Alcon Inc.
VACUUM-ASSISTED FORCEPS FOR OPHTHALMIC PROCEDURES

Abstract:

The present disclosure generally relates to ophthalmic surgical instruments for use in membrane peeling procedures for the treatment of macular surface diseases. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes an actuation handle, an actuation tube, and forceps. The forceps include a shaft disposed within the actuation tube and forceps jaws extending from a distal end of the shaft. The forceps jaws may be configured to grasp a membrane, such as ILM or ERM, and further include one or more transverse perforations disposed in gripping surfaces thereof. A vacuum source is fluidly coupled to the forceps to provide vacuum suction through the perforations for increased holding force during membrane peeling.