US3732858A - Apparatus for removing blood clots, cataracts and other objects from the eye - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention deals with surgical instrumentation for the removal of generally foreign objects from the eye, including blood clots and the lens of the eye, by inserting a pair of jaws for engaging the object and removing portions thereof as required by movement of the jaws relative to each other.

Description

o United States atem 1 1 1111 3,732,858 Banko 1 1 May 15, 1973 [54] APPARATUS FOR REMOVING BLOOD 2,721,555 10 1955 Jenney ..128/305 CLOTS, CATARACTS AND ()THER 3,173,414 3 1965 0011mm ..128/318 x OBJECTS FROM THE EYE 1,663,761 3/1928 Johnson ..128/305 2,790,437 4/1957 Moore 1 ..128/2 Invent Anton Bank", Brooklyn, 2,838,050 6/1958 Ara ..128/310 A I l 1 3,012,323 12/1961 Thompson ..128/276 X [73] sslgnee Corp Long Sland 3,144,868 8/1964 Jascalevich 1 ..128/276 x 3,308,828 3/1967 Pippin ..128/310 [22] Filed: Feb. 14, 1969 3,477,423 11/1969 Griffith ..128/2 pp 799,476 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Related U.S. Application Data 437,932 11/1926 Germany ..128/305 .N.6228St.1 [63] fgg ifi'gf f gg 2;? o 7 ep Primary ExaminerChanning L. Pace H Attorney-Gordon D. Coplein [52] U.S. Cl. ..128/2 B, 128/305, 128/276 51 int. Cl.....A6lb 10/00, A61b 17/32, A61m 1/00 ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search ..128/2, 276, 305, The invention deals with Surgical instrumentation for 128/3101 303'] the removal of generally foreign objects from the eye,

including blood clots and the lens of the eye, by insert- [56] References cued ing a pair of jaws for engaging the object and remov- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing portions thereof as required by movement of the jaws relative to each other. 1,493,240 Bohn ..128/305 28 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENIEDHAYISIUH $732,858

SHEET 1UF 6 05 1 ZOCUDm IXVENTOR. ANTON BANKO ATTORNEY 385. a #ia a m D m 2J wm 50m 25 5 PATENTEU MM 1 5:915

SHEET 2 OF 6 IXVEXTOR. ANTON BANKO AT TORNE Y PAHQI'HLU 3,732,858

SHEET 3BF 6 8 InN Q I NM FmmL ft w QNQ a r m El He ww k Fm m w I WW ATTORNEY PATENIEBHAYISIUTS 3 732,858

SHEET UUF 6 fi f 56b 4% F/ a.

45b 54b 11. #21, 52/9 I ATTORNEY PATENTEDHAY] 5l975 SHEET 5BF 6 CORNEA LIMBUS AQUEOUS ANTERIOR ZONULES O LE POSTERIOR CAPSULE Md POSTERIOR a I CHAMBER ANTERIOR SCLERA w VITREOUS VITREOUS POSTERIOR E MEMBRANE CAPSULE IXVENTOR. ANTON BANKO ATTORNEY PATENTED MY 1 51m a 732 858 SHEET 8 OF 6 IXVENTOR. ANTON BANKO W MW ATTORNEY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATlON This is a continuation in part of applicants copending application Ser. No. 762,286 filed on Sept. 16, 1968, and now US. Patent 3,528,425 which issued on Sept. 15, 1970, and which entire subject matter of the co-pending application is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein and in which applicant discloses the method and apparatus for forming an opening in the eye for the insertion of surgical instrumentation therein for performing surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in surgical procedures related to the eye, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for the removal of blood clots and other impurities, including the lens from the eye.

The outstanding and unexpected results obtained by the practice of the method and apparatus of the present invention, are attained by a series of features, steps and elements, working together in inter-related combination, and may be applied to biological organisms in general and particularly the eyes of humans, and hence will be so illustrated and described. The present invention may be used to perform a biopsy at any portion of the anatomy as well.

Applicant has found that in order to perform various exploratory, diagnostic, or other surgical procedures with respect to the eye, that it is necessary for an incision or opening to be formed through the wall thereof such that the instrumentation necessary might be inserted therethrough. When the procedure intended is completed it then becomes necessary to close the opening and permit the incision in the wall of the eye to properly heal such that the eye might function in a proper manner. In applicants co-pending patent application referred to above, the process of forming and closing the opening is disclosed, and which incision might be formed for use in accordance with the present invention. To facilitate the discussion of applicants present invention dealing with the removal of blood clots or the lens of the eye, reference is made to the copending application to merely illustrate one form of initial surgical procedure that might be conducted to gain access to the interior of the eye for practising the present invention.

By way of illustration and not limitation, once an incision has been made and a passageway formed from the exterior to the interior of the eye then a variety of instruments may be inserted within the passageway to accomplish physical tasks. In accordance with the present invention the instrumentation is designed to be inserted through the passageway for removing any object or deposit, such as blood clots, tissue and impurities from vitreous material contained within the eye as well as the removal of part or all of the vitreous or the lens from the eye and its replacement with another material.

The term object or deposit as used herein is intended to include any portion of the body that is to be removed partially or entirely therefrom for whatever purpose it is so desired. By way of example and not limitation, this may include a blood clot, a growth, such as a tumor, or other impurity in the eye, or any other portion of the body however formed, the the of he eye, healthy, diseased or dead tissue for a biopsy or other reason.

REMOVAL OF BLOOD CLOTS Before proceeding to the details of the invention, let us first review briefly generally known facts of the eye and the formation of deposits or objects of which removal thereof is desired. The retina of the eye is attached to the underlying choroid at the optic nerve border posteriorly and at the ora serrata anteriorly. Between these two points it is in contact with but not attached to the choroid. The retina covers the entire imrer aspect of the eyeball posterior to the era serrata. The era serrata is the junction of the retina and the ciliary body, in the average eye it is about 8mm posterior to the limbus. The retina is composed of inelastic nerve tissue, consisting of 10 distinct different layers, normally it is transparent, when detached it appears gray. Contained within the eye in front of the retina is the vitreous material in which deposits are formed which may include blood clots, other impurities, as well as tissue both healthy or diseased.

Blood clots due to traumatic ruptures of retinal ves sels or other causes like diabetes, mellitus, hypertension, pen vasculitis or retinal detachment are often disturbing to the vision. Hemorrhage into the vitreous is an uncommon but serious disorder. There may be sudden and complete loss of vision in the affected eye. The blood often remains in the vitreous for months or forever.

The retina is usually damaged by prolonged intimate contact with blood elements. If the vitreous clears it is possible that the retina is detached and vision may be restored by surgical reattachment. Beside blood clots there may be other impurities in the vitreous or aqueous humor. The humor as a whole can also be spoiled.

At the present time there is no effective, reliable or safe means for removal of such blood clot deposit known to the applicant. In certain parts of the eye a single small blood clot can not be practically removed from the eye. The exchange of the vitreous as a whole, to applicants knowledge was never performed routinely. The vitreous is a thick transparent gelatinous body which encompasses two-thirds of the volume and weight of the eye. Because of the high viscosity the vitreous cannot be aspirated through a hypodermic needie with a syringe.

REMOVAL OF LENSES A cataract is an opacity of the lens of the eye requiring cryosurical techniques to obtain removal of the lens. The cryoextraction usually requires lens extraction. At the present time, only a congenital, up to the age of 20, cataract can be aspirated through a relatively small incision. Aspiration is possible because of the semi-fluidic consistency of the lens.

However when the lens material (cortex and nucleus) is hard and cannot be aspirated routinely, a 20mm incision is made at about 3mm from the limbus, the incision runs for from 9 oclock to 3 oclock. There are two principal types of lens extractions intracapsular and extracapsular (just removing lens leaving capsule).

The intracapsular extraction consists in removing the lens within its capsule, lens and capsule is grasped and pulled gently from the eye. This operation has become the standard cataract procedure.

The extracapsular operation requires a rupture of the anterior portion of the capsule first, the lens cortex and nucleus are removed from the eye leaving the posterior capsule behind, this kind of operation is indicated in some congenital and traumatic cataract. Up to the age of twenty the lens is attached to the vitreous and intracapsular extraction will surely lead to considerable loss of vitreous and possible destruction of the eye.

Prior to the extraction of the lens an enzyme is used, which has a proteinoceous substance that accelerates reaction at body temperature. It has a specifically tie effect on the zonules (tougher at ages 20-50) and so making the removal of the lens much easier. The lens is usually grabbed by a special lens capsule forcep or cyro probe and pulled from the eye. Sutures are now tied and the anterior chamber is reformed if necessary by injection of saline. Occasionally, the cataract operation is combined with corneal transplant, the lens and capsule is removed through the front trephine opening of about 8mm diameter. In each instance the pupil has to be widely dialated.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for performing surgical procedures with respect to the eye and other portions of the anatomy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for removing objects from within the eye.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for the removal of blood clots from the eye in a safe manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for opening the eye and introducing instrumentation therein and removing the lens of the eye.

Another object of the present invention is to perform a cataract operation in which the lens is removed and replaced with a fluid.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to the removal of objects from humans and animals in vivo by surgical procedures s and particularly those in the eye, as by first forming an opening to gain access to the interior thereof and inserting therein removal means having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other at substantially one end of the removal means. Passage means are provided in the removal means in communicating relationship to the jaws and vented to the atmosphere to provide an exit of the removed material therefrom. The jaws are positioned proximate to the object for engagement therewith, which engagement is maintained by providing a differential pressure at the removal site, either by a venting of the passage means to the atmosphere, since the pressure within the eye is generally greater than the atmosphere it will force the object against the jaws and if a viscous material, will effectuate a flow thereof into the passage means. On the other hand if the object is of a hardened substance then a suction force may be applied through the passage means to obtain the intimate contact therebetween. Accordingly, the suction force may be used even on viscous objects to increase the movement thereof.

Once the object is in place and pressural contact is maintained, relative movement of the jaws is obtained by drive means so as to sever any material of the object extending therebetween as the jaws are moved relative to each other, with the removed material then contained in the passage means. A suction force may be applied to the passage means to remove the material therefrom.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention the jaws are adapted to be moved from an open position permitting material to enter the passage means, to a closed position substantially preventing material from entering the passage means.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention the jaws may define cutting edges such as for use in the extraction of the lens and/or the capsule through a small (2mm) incision at the limbus after the pupil is dilated. The incision may be made with a specially designed two edged cutter, which produces the same approximate incision every time. Part of the anterior capsule may be removed so that the cutting edge can start chopping the softer cortex and later the nucleus and the remainder of the capsule or the cutting tip of the instrumentation may be pressed against the anterior capsule to cut off part of it first. The instrumentation then continues to cut away the lens and the material is removed, which lens may be replenished with a fluid as a substitute thereof, all in accordance with the invention BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1, is a somewhat schematic view of a human eye having the instrumentation inserted therein for removal of a foreign object therefrom, in accordance With the present invention;

FIG. 2, is a side view in section of the instrumentation of the present invention;

FIG. 3, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of the jaws in their open position;

FIG. 4, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of the jaws in their closed position;

FIG. 5, is a sectional view along the line 5-5 of FIG.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, are sectional views similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the progressive movement of the jaws from their open to closed position;

FIG. 5D, is a section view along theline 5D-5D of FIG. 4 and illustrating the jaws in their closed position;

FIG. 6, is a side view substantially in section illustrating another form of instrumentation in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of the jaws illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of the jaws illustrated in FIG. 6 in another position;

FIG. 9, is a sectional view along the line 9-9 of FIG.

FIG. 9A, is a sectional view similar to FIG. 9, showing the jaws in a different angular position with respect to each other;

FIG. 9B, is a sectional view along the line 9B9B of FIG. 8, showing the jaws in another angular position relative to each other;

FIG. 10, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of another form of jaws in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11, is a sectional view along the line l111 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12, is an enlarged fragmentary side view in section of another form of jaws in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13, is a somewhat schematic view of a human eye having the instrumentation inserted therein for removal of the lens thereof;

FIG. 14, is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the removal procedure for the eye lens;

FIG. 15, is a further enlarged and fragmentary side view in section illustrating the removal process of the lens from the eye;

FIG. 16, is a view similar to FIG. 15, showing the jaws in a different position relative to each other; and

FIG. 17, is a view similar to FIG. 15, showing the jaws in a different position relative to each other.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, we see the schematic representation of an eye 10 having the various portions thereof including aretina 12, choroid andsclera 22. The vitreous body ormaterial 16 is contained within theretina 12 and vitreous membrane and is seen to includeforeign objects 18 which may be in the form of blood clots or other impurities that are desired to be removed from within the eye 10. The wall is intended to define any portion of the eye which when pierced will connect the interior of the eye to the exterior and will generally include all, or portions, of the retina l2,choroid 20 andsclera 22, or thesclera 22 andciliary body 24.

Once theblood clot 18 is detected then the surgical procedure is initiated, which first includes, in accordance with the teaching of applicants copending patent application, the forming of an incision or opening 27 in the eye 10, to permit the insertion ofinstrumentation 30 in the form of a probe therethrough to reach the specific area to be treated. The removal process of the foreign object as hereinafter described in greater detail, is capable of being used not only for the eye but for various other operative procedures and uses hereinabove disclosed, both with the eye and other portions of the anatomy and is accordingly so described and intended.

Once theopening 27 is formed theinstrumentation 30 is inserted therein such that the removal means 31 has its tip ordistal end 32 thereof, positioned within thevitreous material 16 contained in the eye 10 to obtain a continuous severing and removal of theblood clot 18 therefrom.

The supporting means 35, which may be of a metallic or thermoplastic material, as seen with respect to FIG. 1, extends through thewall 25 and is positioned in and tightened in the incision or opening 27 by a double mattress suture not shown. The supporting means 35 should have the ability to rotate within theopening 27. To provide a seal with the removal means 31 and facilitate its sliding, the supportingmeans 35 should have a minimum outside diameter to be inserted into theincision 27, and possibly supported and rotated by a micromanipulator. Finally the supportingmeans 35 should eventually provide for an increase in volume of the vitreous cavity in order to reduce the pressure in the eye 10, during the operation. The supporting means 25 comprises atubular body portion 37 which may be of circular cross-sectional area so that it may be rotatable after it is seated through the wall,25 of the eye 10 and includes an opening connecting the interior of the eye to the exterior, and extending from the front end to the rear end thereof. Sealing means 39 is provided in the opening to prevent any of the internal fluids of the eye from flowing out when theinstrument 30 extends therethrough. The sealing means 39 may include a sealingmember 68, which may be in the form of an O-ring to provide the sealing engagement with any element inserted within the opening. Due to the viscosity of the vitreous material a close tolerance at one point in the opening between the removal means and supporting means may be sufficient to provide the sealing engagement.

FIGS. 1 through 5D illustrate one embodiment of the present invention in which theinstrumentation 30 is illustrated in one form thereof, in which the removal means 31 is inserted within the eye 10 and is retained in position by the supportingmeans 35 extending through theopening 27 in thewall 25, in accordance with applicants copending invention. Once the supportingmeans 35 is placed in position the removal means 31 is inserted through an opening extending therethrough and the exact position is obtained by the surgeon such that thedistal end 32 thereof is placed proximate to theobject 18 for engagement with thejaws 36 and 38, sometimes referred to as the inner jaw and outer jaw respectively for convenience, of the removal means 31. the removal means 31 is seen to include passage means 40 such that when the material is removed from theobject 18 by the pair ofjaws 36 and 38, which are in communicating relationship to the passage means 40 at proximately one end thereof, the material may be conveniently removed from the removal means 31 which is adapted to be inserted in the body of a human being or other animal in vivo.

The removal means 31 includes an elongateinner assembly 42 with a centrallongitudinal flow passage 44, which in this embodiment forms the passage means 40, and extends through an elongated tubularinner jaw member 45 having the jaw orport 36 at its terminal end, and at its opposite end we have theinner assembly 42 adapted to be releasably connected with the lower end of a fluid conductingtube member 46 which is in communicating relationship with theflow passage 44 by means ofsupply member 48 which is tubular and is interfitted within the conductingmember 46 at one end thereof and having atubular extension member 50 between thejaw member 45 andsupply member 48, all of which are in interfitting relationship to each other such that the material removed from theobject 18 may be moved by various means through the passage means 40 and eventually removed from the removal means 31.

The removal means 31 further includes an elongate,outer assembly 52 rotatably engaged about and extending below theinner assembly 42 and includes an innertubular jaw member 54 with apassageway 55 extending therethrough and having the jaw orport 38 at its terminal end and at its opposite end connected to asupport member 56 which in turn is connected to atubular coupling member 58 having a grippingmember 60 secured thereto as bythreads 61 with anannular wall portion 62 having anopening 63 through which thesupply member 48 extends. To facilitate the angular movement between the jaws agripping surface 64 which may be in the form of knurling is provided on the exterior of the grippingmember 60.

The grippingmember 60 as seen in FIG. 1, may be in part engaged by a finger of the user such that one assembly may be controlled and moved angularly relative to the other since theinner assembly 42 and outer as sembly 52 includes mounting means 65 for supporting the respective inner and outer assemblies for relative angular displacement relative to each other. The mounting means 65 may include axially spaced apart support members or bushings for higher rotatably mounted members, or as in the present embodiment it has been found that a minimal spacing between the respective outer diameter of theirmer jaw member 45 and thepassageway 55 of theouter jaw member 54 is sufficient to permit hand movement therebetween. The drawings are shown with a slight spacing therebetween for convenience in illustration.

To effectuate relative movement drive means 68 is provided such as by acollar 69 secured as by a mountingscrew 70 to thesupply member 48 and whichcollar 69 may have an outertextured surface 71 such as by knurling such that it may be manually controlled to facilitate its movement. As seen in FIG. 1, the fingers of the user grasp the grippingmember 60 andcollar 69 and move same relative to each other in an angular plane to obtain revolvment of thejaws 36 and 38 relative to each other.

As seen particularly in FIG. 2, the respective inner andouter assemblies 42 and 52 are in coaxial alignment with each other and mounting means 65 is provided to keep them relatively spaced for the respective angular rotation or displacement of thejaws 36 and 38 relative to each other for material removal as hereafter described. Theouter assembly 52 andinner assembly 48 are shiftable into and out of register with the respec tivejaws 36 and 38 upon relative rotation of the inner and outer assemblies relative to each other such that the amount of material that is removed may be controlled. The mounting means 65 due to the relative slow rotation or angular displacement of the configuration shown in FIG. 2, which if manually operated might be anywhere from a fraction of a revolution to several thousand revolutions per minute, although the respective jaw configuration may be used with a power driven device as hereafter described, such that the dimensional relationships of theinner jaw member 36 to theouter jaw member 38 is sufiicient to act as the mounting means 65 such that a sliding fit is obtained to permit the angular rotation therebetween.

The related angular movement between the respectiveinner jaw member 45 andouter jaw member 54 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5D, and as hereafter discussed this embodiment of the invention utilizes the principle that therespective jaws 36 and 38 are formed such that they may be moved relative to each other from an open position as seen in FIGS. 3 and to a closed position as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5D, with the angular changing from the open to closed position illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C.

It is appreciated that the actual pressure within thevitreous material 16 is greater than that of the atmosphere and accordingly we have a differential pressure established between the atmosphere and the inner portion of the eye 10. This differential pressure in accordance with the present invention may also be established by applying an exterior force to any portion of thewall 25 of the eye or by applying a suction force through the removal means 31 and through the passage means 40 such as to facilitate the flow of the removed material within the passage means 40 and thereafter from within the removal means 31. Thejaws 36 and 38 are shiftable into and out of register with each other such that in practicing the invention we initially insert theinstrumentation 30 through an opening formed in the supporting means 35 while the jaws are in their closed position as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and maneuver same until thedistal end 32 thereof is as seen in FIG. 1 in proximity to theobject 18 which is to be partially or entirely removed therefrom. The particular consistency of theobject 18 will generally indicate whether therespective jaws 36 and 38 define cutting edges, and this will be dependent upon the viscosity of the object which is being encountered.

Thejaws 36 and 38, may be formed to define cutting edges for severing or cutting of portions of theobject 18 extending therebetween, and as illustrated theouter jaw member 54 has afront end portion 73 having a contouredexterior surface 74 to facilitate its movement through theviscous material 16 and aninner seat 75, shown as a conical depression for receiving the complimentary shapedfront end portion 77 of theinner jaw member 45 with itsconical exterior surface 78 which mates with the seat for coaxial alignment therewith.

Theouter jaw member 54 has therein the outer jaw defining opening orport 38 which is in communicating relationship to theflow passageway 55 and defines an elongated or oval shapedsurface 80 having anouter edge 81, andinner edge 82 preferably sharp to define a cutting edge with thesurface 80 inclined upwardly towards the cuttingedge 82 from theouter edge 81. The forward extremity of theouter edge 81 orsurface 80 should be above the axis of theouter jaw member 54, and preferably a distance represented by the dimension X which is at least equal to the wall thickness of theouter jaw member 54, so as to prevent rotation of tissue or other substances pulled by the penetrating point or cutting edges.

Theinner jaw member 45 is similarly formed with the inner jaw defining an opening orport 36 which is in communicating relationship to theflow passage 44 and defines an elongated or oval shapedsurface 85 having aninner edge 86 with a spaced apartouter edge 87 preferably sharp to define a cutting edge with thesurface 85 tapering upwardly frominner edge 86 to theouter edge 87.

To obtain the removal of theobject 18 as contained in the passage means 40 control means 90 is utilized and is connected to the removal means 31 by the conductingmember 46. To obtain a differential pressure at the removal site or passage means a suction force may be applied through the conductingmember 46 which is in communicating relationship to the passage means 40 and the amount of force may be controlled byknob 91 such that the removed material is sucked into the control or other means and disposed of. A fluidsupply control knob 92 is illustrated for use with the embodiment of the invention in which a fluid supply is provided to form a suspension with the removed material to facilitate its removal. If fluid is desired in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5D it may intermittently be supplied through the passage means 40 when the suction is not being applied.

' OPERATION OF APPARATUS IN FIGS. I-SD Theinstrumentation 30 is adaptable to be used for removingobjects 18 having various hardness characteristics, which if viscous, by flowing between thejaws 36 and 38 and then separating the mass of theobject 18 from itself or the environ it is in, or by actually cutting slices thereof for hardened substances.

In accordance with one aspect as illustrated in FIG. 1, theobject 18 may be of a viscous material, or having a viscosity which is capable due to the differential pressure either existing or to be established to obtain a flow thereof into the passage means 40. Assuming this to be the case for viscous materials, the removal means 31 is positioned proximately to the'object 18 and thejaws 36 and 38 are then moved initially to their open position as seen in FIGS. 3 and by angular rotation of the drive means 68 as illustrated in FIG. 1, from their closed to open position, this occurring after positioning-the removal means 31 proximate to the object for engagement with thejaws 36 and 38. Either before or upon the jaws reaching their open position we have due either to the greater pressure within the eye 10, than in the passage means 40 which is in communicating relationship with the atmosphere, a differential pressure on theobject 18 which is sufficient to obtain a flow thereof within the passage means 40 when the jaws are in their open position such that there is a partial if not entire movement of the object into the passage means 40. Once all the material of theobject 18 is in the passage means 40 or the movement of the material has stopped (due to insufficient differential pressure or increased resistance to motion) then we are affecting relative movement of thejaws 36 and 38 from their open moved relative to each other resulting in all or a portion of the object remaining within the passage means 40 when the jaws are in their closed position as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5D. At this instance the entire instrumentation might be removed if the amount of material contained in the passage means 40 is adequate, or the cycle of revolving the jaws from the open to closed position may be repeated as often as required, the entrapped material by adjusting thesuction knob 91 may remove the material from the passage means 40.

The maintaining of a differential pressure between the passage means 40 and essentially the environs of theobject 18 is done to retain them in substantially fixed position to each other during the relative movement of thejaws 36 and 38. The force may be transmitted to the site of removal in the direction ofarrow 93 by proper coupling of the conductingmember 46 to the control means 90 which is shown to include theknob 91 for controlling suction and anotherknob 92 for controlling fluid. Thefluid control knob 92 is illustrated as being a part of the control means 90 although it is not contemplated for use necessarily with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5D but as hereafter explained is used with other embodiments of the invention.

The suction means which gives us the suction force is selected depending upon the viscosity and type of material from which the object is made so that we are assured of the positioning of theobject 18 in abuting relationship to thedistal end 32 of the removal means 31. The suction force may be used with a viscous object in that by applying same the removed material continues to be removed out from within the passage means 40 into the control means so that the object contained within the passage means 40 is continuously moved therealong and does not clog or block the jaws in their open position.

When theobject 18 is of a hardened material or substance such that a flow thereof is not anticipated, or the rate of flow is not sufficient, then it is desired that sharp edges which act as cuttingedges 82 and 87 of theouter jaw 38 andinner jaw 36 respectively be provided so as to obtain by continued rotation of the inner andouter assemblies 42 and 52 respectively by the drive means 68, a progressively contacting, cutting and removal of material of theobject 18 as the jaws are repetitively closed. In this instance the inherent differential pressure may be such as to obtain a positionment of theobject 18 abutting one or both of thejaws 36 and 38 but as the cutting continues it is preferable that a suction force be relied on to retain theobject 18 and removal means 31 in fixed position to each other. Thus, if the object illustrated in FIG. 1, is of a hard material and essentially the removal means 31 is positioned in its closed position adjacent theobject 18 and as discussed before the cutting edges 82 and 87 are in communicating relationship with the passage means 40 at proximately one end thereof, are then moved from their initially closed position to an open position to begin the removal process. By applying an ample suction force through the passage means 40 to theobject 18 it is retained in continuous contact with one of thejaws 36 and 38 and by affecting relative movement of the cutting edges 82 and 87 from their open to closed position they can progressively contact, cut and thereby remove a layer of material from theobject 18. The configura-v tion of the jaws as well as the cutting edges as to both size and configuration will vary with respect to the size of object to be removed and its hardness characteristics.

The suction force from the control means 90 may be on continuously to both remove collected material from within the passage means 40 and always assure a force in the direction ofarrow 93 to pull it into and retain it against the jaws when they are in their open position. The thickness of each successive layer removed may be controlled by the spaced apart dimensional relationship of the cutting edges.

EMBODIMENT AS ILLUSTRATED IN FIGS. 6-9B FIGS. 6-9B illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which theinstrumentation 30a has drive means 68a that may be operated by anelectric motor 95a having power leads 96a connected thereto, which instrumentation is utilized when sufficient amounts of the object are to be removed and where the slower manual type of operation is not preferred. This embodiment of the invention containsjaws 36a and 38a which are of a different form than those previously illustrated and as will be illustrated with respect to FIGS. 10-12, but it should be pointed out that same are interchangeable with the jaws in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5D and likewise the jaws of those illustrated figures may be used with the instrumentation a illustrated in FIG. 6.

It has been found desirable for certain removal procedures to provide a treatment fluid to the proximate location of the object and which treatment fluid is utilized for forming a suspension of the removed material which is then capable of being removed by a suction or other force from the removal means 31a leaving the worksite continually free of the removed material and likewise removing same from the removal means. Accordingly, the removal means 31a includes aninner assembly 42a and an elongateouter assembly 52a with a centrallongitudinal flow passage 55a which essentially forms the passage means a. Theouter assembly 52a includes a longitudinally extendingjaw member 54a defining ajaw 38a or port at thedistal end 32a thereof, whichjaw member 54a is supported at its substantially opposite end by asupport member 56a having aradial flange 98a for engagement with the support member of theouter assembly 52a. Thesupport member 56a is removably secured at the front thereof to a threadedportion 99a ofhousing member 100a which has a radial flange 101a which abuts up against thefront face 102a of thesupport member 56a and having atubular wall portion 104a defining apassageway 107a which has a downwardly extendingtip 104a for sealingly engaging the outer diameter of the outer jaw member 540 after thelateral port holes 106a, which may be provided to extend through the wall of theouter jaw member 54a. At the opposite end of thehousing member 100a we have aneck portion 108a extending therefrom with a plurality circumferentially spaced apartlateral ports 110a which communicate with thepassageway 107a extending between the enclosed outer, portion of theouter jaw member 54a andtubular wall portion 104a for providing a fluid flow channel to the front lateral ports 106:: to obtain a flow in the initial direction ofarrow 111a and in the subsequent direction of arrow 1120, such that a fluid is supplied into the passage means 40a between theinner assembly 42a andouter assembly 52a.

Theinner assembly 42a has an inner jaw member a which may be of a rod like shape with anenlarged jaw head 115a at one end thereof for defining thejaw 36a with a port extending therethrough between the parallel spaced apart faces 116a thereof, with cuttingedges 87a extending along four edges as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, and hereafter explained in greater detaiL'Theinner jaw member 45a extends from a fastener 1 18a and may be integrally formed therewith such that the extension member a to which the fastener is secured is directly coupled to the power drive means 68a, havingpower cables 96a extending therefrom, as by threadedstud 120a. The casing of the drive means 68a has extending therefrom mountingmeans 65a in the form of asupport arm 122a with a threaded portion adapted to receive the connectingmember 124a which is connected to thetubular coupling member 58a which in turn is securedto'the support member 56a.

To provide the requisite amount of treatment fluid from the control means a fluid conduit 125a is provided and may be coupled to a fluid supply hose not shown,

and at one end thereof extends exteriorally of the removal means 31a from the connectingmember 124a such that fluid in the direction ofarrow 111a may flow therein and which forward portion of fluid conduit 125a extends withinsupport member 56a in communicating relationship at its other end with afluid supply port 126a within thesupport member 56a which opens into the spacing between thehousing member 100a and thesupport member 56a so as to permit the flow into theinlet ports 110a. In like manner the removal means 31a for introducing the suction force in the direction ofarrow 105a to remove the suspension that will be formed in the passage means 40a includes asuction conduit 128a extending exteriorally of and partially through the connectingmember 124a at one end thereof and at its opposite end coupled to thesupport member 56a and in communicating relationship by thesuction port 129a to the passage means 40a.

in this manner once theinstrumentation 30a is positioned in place, in a similar manner as illustrated with respect to FIG. 1, therespective jaws 36a and 38a are then adapted to be moved angularly relative to each other as seen particularly in FIGS. 9, 9A and 98, so that the removal of all or part of the object can be properly accomplished. Theinner jaw member 36a is seen to include anenlarged head portion 115a having substantiallyparallel faces 116a with a transversely extending opening between thefaces 116a forming the jaw or port therein and having spaced apart substantiallyparallel surfaces 85a terminating in cuttingedges 87a on each side thereof so that it is possible to slice away or cut particles of the object as they are moved relative to each other. The end of the outer jaw 3% has a conical pointed seat a which is adapted to snugly receive the similarly contoured shape in thejaw 36a with theouter assembly 520 having a roundedfront end 74a to assist its movement through the viscous, or other cellular material, until being positioned proximate to the object from which the material is to be removed.

Thejaws 36a and 38a, may be formed to define sharp edges which act as cutting edges for severing or cutting of portions of the object extending therebetween, and as illustrated theouter jaw member 54a has afront end portion 73a having a contouredexterior surface 74a to facilitate its movement through the viscous material and aninner seat 75a, shown as a conical depression for receiving the complimentary shapedfront end portion 77a of theinner jaw member 45a with its conical exterior surface 78a which mates with theseat 75a for coaxial alignment therewith.

Theouter jaw member 54a has therein the outer jaw defining opening orport 38a which is in communicating relationship to thepassageway 55a and an oblong, elongated or oval shaped surface a having anouter edge 81a, andinner edge 82a preferably sharp to define a cutting edge, with thesurface 80a inclined upwardly towards the cuttingedge 82a from theouter edge 81a. The inner extremity of theouter member 82a orsurface 80a should be above the axis of theouter jaw member 54a, and preferably a distance represented by the dimension X which is at least equal to the wall thickness of theouter jaw member 54a, so as to prevent rotation of tissue or other substances pulledby the penetrating point or cutting edges.

Theinner jaw member 45a is similarly formed with the inner jaw defining an opening orport 36a which is in communicating relationship to theflow passage 55a and defines an oblong or elongated shaped surface a having parallel spaced apartinner edges 86a with spaced apartouter edges 87a preferably sharp to define a cutting edge with thesurface 85a tapering upwardly frominner edge 86a to theouter edge 87a.

In order to form the suspension of removed material and fluid, which may be saline, the fluid may be supplied directly to thechambermeans 40a as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, or directly to the exterior of the removal means proximate to thejaws 36a and 38a, or directly to the passage means 40a and the removal site simultaneously. If it is desired that the fluid be supplied exteriorally of the removal means 31athen thelateral port holes 106a are adapted to extend through thetubular wall portion 104a as seen in FIG. 8, and if simultaneous supply of fluid is desired exteriorly and interiorly of the passage means 40a then theport holes 106a may be provided as in FIGS. 7 and 8.

OPERATION OF APPARATUS IN FIGS. 6-93 In using theinstrumentation 30a illustrated in FIGS. 6-9B it will be appreciated that first the removal means 31a is inserted such that thejaws 36a and 38a are positioned adjacent the object such that a portion thereof extends between the jaws, and by affecting relative movement of the jaws it is possible to sever any portion of the object extending therebetween as they are moved relative to each other. The removed material of the object is contained within the removal means 31a by entering the passage means 40a. By maintaining a differential pressure it is possible to maintain the object in fixed relationship to thejaws 36a and 38a such that as the cutting is obtained, the object, since it might be situated in a viscous material, is not forced away but is continuously engaged by at least one of thecutting edges 82a and 87a to progressively remove portions thereof.

The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 6-9B is preferably used with a hardened object so that cutting may be facilitated by a static force being applied against the object towards the jaws to retain same in contact therewith. In this embodiment the differential pressure is obtained by using a suction force provided through thesuction conduit 128a,suction port 129a which is in communicating relationship to the passage means 40a and in turn thejaws 36a and 38a, so that the object is continuously pulled between the jaws. Since the device illustrated, as seen in FIGS. 9-9B theinner jaw member 36a will continuously move through respective relative positions in a given cycle, and in the position shown in FIG. 98 has thecutting edge 87a in a parallel plane and adjacent thecutting edge 82a of theouter assembly 52a such that the material extending therebetween would be separated and removed as the angular rotation illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9A occurs. It is also possible by regulating the relative rate of movement between thejaws 36a and 38a per a given cycle, as well as the differential pressure by regulating the control means illustrated in FIG. 1, that the amount of material removed from the object and into the passage means 40a per given cycle may be properly controlled. The cycle, which is one complete revolution of the jaws relative to each other, is then repeated as many times as required until the amount of the object, which may be in its entirety, is removed from the body. In this manner by controlling the differential pressure it is possible to ob tain a positionment of the object abutting thejaws 36a and 38a so as to progressively contact, cut and remove the material from the object as the jaws are moved relative to each other.

By properly controlling the dimensional relationship between theedge 82a of theouter jaw 38a to thecutting edge 87a of theinner jaw 36a it is possible to control the amount of removal of the material during the relative movement of the jaw members. One way of specifically doing same is that by coaxially supporting thejaws 36a and 38a to provide a selected configuration of a given internal cross-sectional area for one of thecutting edges 82a and providing theother cutting edge 87a with a similar configuration but of an enlarged'cross-sectional area such that the thickness of the layer of material removed is equal to the difference between the respective cross-sectional areas if both are circular or the lateral spacing between the cutting edges.

The control means is adapted to continuously supply a fluid to the removal means 31a to assist in the removal operation of the object. The fluid which may be in the form of a liquid collapse be provided for various reasons, one of which is to replenish the removed material from the object as well as any vitreous material lost in the procedure in order to maintain the internal pressure of the eye to prevent co-lapse of the retina and related portions. The eye has an internal pressure and unless the removed material is replenished there is a tendency for the wall of the eye to collapse which could severely complicate the surgical procedure. Another important reason for supplying the treatment fluid is to form a suspension with the removed particles so that they are easily removed by suction from the removal means 31a.

Particularly noting FIG. 8, I illustrate an aspect of the invention in which if desired the liquid may be supplied exteriorally of the removal means 31a and proximate to the object by having thelateral ports 106a extending through thehousing member wall 104a such that the treatment liquid and the suction is applied proximate to the object at spaced apart locations between which at least a section of the removal means 31a is interposed so that the suction induces the treatment liquid to mix with the removed material for ensuring the continuous mixing and the removal of the material. In addition the motion of the fluid will carry the material between the aws.

In operation the operator after positioning theinstrumentation 30a in position will adjust the fluid control knob on the control means and the fluid from a supply will enter the fluid conduit 125a in the direction ofarrow 111a and then by means offluid supply port 126a andlateral port holes 106a will reach the interior of passage means 40a, the exterior of the removal means 31a adjacent thejaws 36a and 38a, or as explained above both the interior and exterior. Since thejaws 36a and 38a in FIGS. 6-9B are essentially always open the suction force is simultaneously maintained such that a flow pattern is established into the passage means 40a in the direction ofarrow 111a and thereafter out in the direction ofarrow 112a through thesuction conduit 128a. Simultaneously with the fluid being supplied and suction force applied the drive means 68a is operational effecting rotation of theinner jaw 36a with the resulting cutting of the object. The motor a of drive means 68a may be of a variable speed type which is adjusted by the user depending on the quantity and type of object being removed. After removing the desired amount the drive means 95a is stopped with the fluid supply and suction being discontinued by adjusting the control means. The removal means 31a is then retracted from within the body and the opening closed.

OTHER J AW CONSTRUCI'IONS FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate other alternate jaw construction forms of jaw members that may be used for removal of the material as desired. FIGS. 10 and 11, illustrate aninner jaw member 36b andouter jaw member 38b with the latter having its outer assembly 52b of similar construction to that illustrated in FIGS. 6-93 with theouter jaw member 54b having afront end portion 73b with aninner seat 75b, shown as a conical depression for receiving the complimentary shaped'frontend portion 77b of the inner jaw member 45b with its conical frontalexterior surface 78b which mates withseat 75b for coaxial alignment therewith. Theinner jaw 36b has its inner jaw member 45b formed having an outwardly radially extending helical groove lb running essentially the length thereof and having aconical tip 78b at one end thereof such that the cutting edge surface 87b thereof which forms thejaw 36b is seated within the outer assembly 52 b which has thejaw 38b defining an opening so as to communicate with the passage means b, and as they are moved relative to each other the helical groove l30b continues to remove the object which moves along the passage means 40b permitting the continuous removal of both the material and the liquid. The liquid is supplied by the flow passage 107b which extends between thehousing member 100b and outer assembly 52b with the lateral ports 10Gb in communicating relationship with the passage means 40b as indicated by thearrow 112b such that the flow of liquid and removed materialmixes therein and due to the angular rotation of the inner assembly 42b the removal thereafter occurs. The mechanical structure of the drive means for the tools illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 1 1 may be of the design illustrated in FIG. 2 and or FIG. 6.

FIG. 12, illustrates another form of the jaws 36c and 386 in which the inner assembly 42c includes a jaw member c having a longitudinally extending shaft 132: with a chisel point 1330 at one end thereof and having circumferentially wound about the exterior surface of the shaft 1326 the helical defining groove l30c such that it acts as a pumping means for removal of the material. Theouter jaw 38c defining a lateral opening therein with theouter assembly 520 havingfront end portion 73c with at least a flat interior surface orseat 750 such that thechisel edge portion 87c abuts it and as the angular movement is obtained removal of the object occurs. In like manner fluid may be pumped in through the passage means 40c and. by the mixture forming and the pumping action obtained by the helical grooves, the material is continuously removed from the removal means 310. This helical mechanism may provide a controlled method of pumping materials with low viscosity (natural or synthetic vitreous) into the body. To prevent the collapse of the eye this mechanism may be used in that it can supply and remove vitreous at a controlled rate.

CATARACT REMOVAL PROCEDURE Before discussing in detail the use of the present invention for lens removal it might be best to first review in greater detail certain known facts to date. A cataract is a lens opacity and to better understand its implications we have to learn more about the lens.

Anatomy of the Lens: The lens is a biconvex almost completely transparent structure, about 5mm thick and 9mm in diameter. It is suspended behind the iris by the zonular fibers, which connect it with the ciliary body. The lens is incapsulated in the lens capsule, which is a thin transparent membrane, of which the front part is called the anterior capsule, and the back part is called the posterior capsule. Behind the posterior capsule is the vitreous membrane. The posterior capsule and the vitreous membrane are not easily separable in a young person. The lens is composed of a central region or nucleus and the peripheral portion is called the cortex, the nucleus is harder than the cortex.

Function of the Lens: The function of the lens is to focus light rays upon the retina. In order to focus light from a distant object, the ciliary muscle relaxes, tightening the zonular fibers and reducing the thickness'of the lens to its minimal dimension, in this position parallel rays are focused on the retina. In order to focus light rays from a near object the ciliary muscle releases the tension on the zonules fibers, the lens shapes in a more spherical body increasing its refractive power so that the focusing on the retina is again obtained. Composition of the Lens: The lens consists of about 65 percent water and about 35 percent protein with some trace of minerals).

Cataract: A cataract is a lens opacity. Cataracts vary markedly in degree of opacity, size and location. Cataracts may be due to a variety of causes but are usually associated with ageing. Most cataracts are not visible to the casual observer until they become dense enough (mature) to cause blindness.

We have several types of cataracts:

l. A senile cataract is the most common type associated with ageing. After surgery the visual (acuity) improves in ever percent of the cases, the remainder either have pre-existing retinal damage or develop post-surgical complications.

2. Congenital Cataract: They occasionally occur as a consequence of maternal rubella during the first 3 months of pregnancy. These cataracts may cause significant loss of vision, in such event lens extraction by aspiration is done on one eye at the age of 6 months. Surgery on the other eye is performed after the age of two (retina detachment may occur after several months or years).

3. Traumatic Cataract: Most commonly due to a foreign body striking the lens after passing through the outer structure of the eye, such a cataract may also be caused by over-exposure to heat, X-ray, radioactive material and ultraviolet exposure.

4. Cataract may also occur as a secondary effect of intraocular or systemic diseases, as well as a result of some drugs.

Cataract Surgery: In a cataract operation the lens is removed from the eye. At the present time there are two principal types of lens extraction, they are:

l. Intracapsular when the lens is removed together with the capsule, this is a standardized procedure. When the posterior capsule is not attached to the vitreous membrane.

2. Extracapsular extraction is used in congenital and some traumatic cataracts. As we know the posterior capsule may be attached to the membrane and cannot be extracted without rupturing the vitreous membrane, with serious consequences (vitreous loss, vitreous hemorrhage, retina detachment, etc). For this operation,

the anterior capsule is first ruptured and removed then the cortex and nucleus, leaving the posterior capsule behind.

At the present time a solution of chymotrypsin is injected under the iris. This substance has a lytic (loosening) action on the zonules making easier the removal of the lens. To perform the actual operation of extracting the cataractous lens a conjunctival incision is made 3mm from the limbus on an are about 20mm long, extending from 9 to 3 o'clock, at 12 oclock a peripheral or full iredectomy is then performed and the lens and capsule is grasped and gently removed from the eye. The conjunctiva] flap is reapproximated with the sutures. The anterior chamber is then reformed by injection of soline. If the procedure is complicated by vitreous loss, the chances of post operative retinal detachment, glaucoma, and uveitis are increased.

Post operative care consists in having the eye bandaged for about 2 weeks, the patient has to move slowly and avoid any strain for about 4 weeks. The material removed from the eye at the present time by the conventional intracapsular cataract operation can now be extracted through a l to 2mm incision.

CATARACT PROCEDURE OF PRESENT INVENTION By using the new and novel method of the present invention, in accordance with one aspect thereof an intracapsular procedure can be performed, the incision can be made at any convenient place, no iredectomy is necessary for this operation. The instrument of the present invention is now inserted into the eye through the small incision with the opening at its front, gently pressing against the capsule. By rotating the internal cutter jaws, material from the capsule and later from the lens is being chopped away from the mass to be removed, by carefully orienting the front of the tip it is possible to reach any remaining portion of the capsule or lens. When only suction is needed the internal cutter jaw is stopped in such a position not to block the front opening. It is important to emphasize that only one piece (becoming smaller and smaller) of capsule and one piece of lens is left in the eye during the operation. The operation continues until the whole lens is extracted. Extraction of the posterior capsule is optional.

Irrigation of the anterior parts of the eye is necessary to maintain the pressure in the eye above the atmospheric pressure to prevent its collapsing and to facilitate movement of the chopped material in liquid suspension from the eye. After the lens and the desired amount of capsule is removed, the instrument is extracted and the incision closed with a single suture as with an ultrasonic or other weld. Post operative care by use of the present invention is greatly reduced due to the single stitch in place of many and the relatively short incision (about l/lO to l/lS of the regular one). The possibility of infection and retina detachment is also reduced due to the small incision and maintained pressure in the eye at all times. The instrument used to perform such a transfusion of relatively dense, high viscosity liquid, may be shown in FlG. 12.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention an extracapsular can be performed in which a different procedure is used so that the capsule should remain in the eye. For such a case a 20mm incision on the outer wall of the eye is needed to be able to reach the anterior capsule with the instrument. A l-2mm incision is now made on the anterior capsule through which the instrument is now inserted. The material to be removed is now the lens alone which is being chopped by the instrument, parts of the lens are now removed as previously described until the entire lens is extracted. By keeping the liquid pressure in the capsule the lens will practically float in it and will be kept adjacent to the cutting instrument by the force of the moving liquid as well as by the differential pressure which generates this flow. As described previously the remainder of the lens in the capsule is always confined in one piece which is getting smaller and smaller during the operation until the last piece is being removed. After the operation the instrument is extracted, or while in position the capsule may be refilled with a specific natural or artificial liquid to replace the lens, the instrument shown on FIG. 12, can be used to inject or drive into the capsule liquid of high viscosity, the capsule now has to be closed by a suture or by an ultrasonic or other weld. The outer incision is also closed by sutures or weld, the anterior chamber reformed and if everything went as expected no glasses or contact lenses will be needed.

FIGS. 1347, illustrate the use of the apparatus generally seen in FIGS. 6-9B for cataract surgery, within theeye 10d, and in which we have the removal of an object of high viscosity or hardened material requiring a continuous cutting and removal as described. The use of the invention takes into consideration the desirability of maintaining the pressure constantly above the atmosphere within the eye chamber or capsule such that it does not collapse as the lens is gradually removed during the operation. It is possible to maintain the pressure by retaining the volume of material within the eye chamber or capsule constant such that we have an equal volume of liquid therein. The incoming liquid has to replace the liquid being lost through the incision and the material being removed in subsequent removal steps. The operation includes forming an incision, if desired using the supporting means illustrated in FIG. 1 in conjunction with a double mattress suture which is used to tighten the eye wall around the tip to maintain the pressure in the eye and prevent appreciable amounts of liquid looses through the incision with consequent increase in flow into and through the eye in which case the streaming of the liquid may cause damage to the single layer of cells of the inner surface of the cornea forming the endothelium. By this surgical procedure it is possible to maintain the lens material to be removed by suction and force of moving liquid in contact with the removal means 31d between each successive cut. Once theinstrumentation 30d is embedded within thelens material 18d, and as seen in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 by utilization of the suction force we have a portion of thelens 18d extending between thejaws 36d and 38d and within the opening of theinner jaw 36d. Once theobject 18d is positionedas seen in FIG. 15 and the angular movement between therespective jaw members 36d and 38d is obtained we have a continued slicing of particles and removal thereof. As indicated above a fluid is used and accordingly we may have theexterior port holes 106d as indicated byarrow 112d providing a liquid medium within the eye chamber or capsule such that it assists in the formation of a liquid suspension which is easily removable by suction means transmitted to the removal means 31d as hereinabove described.

For the extracapsular procedure, once the opening is formed in the anterior capsule and the instrument is inserted, a differential pressure is applied as by combined suction and pressure of incoming liquid, theinstrumentation 30d is moved forwardly into the lens such that thedistal end 32d thereof and particularly thejaws 36d and 38d come in contact with the material and when the static pressure in the capsule is such to force liquid in between the lens and the capsule this facilitates limited motion of the lens in the capsule even at the beginning of the operation such that the lens almost somewhat floats and is separated from the capsule. The vacuum in the passage means 40d causes thelens material 18d to remain adjacent to thecutting edges 82d and 87d to shear the lens mass when exposing it to the rotating cutting edges such that consequentially the edges cut a slice of the mass of thelens 18d and continues to remove same into the passage means 40d. As this operation continues it can easily be appreciated that the entire mass can be removed.

An important aspect of the present invention is the fact that it is possible to remove the lens alone without actually engaging or damaging, except for a small minimal opening formed of perhaps 2 millimeters, the anterior capsule. By being able to remove the inner core without physically damaging the exterior capsule it becomes possible to replace the lens material with a liquid material that would permit the same transparency such that it would not be necessary to remove the actual capsule itself. This is most important in that if the remaining portions are kept in tact and the zonules has remained in functioning condition then by replacing the lens material with another type of material a person can continue to use same as he had before without having to resort to contact lenses and this is substantially important Accordingly, supply means 135d, which may be represented by FIG. 12, may be inserted into the anterior capsule and by conventional control means associated therewith (not shown) replenish the removed lens at a speed equal to the removal rate to thereby obtain a complete transfusion of the lens with a liquid.

CONCLUSION The above discussion clearly indicates that the present invention may be used for the removal of a variety of objects from humans or animals in vivo as desired, 1

and particularly is related to the areas associated with the eye in view of the unique characteristics and problems associated such as that the pressure should be accounted for and retained. This differential of pressure between the exterior and interior of the eye also lends itself to assist in the actual process as well as create the unique problems associated therewith. Accordingly, the instrumentation is adaptable to be used herein by those skilled in the field for removal of select objects as desired and at rates that are appropriate for the portion involved. This permits the insertion of the instrumentation, its positioning and remaining in a given region until removed from the opening, which opening is then closed in a conventional manner.

In particular with respect to cataract removal we have the unique ability if desired to permit the lens capsule to remain in tact while removing the lens therefrom. It should be pointed out that this ability substantially lessens the dangers associated therewith and particularly increases the comforts to the individual who is operated on in this procedure.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for cutting and then removing material from a portion of the body of a human being or other animal in vivo comprising v elongated removal means adapted to be inserted within said body portion, said elongated removal means formed with at least one passage through a portion thereof and having a pair of jaws located in proximity to and in communication with one end of said passage at the operative end of the removal means with the other end of said passage exiting from the removal means, at least one of said jaws having cutting means thereon,

means for mounting said jaws such that one is rotatable relative to the other to cut the material from the body while said removal means is located therein,

and means connected to said removal means for providing a suction force in said passage, said jaws being formed to present an opening at the operative end of the instrument during a portion of arc of rotation of one jaw relative to the other to bring by the action of the suction force the material being removed in proximity to said pair of jaws for cutting thereby, the material cut by said jaws being conveyed by the suction force through the exiting end of the passage while said removal means is still located in the body.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including drive means operatively associated with said removal means for rotating said jaws relative to each other.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises two elongated members located one within the other, a jaw being formed at the free end of each said member, one of said members having an opening for communicating with said passage, and means for angularly rotating one of said members relative to the other.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said members are rotatable by said rotating means for 360 relative to each other.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising mean for supplying fluid through a said passage proximate to said jaws.

6. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein one of said elongated members is formed to define the passage for the suction force. I

7. Apparatus as in claim 4 further comprising means for moving one of said members axially relative to the other to control the cutting action of said jaws.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said jaws has an opening therein and said jaws are adapted to be moved from an open to a closed position, permitting material to enter said opening in said open position and substantially preventing material from entering said opening in said closed position.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said removal means includes:

a. an elongate inner member with a central longitudinal opening forming said passage, a conduit member communicating with the flow passage,

b. an inner jaw adjacent one end of said inner member communicating with the flow passage,

c. an elongate outer member rotatably mounted aboutthe inner member, and

d. an outer jaw adjacent one end of said outer member and shiftable into and out of register with said inner jaw in the inner assembly upon relative rotation of said inner and outer members.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein both jaws are formed with openings, the relative crosssectional areas of the openings of said jaws being such that when in their open position with their openings in register with each other, material may enter said passage means, and when in their closed position with their openings out of register with each other they substantially seal ofi said passage means and prevent material from entering therein.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward end of said outer member defines a tapered configuration to facilitate penetration within the body by said removal means.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 9,

a. wherein said jaw of said outer member defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said inner edge to said outer edge, and the forward extremity of said outer edge extending above the axis of said outer member by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer member jaw so as to prevent rotation of said object by the rotation of the inner member jaw relative to the outer member jaw, and wherein said inner member jaw defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and a spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said inner edge to said outer edge, and

c. at least one edge on each of said jaws defining a cutting edge for severing the object extending therebetween.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said removal means includes:

a. an elongate outer member with a central, longitudinal opening forming said passage, means on said outer member to connect with a conducting member, said conducting member communicating with i the flow passage,

b. an outer jaw adjacent one end of said outer member communicating with the flow passage,

c. an elongate inner member extending within said outer member for angular displacement relative thereto, and

d. an inner jaw at substantially one end of said inner member and shiftable into and out of register with the outer jaw upon relative rotation of said inner and outer members.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said outer member jaw defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said outer edge to said inner edge, with at least one of said edges defining a cutting edge, and the forward extremity of said inner edge extending above the axis of said outer member by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer member jaw so as to prevent rotation of the object by rotation of the inner jaw.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 13,'wherein said inner member jaw defines a head portion having substantially parallel spaced apart faces with a transversely extending opening therebetvveen defining one or more spaced apart cutting edges at said faces.

16. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising means as part of said elongated removal means for supplying a second fluid to exit from the operative end of said removal means to the portion of the body from which the material is being removed.

17. Apparatus as inclaim 16 wherein said fluid supply means includes a passage formed in said elongated removal means which is separate from the passage through which said suction force is provided.

18. Apparatus as inclaim 16 wherein said fluid supply means includes the same passage through which said suction force is provided.

19. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises two elongated tubular members located one within the other, means for mounting said members for relative angular rotation with respect to each other, each of said members having an opening at the free end thereof at least a portion of which can be brought into, registration with the opening of the other member, at least one of said members being formed with a cutting means surrounding at least a portion of its opening so that upon angular rotation of the members relative to each other material which is located in the path between said cutting means andthe surface surrounding the other opening will be cut.

20. Apparatus as in claim 19 wherein one of said elongated tubular members defines the passage which is in communication with said means for applying said suction force.

21. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises a first elongated tubular member forming a fluid flow passage and having an opening in proximity to one end thereof, jaw means formed at said one end of said first member, a second elongated member having jaw means at one end thereof, one of said jaw means being formed with cutting means and defining with the jaw means of said other member a cutting surface, and means for mounting said first and second members for relative rotation with respect to each other.

22. Apparatus as in claim 21 further comprising a second tubular elongated member forming a second fluid flow passage, said second tubular member having an opening adjacent the end thereof at the operative end of the elongated removal means which communicates with said fluid flow passage defined by said member.

23. Apparatus as in claim 21 wherein said second elongated member has a knife blade at the end thereof which defines its jaw and coacts with the jaw means of said first elongated member.

24. Apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said second elongated member has a double faced knife blade.

25. Apparatus as inclaim 22 wherein said second elongated member includes a helical cutting surface, the end of said surface defining the jaw means of said second member, which jaw means coacts with the jaw means of said first member to cut the material, said cut material being removed by said helical surface.

26. Apparatus as in claim 21 further comprising motor means for rotating said first member relative to said second member.

27. Apparatus for removing an object from within the eye of a human being or other animal in vivo, comprismg:

A. removal means adapted to be inserted within said eye and including:

a. an elongate outer assembly with a central flow passage forming passage means, with an outer jaw substantially at one end of said outer assem bly connected to the flow passage, and

b. an elongate inner assembly extending within said outer assembly for angular displacement relative thereto, with an inner jaw at substantially one end of said outer assembly and shiftable relative to said outer jaw upon relative rotation of said inner and outer assembly,

0. said outer jaw defines opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined up-' wardly from said outer edge to said inner edge, with at least one of said edges defining a cutting edge, and the forward extremity of said inner edge extending above the axis of said outer assembly by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer jaw so as to prevent rotation of the object by rotation of the inner jaw, and

d. said inner jaw defines a head portion having substantially parallel spaced apart faces with a transversely extending opening therebetween defining spaced apart cutting edges at said faces,

B. mounting means within said removal means for supporting said inner and outer assembly for relative angular displacement relative to each other so C. means for maintaining a suction force in said passage means to maintain said object in a substantially fixed position relative to said jaws, said suction force being applied through said passage means to said object,

D. means for forming a fluidized suspension of said removed material by supplying a treatment fluid proximate to said jaws, and

E. means for removing said fluidized suspension from said passage means, said means including suction means connected to said passage means for removal of said fluidized suspension therefrom.

28. Apparatus for performing eye surgery in a human being or other animal in vivo, comprising:

A. means for progressively removing the lens of the eye from within its capsule, said removal means including passage means and a pair of jaws connected thereto at proximately one end thereof, said jaws adapted to be moved relative to each other, and

B. means for maintaining a suction force in said passage means to retain said lens in substantially fixed position relative to said jaws,

C. means for effecting relative movement of said jaws so as to sever the material of the lens extending therebetween as they are moved relative to each other, said removed lens material being contained within said passage'means, and

D. means for supplying a fluid internally to said capsule to prevent collapse thereof during removal of said lens.

Claims (28)

1. Apparatus for cutting and then removing material from a portion of the body of a human being or other animal in vivo comprising elongated removal means adapted to be inserted within said body portion, said elongated removal means formed with at least one passage through a portion thereof and having a pair of jaws located in proximity to and in communication with one end of said passage at the operative end of the removal means with the other end of said passage exiting from the removal means, at least one of said jaws having cutting means thereon, means for mounting said jaws such that one is rotatable relative to the other to cut the material from the body while said removal means is located therein, and means connected to said removal means for providing a suction force in said passage, said jaws being formed to present an opening at the operative end of the instrument during a portion of arc of rotation of one jaw relative to the other to bring by the action of the suction force the material being removed in proximity to said pair of jaws for cutting thereby, the material cut by said jaws being conveyed by the suction force through the exiting end of the passage while said removal means is still located in the body.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including drive means operatively associated with said removal means for rotating said jaws relative to each other.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises two elongated members located one within the other, a jaw being formed at the free end of each said member, one of said members having an opening for communicating with said passage, and means for angularly rotating one of said members relative to the other.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said members are rotatable by said rotating means for 360* relative to each other.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising mean for supplying fluid through a said passage proximate to said jaws.

6. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein one of said elongated members is formed to define the passage for the suction force.

7. Apparatus as in claim 4 further comprising means for moving one of said members axially relative to the other to control the cutting action of said jaws.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said jaws has an opening therein and said jaws are adapted to be moved from an open to a closed position, permitting material to enter said opening in said open position and substantially preventing material from entering said opening in said closed position.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said removal means includes: a. an elongate inner member with a central longitudinal opening forming said passage, a conduit member communicating with the flow passage, b. an inner jaw adjacent one end of said inner member communicating with the flow passage, c. an elongate outer member rotatably mounted about the inner member, and d. an outer jaw adjacent one end of said outer member and shiftable into and out of register with said inner jaw in the inner assembly upon relative rotation of said inner and outer members.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein both jaws are formed with openings, the relative cross-sectional areas of the openings of said jaws being such that when in their open position with their openings in register with each other, material may enter said passage means, and when in their closed position with their openings out of register with each other they substantially seal off said passage means and prevent material from entering therein.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward end of said outer member defines a tapered configuration to facilitate penetration within the body by said removal means.

12. Apparatus as defiNed in claim 9, a. wherein said jaw of said outer member defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said inner edge to said outer edge, and the forward extremity of said outer edge extending above the axis of said outer member by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer member jaw so as to prevent rotation of said object by the rotation of the inner member jaw relative to the outer member jaw, and b. wherein said inner member jaw defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and a spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said inner edge to said outer edge, and c. at least one edge on each of said jaws defining a cutting edge for severing the object extending therebetween.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said removal means includes: a. an elongate outer member with a central, longitudinal opening forming said passage, means on said outer member to connect with a conducting member, said conducting member communicating with the flow passage, b. an outer jaw adjacent one end of said outer member communicating with the flow passage, c. an elongate inner member extending within said outer member for angular displacement relative thereto, and d. an inner jaw at substantially one end of said inner member and shiftable into and out of register with the outer jaw upon relative rotation of said inner and outer members.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said outer member jaw defines an opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said outer edge to said inner edge, with at least one of said edges defining a cutting edge, and the forward extremity of said inner edge extending above the axis of said outer member by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer member jaw so as to prevent rotation of the object by rotation of the inner jaw.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said inner member jaw defines a head portion having substantially parallel spaced apart faces with a transversely extending opening therebetween defining one or more spaced apart cutting edges at said faces.

16. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising means as part of said elongated removal means for supplying a second fluid to exit from the operative end of said removal means to the portion of the body from which the material is being removed.

17. Apparatus as in claim 16 wherein said fluid supply means includes a passage formed in said elongated removal means which is separate from the passage through which said suction force is provided.

18. Apparatus as in claim 16 wherein said fluid supply means includes the same passage through which said suction force is provided.

19. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises two elongated tubular members located one within the other, means for mounting said members for relative angular rotation with respect to each other, each of said members having an opening at the free end thereof at least a portion of which can be brought into registration with the opening of the other member, at least one of said members being formed with a cutting means surrounding at least a portion of its opening so that upon angular rotation of the members relative to each other material which is located in the path between said cutting means and the surface surrounding the other opening will be cut.

20. Apparatus as in claim 19 wherein one of said elongated tubular members defines the passage which is in communication with said means for applying said suction force.

21. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises a first elongated tubular member forming a fluid flow passage and having an opening in proximity to one end thereof, jaw means formed at said one end of said first member, a second elongated member havIng jaw means at one end thereof, one of said jaw means being formed with cutting means and defining with the jaw means of said other member a cutting surface, and means for mounting said first and second members for relative rotation with respect to each other.

22. Apparatus as in claim 21 further comprising a second tubular elongated member forming a second fluid flow passage, said second tubular member having an opening adjacent the end thereof at the operative end of the elongated removal means which communicates with said fluid flow passage defined by said member.

23. Apparatus as in claim 21 wherein said second elongated member has a knife blade at the end thereof which defines its jaw and coacts with the jaw means of said first elongated member.

24. Apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said second elongated member has a double faced knife blade.

25. Apparatus as in claim 22 wherein said second elongated member includes a helical cutting surface, the end of said surface defining the jaw means of said second member, which jaw means coacts with the jaw means of said first member to cut the material, said cut material being removed by said helical surface.

26. Apparatus as in claim 21 further comprising motor means for rotating said first member relative to said second member.

27. Apparatus for removing an object from within the eye of a human being or other animal in vivo, comprising: A. removal means adapted to be inserted within said eye and including: a. an elongate outer assembly with a central flow passage forming passage means, with an outer jaw substantially at one end of said outer assembly connected to the flow passage, and b. an elongate inner assembly extending within said outer assembly for angular displacement relative thereto, with an inner jaw at substantially one end of said outer assembly and shiftable relative to said outer jaw upon relative rotation of said inner and outer assembly, c. said outer jaw defines opening having an elongated shaped surface with an outer edge and spaced apart inner edge, said surface inclined upwardly from said outer edge to said inner edge, with at least one of said edges defining a cutting edge, and the forward extremity of said inner edge extending above the axis of said outer assembly by a distance at least equal to the wall thickness of said outer jaw so as to prevent rotation of the object by rotation of the inner jaw, and d. said inner jaw defines a head portion having substantially parallel spaced apart faces with a transversely extending opening therebetween defining spaced apart cutting edges at said faces, B. mounting means within said removal means for supporting said inner and outer assembly for relative angular displacement relative to each other so as to sever any material of said object extending between said jaws as they are moved relative to each other, said removed material of said object being contained within said passage means, C. means for maintaining a suction force in said passage means to maintain said object in a substantially fixed position relative to said jaws, said suction force being applied through said passage means to said object, D. means for forming a fluidized suspension of said removed material by supplying a treatment fluid proximate to said jaws, and E. means for removing said fluidized suspension from said passage means, said means including suction means connected to said passage means for removal of said fluidized suspension therefrom.

28. Apparatus for performing eye surgery in a human being or other animal in vivo, comprising: A. means for progressively removing the lens of the eye from within its capsule, said removal means including passage means and a pair of jaws connected thereto at proximately one end thereof, said jaws adapted to be moved relative to each other, and B. means for maintaining a suction force in said passage means to retain said lens in substantially fixed position relative to said Jaws, C. means for effecting relative movement of said jaws so as to sever the material of the lens extending therebetween as they are moved relative to each other, said removed lens material being contained within said passage means, and D. means for supplying a fluid internally to said capsule to prevent collapse thereof during removal of said lens.

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