Ophthalmic Surgical Probes

A beveled probe tip with textured surfaces and polymeric material addresses the challenge of effectively engaging and manipulating vitreous without damaging the retina, enhancing surgical safety and efficiency.

JP2025526573APending Publication Date: 2025-08-15ALCON INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025504057
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-09
Filing Date
2023-07-24
Publication Date
2025-08-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional vitreous probes have small port sizes, making it difficult to effectively grasp and peel away the vitreous from the retina without damaging the retina during posterior vitreous detachment procedures.

Method used

The design of a beveled probe tip with an elongated port and optionally textured surfaces to increase vacuum generation and improve tissue engagement, along with a polymeric material for reduced trauma.

Benefits of technology

Enhances tissue manipulation and reduces the risk of unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues by improving vacuum generation and engagement without increasing probe gauge.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to ophthalmic surgical probes for evacuation. In certain embodiments, the probes include a beveled probe tip that increases the area of vacuum generation at the target site without increasing probe gauge, thus facilitating improved tissue engagement. In certain embodiments, the probes further include one or more textured surfaces for improved "grasping" and manipulation of the target tissue and / or one or more surfaces formed of a polymeric material to reduce unwanted trauma and increase the safety of their use.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical probe. [Background technology]

[0002] The vitreous body, sometimes called vitreous humor or simply "vitreous," is a clear, colorless, jelly-like mass that fills the space between the lens and retina of the eye. The vitreous makes up approximately 80% of the eye's volume and helps maintain the eye's round shape. Additionally, the vitreous helps absorb external mechanical shocks to the eye, provides nutrients to the lens, and supports the retina.

[0003] The vitreous is composed primarily of water, with trace amounts of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which give the vitreous a jelly-like structure. However, over time, the vitreous liquefies and condenses (e.g., shrinks) due to aging and normal wear and tear. Eventually, the vitreous is unable to fill the volume of the vitreous cavity of the eye, causing it to detach from the retina, also known as "posterior vitreous detachment" or "PVD." PVD is common in older adults and can lead to more serious complications, such as retinal detachment, in which the retina separates from the underlying supporting tissue.

[0004] When treatment for PVD is required, ophthalmic surgeons typically use a vitreous probe to completely separate the detached vitreous from the retina, cut the separated vitreous into small fragments, and then aspirate the fragmented vitreous from the eye. To separate the vitreous from the retina, the cutter of the vitreous probe is stopped and the probe's port is brought close to the detached vitreous to "grasp" and peel it away. However, due to the design of conventional vitreous probes, and more specifically, their relatively small port size, which decreases significantly as the probe gauge decreases, it is extremely difficult to effectively grasp and peel away the vitreous without damaging the retina.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved ophthalmic devices for manipulating and evacuating the vitreous and other ocular substances / tissues during surgical procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to microsurgical tools, and more particularly to ophthalmic microsurgical devices and methods of use thereof.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a vitrectomy probe for manipulating ocular tissue is provided. The vitrectomy probe includes a handpiece configured to be held by a user and a tube defining a longitudinal axis. The tube includes a proximal end coupled to the handpiece and a distal end opposite the proximal end and including a distal tip, the distal tip including a beveled end face at least partially defining a port. The port has an elongated shape.

[0008] So that the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the present disclosure briefly summarized above can be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as other equally effective embodiments may be recognized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A-1B] FIG. 1A shows a conventional surgical probe during an ophthalmic surgical procedure to treat a posterior vitreous detachment, and FIG. 1B shows an enlarged side view of the surgical probe of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary surgical probe in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a side view of another exemplary surgical probe in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 2C shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary configuration of a probe tip of the probe of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 2C shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary configuration of a probe tip of the probe of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 2C shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary configuration of a probe tip of the probe of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2C shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary configuration of a probe tip of the probe in FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 5A-5C] 5A-5C show enlarged perspective views of exemplary configurations of the probe tips of the probes of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D-5F] 5D-5F show enlarged perspective views of exemplary configurations of the probe tips of the probes of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 2C shows an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary textured surface of the probe of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the exemplary textured surface of FIG. 6A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to indicate identical elements common to the figures, and it is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further description.

[0011] In the following description, details are set forth as examples to facilitate understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations are examples and do not encompass all possible implementations. Therefore, it should be understood that reference to the described examples is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, apparatuses, and methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, are fully contemplated. In particular, it is fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one implementation can be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] It should be noted that, as described herein, a distal end, distal segment, or distal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion that is closer to the target tissue of a patient during use of that component, while a proximal end, proximal segment, or proximal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion that is farther away from the target tissue of a patient.

[0013] As used herein, the term "about" may refer to a + / - 10% variation from the nominal value. It is understood that such a variation may be included in any value provided herein.

[0014] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to microsurgical tools, and more particularly to ophthalmic microsurgical probes for manipulating ocular material / tissue and methods of use thereof.

[0015] As described above, during certain procedures, ophthalmic surgeons may use a vitrectomy probe to separate the vitreous from the retina prior to removing and aspirating the vitreous from the eye (e.g., creating a posterior vitreous detachment, or "PVD"). While effective at performing the removal procedure, vitrectomy probes may be ineffective at engaging and draining tissues such as the vitreous and other ocular materials, and may even promote unnecessary damage to tissues adjacent to the surgical site (e.g., the retina). The devices described herein address the deficiencies of certain existing methods and designs discussed above by providing a probe designed for effective engagement of the vitreous and other materials, further reducing the risk of unnecessary damage to surrounding tissue. Such probes include a beveled probe tip that increases the area of vacuum generation at the target site without increasing the probe gauge, thus facilitating improved tissue engagement compared to other devices of similar gauge. In certain embodiments, the probes described herein further include one or more textured surfaces for improved "grasping" and manipulation of the target tissue and / or one or more surfaces formed of a polymeric material to reduce unnecessary damage and increase safety.

[0016] 1A shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary eye 100 undergoing an ophthalmic procedure in which the vitreous body 102 is separated from the retina 104 by conventional methods to form a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) 106 prior to removal and aspirating the vitreous body 102 from the eye 100. As shown in FIG. 1A , various microsurgical instruments are inserted into the eye 100, including a vitrectomy probe 120 for cutting and removing the vitreous body 102, an endoilluminator 130 for providing illumination within the eye 100, and an irrigation cannula 140 for replacing fluid within the eye 100 with saline and maintaining intraocular pressure. The vitreous body 120, endoilluminator 130, and irrigation cannula 140 are typically inserted into the eye 100 through respective trocar cannulas 150 inserted into incisions in the sclera 108, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0017] To separate the vitreous body 102 from the retina 104 and create the PVD 106, the surgeon may deactivate the cutter of the vitreous probe 120 and bring a port 122 at the distal end 124 of the probe close to the desired portion of the vitreous body 102 to "grasp" the vitreous body. The vitreous probe 120 may then be carefully pulled away from the retina 104 to peel the vitreous body 102 from the retina 104. However, due to the location of the port 122, for example, on the side wall of the vitreous probe 120 rather than on the distal end face 126, and the relatively small size of the port 122 depending on the gauge of the vitreous probe 120, it may be extremely difficult to effectively evacuate the vitreous body 102 from the retina 104 using the vitreous probe 120 without causing damage to the retina 104.

[0018] FIG. 1B shows an enlarged side view of the distal end 124 of the vitrectomy probe 120 of FIG. 1A to better illustrate the location of the port 122. As shown, the port 122 of the vitrectomy probe 120 is located on the sidewall of the probe rather than on the distal end face 126. Therefore, when attempting to manipulate / evacuate tissue or other material within the eye 100, such as the vitreous body 102, the surgeon must carefully position, rotate, and angle the vitrectomy probe 120 so that the port 122 is adjacent to the desired tissue or material in order to “grasp” the tissue or material. Furthermore, the surgeon must also consider how to grasp the tissue or material while maintaining visualization of the tissue or material without being obstructed by the probe 120. As previously mentioned, the relatively small size of the port 122, represented as width W in FIG. 1B, can also result in suboptimal vacuum generation for engagement with the tissue or material, thereby further increasing the difficulty of manipulating the tissue or material using the vitrectomy probe 120.

[0019] 2A shows a side view of an improved surgical probe 220a in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The probe 220a includes an elongated member that can be inserted into the eye, for example, through a trocar cannula, to engage and manipulate the vitreous and other tissues and / or materials. In certain embodiments, the probe 220a is configured to create a posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD.

[0020] As shown, in certain embodiments, probe 220a includes a hollow, cylindrical (e.g., non-segmented) tube 222 that defines a longitudinal axis of probe 220a and has an outer diameter of less than about 20 gauge. For example, in certain embodiments, tube 222 has a diameter of about 23 gauge, 25 gauge, 27 gauge, or smaller. In certain embodiments, tube 222 is segmented into two or more segments having different sized outer diameters. For example, in certain embodiments, a first proximal segment of tube 222 may have an outer diameter of about 23 or 25 gauge, and a second distal segment of tube 222 may have an outer diameter of about 25 or 27 gauge, respectively. However, in still other embodiments, probe 220a includes a hollow, triangular, square, or polygonal tube having multiple longitudinal facets. It should be noted that, as described herein, a distal segment, distal portion, or distal end of a component refers to the segment, portion, or end that is closer to the target tissue of a patient during use of the component. On the other hand, a proximal segment, portion or end of a component refers to the segment, portion or end that is farther away from the target tissue of the patient.

[0021] Tube 222 further includes a distal tip 226 at its distal end. Distal tip 226 includes an end face 227 at which a port 228 is disposed. Port 228, defined in part by end face 227, facilitates providing vacuum to target tissue or material within a patient's eye to "grasp" and manipulate the tissue or material during an ophthalmic procedure. As shown, distal tip 226 is beveled (e.g., angled) at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the primary (longitudinal) axis 221 of probe 220a, thereby causing port 228 to have an elongated, e.g., ellipsoidal, shape. The beveled configuration of distal tip 226, and thus the elongated shape of port 229, increases the surface area for vacuum generation at port 228 without requiring an increase in probe gauge. Thus, probe 220a enables improved suction or "grasping" of ocular tissue / material at a small probe gauge, and therefore easier manipulation thereof. For clarity, enlarged cross-sectional views of distal tip 226 and port 228 are shown in Figures 3A-3C and are described in further detail below.

[0022] The tube 222 of the probe 220a may be formed of any material suitable for performing an ophthalmic procedure. In certain embodiments, the tube 222 comprises a plastic or polymeric material. In such embodiments, a portion or substantially all of the tube 222 may be translucent or transparent. In certain other embodiments, the tube 222 comprises a more conventional surgical-grade material, such as aluminum, stainless steel (e.g., 316 or 316L stainless steel), or other alloys. In certain examples, the tube 222 is formed of Phynox, Elgiloy, or other suitable cobalt-chromium-nickel alloys. In certain examples, the tube 222 is formed of Nitinol or other suitable nickel-titanium alloys. In further embodiments, the tube 222 may comprise a combination of metallic and polymeric materials, as shown and described with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0023] As further shown in FIG. 2A , the proximal end of tube 222, in certain embodiments, can be disposed partially and longitudinally through the distal end of handpiece 260 and can be directly or indirectly attached to handpiece 260 within the lumen of handpiece 260. In certain embodiments, handpiece 260 is a handpiece having an outer surface configured to be held by a user, such as a surgeon. For example, handpiece 260 can be ergonomically contoured to substantially fit the user's hand. In certain embodiments, the outer surface can be textured or have one or more gripping features formed therein, such as one or more grooves and / or ridges. Handpiece 260 can be made from any material commonly used for such instruments and suitable for ophthalmic surgery. For example, handpiece 260 can be formed of lightweight aluminum, polymer, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, handpiece 260 can be sterilized and used for more than one surgical procedure, or can be a single-use device. Handpiece 260 further includes one or more ports 266 at its proximal end for providing an inlet / outlet for a vacuum supply line to pass through the lumen of handpiece 260. For example, port 266 may provide a connection between handpiece 260 (and thus probe 220a) and a vacuum supply line of a vacuum source within the surgical console.

[0024] FIG. 2B shows a side view of another exemplary surgical probe 220b, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Surgical probe 220b is substantially similar to surgical probe 220a, except for the presence of a curvature 224 in tube 222. Accordingly, tube 222 may be a curved cylindrical, triangular, square, or polygonal tube. In certain embodiments, curvature 224 is formed at and / or near the distal end of tube 222, for example, within 5-10 mm (millimeters) of distal tip 226 of tube 222. Generally, curvature 224 may be shaped to match the curvature of the retinal surface of a patient's eye, for example, eye 100 of FIG. 1A.

[0025] 3A-3C show enlarged cross-sectional side views of exemplary configurations of probes 320a, 320b, and 320c, which are representative of the surgical probes of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIGS. 3A-3C show distal tips 326a, 326b, and 326c of probes 320a, 320b, and 320c, respectively. Each distal tip 326a, 326b, and 326c includes a corresponding end face 327a, 327b, or 327c, respectively, on which a port 328a, 328b, or 328c, respectively, is disposed.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3A , distal tip 326 a of probe 320 a is beveled so that end surface 327 a, which in this example is substantially flat, is disposed at a non-orthogonal (non-perpendicular) angle α relative to major axis 322 of probe 320 a. Generally, beveling distal tip 326 a creates a larger surface area, shown as dimension “D” in FIG. 3A , for port 328 a, thus allowing for greater vacuum generation thereat and improving “grasping” of ocular tissue and other material during ophthalmic procedures with small probe gauges. Furthermore, during many ophthalmic procedures requiring tissue manipulation, surgical probes are inserted into the eye through incisions and / or cannulas located in the superior temporal quadrant of the eye, and thus the distal tip of the surgical probe is approached at an angle to the target tissue or material (e.g., the posterior surface of the vitreous). Here, by beveling distal tip 326a of probe 320a so that end face 327a is disposed at an angle, probe 320a facilitates greater grasping (e.g., suction) of target tissue or material because end face 327a faces the target tissue or material and is configured to create a "sealed" vacuum suction thereon. Thus, probe 320a facilitates improved manipulation of tissue and other ocular structures compared to conventional probes.

[0027] In certain embodiments, angle α is between about 0° and about 90° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, between about 5° and about 70° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, between about 10° and about 60° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, between about 20° and about 40° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, about 30° relative to the normal to major axis 322. In certain embodiments, angle α is between about 10° and about 30° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, between about 15° and about 25° relative to the normal to major axis 322, for example, about 18° relative to the normal to major axis 322.

[0028] As mentioned above, end face 327a of probe 320a is substantially flat and is connected to outer surface 323 of tube 322 by outer edge 340, which may be rounded. However, other end face profiles / configurations are also contemplated, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C . For example, in FIG. 3B , end face 327b includes a curved or rounded profile. In certain embodiments, end face 327b includes an outward (e.g., convex) curvature that may match the curvature of the retinal surface of a patient's eye, e.g., eye 100. In certain other embodiments, end face 327b may include an inward (e.g., concave) curvature. In the example of FIG. 3C , end face 327c includes a staggered or stepped profile having multiple gradual or stepped segments 329. In such embodiments, segments 329 may be substantially flat, as shown in FIG. 3C , or segments 329 may be curved or rounded. Note that although three segments 329 are shown, more or fewer segments are contemplated.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary configuration of a probe 420, representative of the surgical probe of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the probe 420 includes a tube 422 having portions thereof formed of at least two different materials. More specifically, the tube 422 includes a first proximal portion 423 formed of a first material and a second distal portion 425 (including a distal tip 426) formed of a second material. In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 423 is formed of a surgical-grade metallic material, such as aluminum, stainless steel (e.g., 316 or 316L stainless steel), phynox, or other alloy, while the distal portion 425 is formed of a plastic or polymeric material. In such embodiments, the proximal portion 423 provides the rigidity necessary to manipulate the probe 420 within the intraocular space during an ophthalmic procedure, while the distal portion 425, which may come into contact with various tissues within the eye, provides some flexibility to reduce the risk of injury to these tissues. Additionally, utilizing a polymeric distal portion 425 may facilitate improved engagement with ocular tissue and other materials, as a softer probe tip is more likely to "grab" such tissue and materials. Thus, the exemplary probe 420 of FIG. 4 may facilitate improved safety and efficiency during certain ophthalmic procedures compared to more conventional probes.

[0030] Figures 5A-5F show enlarged perspective views of exemplary probe configurations representative of the surgical probes of Figures 2A and 2B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figures 5A-5F show end faces 527a, 527b, 527c, 527d, 527e, and 527f of probes 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d, 520e, and 520f, respectively. End faces 527a-527c have a flat profile as described above with reference to Figure 3A, while end faces 527d-527f have a staggered or stepped profile as described above with reference to Figure 3C.

[0031] As shown, flat end face 527a includes a substantially smooth or untextured surface 552 across its entire surface area. Conversely, flat end face 527b includes a textured surface 554 across its entire surface area. Alternatively, flat end face 527b includes both a smooth surface 552 and a textured surface 554 across different portions of its surface area. Similarly, staggered end face 527d, which includes multiple segments 529, includes a smooth surface 554 across its entire surface area. Meanwhile, staggered end face 527e includes a textured surface 554 across its entire surface area, and staggered end face 527f includes both a smooth surface 552 and a textured surface 554 across different portions of its surface area (here, distal segment 529 includes textured surface 554 and the remaining portion includes smooth surface 552, although other arrangements are contemplated). In examples including a textured surface 554, the textured surface can increase friction between the probe and the target tissue or other ocular material by providing a higher coefficient of friction, thereby improving engagement of the probe with such tissue or material. Furthermore, a higher coefficient of friction reduces the normal force required to engage the tissue or material with the probe. As a result of reducing the normal force applied to the probe during a given procedure, the risk of injury or compression to the eye can also be reduced.

[0032] Figure 6A shows an enlarged perspective view of the textured surface 554 shown in Figures 5B, 5C, 5E, and 5F, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of the textured surface 554, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity, Figures 6A and 6B are described together herein.

[0033] As shown, textured surface 554 includes a plurality of raised surface features 602. Features 602 are configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the probes (e.g., probes 220a and 220b) and target tissue or ocular material, thereby improving engagement between the probes and target tissue or material during an ophthalmic procedure. In certain embodiments, features 602 include microposts or nanoposts. In certain embodiments, features 602 include microhooks or nanohooks. Features 602 may be arranged in any suitable arrangement, for example, on the end faces of the probes. For example, in certain embodiments, features 602 may be arranged in one or more linear arrays on the end faces of the probes. In certain other embodiments, features 602 may be arranged in a circular or rotationally symmetric array on the end faces of the probes. In the illustrated example, features 602 may be formed by applying laser energy to the end faces of the probes, for example, probes 220a and 220b. In certain embodiments, a femtosecond or picosecond laser may be used.

[0034] Generally, the features 602 have a height H measured from the valleys 604 of the traces 606 located between the features 602 and measured perpendicularly from the effective surface 608 of the textured surface 554 defined by the surface passing through the valleys 604. In certain embodiments, the height H is between about 2 μm (micrometers) and about 10 μm, such as between about 3 μm and about 9 μm, such as between about 4 μm and about 8 μm, such as between about 5 μm and about 7 μm. In still other embodiments, the height H of the features 602 may be greater than 10 μm or less than 2 μm. In further embodiments, the height H of the features 602 may vary across the textured surface 554.

[0035] In certain embodiments, features 602 are disposed at an angle β relative to working surface 608. The angling of features 602 may facilitate "grasping" of the target tissue / substance when the probe is moved in one direction relative to the target tissue / substance and "releasing" of the target tissue / substance when the probe is moved in a second, opposite direction relative to the target tissue / substance. Such bidirectional functionality makes engagement of the probe with the target tissue / substance efficient and predictable. In certain embodiments, angle β is within the range of 10° to 90°, where 90° is perpendicular to working surface 608. In certain embodiments, angle β may be within the range of about 20° to about 70°, about 20° to about 55°, about 30° to about 60°, about 40° to about 50°, about 20° to about 50°, or about 30° to about 45°.

[0036] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to surgical probes for ophthalmic procedures. In particular, embodiments herein provide probes designed for effective engagement and manipulation of the vitreous and other materials. Such probes include a beveled probe tip that increases the area of vacuum generation at the target site without increasing the probe gauge, thus facilitating improved tissue engagement compared to other devices of similar gauge. In certain embodiments, the probes described herein further include one or more textured surfaces to improve "grasping" and manipulation of the target tissue and / or one or more surfaces formed of a polymeric material to reduce unwanted damage and increase safety. Thus, the devices described herein address the shortcomings of certain existing methods and designs and further reduce the risk of unnecessary damage to surrounding tissue.

[0037] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single elements. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination of multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other permutation of a, b, and c).

[0038] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

[0039] In the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are or later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Further, the disclosure herein is not intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No element of a claim shall be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical probe for manipulating ocular tissue, comprising: a handpiece configured to be held by a user; A tube defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal end coupled to the handpiece; a distal end opposite the proximal end and including a distal tip, the distal tip including an end face that is beveled and at least partially defines a port, the port having an elongated shape; a tube containing A surgical probe comprising:

2. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a cylindrical configuration.

3. The surgical probe of claim 2 , wherein the port has an ellipsoid shape.

4. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the tube includes a curvature near the distal end configured to match the curvature of a retinal surface of an eye.

5. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the end face is substantially flat.

6. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the end face includes an outward curvature configured to match the curvature of a retinal surface of an eye.

7. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the end face includes a staggered profile having a plurality of stepped segments.

8. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the end face is disposed at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to a normal to the longitudinal axis.

9. The surgical probe of claim 8 , wherein the end face is disposed at an angle of 18° relative to a normal to the longitudinal axis.

10. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the tube is formed of a plastic or polymeric material.

11. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein the tube is formed from aluminum, stainless steel, Phynox, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or other metal alloy.

12. 10. The surgical probe of claim 1, wherein the tube includes a distal portion formed from a plastic or polymeric material and a proximal portion formed from aluminum, stainless steel, Phynox, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or other metal alloy.

13. The surgical probe of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the end face includes a textured surface having a plurality of raised surface features.

14. The surgical probe of claim 13 , wherein the raised surface features include nanohooks.

15. 14. The surgical probe of claim 13, wherein the raised surface features are angled relative to an effective surface of the textured surface to facilitate grasping of ocular tissue when the surgical probe is moved in a first direction and releasing of the ocular tissue when the surgical probe is moved in a second direction.