical handpiece and the vacuum pump, the other end of the free flow line being directed into the collection container; a free flow valve, located along the free flow line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the free flow line, wherein, the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container.

Claim 25

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic handpiece for insertion into the eye, the ultrasonic handpiece having a first evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for emulsifying the cataract lens; an irrigation and aspiration handpiece for insertion into the eye after the cataract lens has been emulsified, the irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a second evacuation port at a first end thereof; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to one of the ultrasonic handpiece and the irrigation and aspiration handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to one of the ultrasonic handpiece and the irrigation and aspiration handpiece at the corresponding evacuation port, and a second end connected through the vacuum pump and leading into a collection container; a free flow line connected at one end to the evacuation line at a location between the surgical handpiece and the vacuum pump, the other end of the free flow line being directed into the collection container; a free flow valve, located along the free flow line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the free flow line, wherein, the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container.

Claim 43

A method for removing particles from the surface of the lens using a phacoemulsification machine, comprising the steps of: inserting a handpiece, capable of phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration into an eye, the handpiece being attached to an infusion reservoir via an infusion line, the handpiece further being attached to a vacuum pump via an evacuation line; placing the infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid above the level of both the eye and an outer of the evacuation line; opening an infusion line valve located along the infusion line to control the flow in infusion fluid therethrough; opening a free flow valve located along the evacuation line between the eye and the vacuum pump, so that relative higher position of the infusion reservoir with respect to the evacuation line causes infusion fluid to flow from the infusion reservoir, through the eye and through the evacuation line.

Claim 44

A method for removing particles from the surface of the lens using a phacoemulsification machine, comprising the steps of: inserting a handpiece, capable of phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration into an eye, the handpiece being attached to an infusion reservoir via an infusion line, the handpiece further being attached to a vacuum pump via an evacuation line; placing the infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid above the level of both the eye and an outer of the evacuation line; opening an infusion line valve located along the infusion line to control the flow in infusion fluid therethrough; opening a free flow valve located along the evacuation line between the eye and the vacuum pump, so that relative higher position of the infusion reservoir with respect to the evacuation line causes infusion fluid to flow from the infusion reservoir, through the eye and through the evacuation line.

Claim 46

A method for removing particles from the surface of the lens using a phacoemulsification machine, comprising the steps of: inserting a handpiece, capable of phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration into an eye, the handpiece being attached to an infusion reservoir via an infusion line, the handpiece further being attached to a vacuum pump via an evacuation line; placing the infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid above the level of both the eye and an outlet of the evacuation line; moving a surgeon controlled foot switch located on the phacoemulsification machine into a first position in order to (1) open an infusion line valve located along the infusion line to control the flow in infusion fluid therethrough, (2) close a vent valve located along a venting line, the venting line being attached to a venting fluid reservoir, (3) close a free flow valve located along the evacuation line between the eye and the vacuum pump, and (4) turn the vacuum pump to off; moving the surgeon controlled foot switch to a second position in order to open the free flow valve, so that relative higher position of the infusion reservoir with respect to the evacuation line causes infusion fluid to flow from the infusion reservoir, through the eye and through the evacuation line; maneuvering the handpiece across the surface of the lens to remove the lens particles therefrom.

Claim 47

A method for removing particles from the surface of the lens using a phacoemulsification machine, comprising the steps of: inserting a handpiece, capable of phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration into an eye, the handpiece being attached to an infusion reservoir via an infusion line, the handpiece further being attached to a vacuum pump via an evacuation line; placing the infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid above the level of both the eye and an outlet of the evacuation line; moving a surgeon controlled foot switch located on the phacoemulsification machine into a first position in order to (1) open an infusion line valve located along the infusion line to control the flow in infusion fluid therethrough, (2) close a vent valve located along a venting line, the venting line being attached to a venting fluid reservoir, (3) close a free flow valve located along the evacuation line between the eye and the vacuum pump, and (4) turn the vacuum pump to off; moving the surgeon controlled foot switch to a second position in order to open the free flow valve, so that relative higher position of the infusion reservoir with respect to the evacuation line causes infusion fluid to flow from the infusion reservoir, through the eye and through the evacuation line; maneuvering the handpiece across the surface of the lens to remove the lens particles therefrom.

Claim 51

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a peristaltic vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end connected through the peristaltic vacuum pump and leading into a collection container, wherein infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) disengaging the peristaltic pump.

Claim 52

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an infusion valve located along the infusion line in order to control the flow of infusion fluid through the infusion line; a peristaltic vacuum pump; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end connected through the peristaltic vacuum pump and leading into a collection container, wherein infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) disengaging the peristaltic pump.

Claim 53

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end leading into an enclosed collection jar; a diaphragm vacuum pump having one end attached to the enclosed collection jar, so that when the diaphragm vacuum pump is activated a vacuum is created, thereby drawing fluid through the evacuation line and into the collection jar; and a free flow line connected to the enclosed collection jar, the free flow line containing a free flow valve, wherein fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) opening the free flow valve which effectively disengages the diaphragm pump.

Claim 54

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end leading into an enclosed collection jar; a diaphragm vacuum pump having one end attached to the enclosed collection jar, so that when the diaphragm vacuum pump is activated a vacuum is created, thereby drawing fluid through the evacuation line and into the collection jar; and a free flow line connected to the enclosed collection jar, the free flow line containing a free flow valve, wherein fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) opening the free flow valve which effectively disengages the diaphragm pump.

Claim 55

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further, the surgical handpiece providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end leading into an enclosed collection jar; a venturi vacuum pump having one end attached to the enclosed collection jar, so that when the diaphragm vacuum pump is activated a vacuum is created, thereby drawing fluid through the evacuation line and into the collection jar; and a free flow line connected to the enclosed collection jar, the free flow line containing a free flow valve, wherein fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) opening the free flow valve which effectively disengages the venturi pump.

Claim 56

An apparatus for removing particles from the surface of a lens within an eye using a phacoemulsification machine, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye, the surgical handpiece having an evacuation port at a first end thereof, and further, the surgical handpiece providing means for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration of the lens from within the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece at the evacuation port, and a second end leading into an enclosed collection jar; a venturi vacuum pump having one end attached to the enclosed collection jar, so that when the diaphragm vacuum pump is activated a vacuum is created, thereby drawing fluid through the evacuation line and into the collection jar; and a free flow line connected to the enclosed collection jar, the free flow line containing a free flow valve, wherein fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line, through the free flow line, and into the collection container, by (1) placing the infusion reservoir above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, (2) opening the infusion valve, and (3) opening the free flow valve which effectively disengages the venturi pump.

Claim 57

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, the outlet of the evacuation line is placed above the level of the eye so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a valve connecting member for connecting at least a third line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.

Claim 58

An apparatus for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration for removing a cataract lens from an eye, said apparatus comprising: a surgical handpiece for insertion into the eye; an infusion reservoir containing infusion fluid, the infusion reservoir being connected to the surgical handpiece by an infusion line; an evacuation line having a first end connected to the surgical handpiece and a second end which leads to a collection container; a free flow valve, located along the evacuation line, for controlling the flow of fluid through the evacuation line, wherein the infusion reservoir is placed above the level of the eye and the level of an outlet of the evacuation line, the outlet of the evacuation line is placed above the level of the eye so that, when the free flow valve is in the open position, infusion fluid is permitted to flow from the infusion reservoir into the eye, through the evacuation line and into the collection container; and a valve connecting member for connecting at least a third line between the handpiece and the free flow valve.