Alcon Inc.
LASER VITRECTOMY AND ILLUMINATION PROBE

Abstract:

The present disclosure generally relates to microsurgical instruments for ophthalmic surgical procedures, and more particularly, microsurgical instruments having combined illumination and laser vitrectomy functions. In some embodiments, a surgical instrument includes a base and a probe having a main lumen and a port at a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the probe may further include one or more optical fibers within the main lumen and configured to project laser light and illumination light. According to some embodiments, as soon as vitreous material is drawn into the probe, e.g., through the port, the vitreous material passes through a volume irradiated by the laser light emitted by the optical fibers, thus severing the vitreous material. Simultaneously, the illumination light provides enhanced visualization of the intraocular space during severance and removal of the vitreous material.