Wireless devices and system for illuminating an eye

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a wireless illumination device (200, 300, 500) is provided. The wireless illumination device includes a handpiece (202) comprising a light source (216) configured to generate an illumination light, a wireless communication module (218) configured to wirelessly receive signals from a user input device (102, 110), a light source driver (220) in communication with the light source and the wireless communication module, an optical fiber (212) extending from the light source to a distal end (250) of the wireless illumination device, and a power source (222) configured to power the light source, the wireless communication module, and the light source driver. The light source driver is configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received from the user input device. The optical fiber is configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end and into an interior portion (402) of a patient's eye (400).

Description

PAT059514-WO-PCTWIRELESS DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR ILLUMINATING AN EYECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 713,756, filed October 30, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Microsurgical procedures frequently involve precision sealing, cutting, and / or removing of various body tissues. For example, certain ophthalmic surgical procedures may involve sealing, cutting, and / or removing tissues within the posterior segment of the eye. During such procedures, an illumination device may be used to help the surgeon illuminate and visualize an area of treatment within the posterior segment of the eye. When using the illumination device, a distal tip is inserted into the eye and held in close proximity to the area of treatment to operate thereon. Therefore, use of the illumination device requires great care and accuracy to ensure the area of treatment is adequately illuminated.

[0003] Typically, one or more cables (or wires) connect an illumination device to a surgical console, which is used to control operations of the illumination device. However, the one or more cables connecting the illumination device to the surgical console may then be disposed on and / or around a patient’s eye and within an operating environment (e.g., running along the floor of the operating room). Consequently, the surgeon’s range of motion while using the illumination device may be limited due to the need to reposition or move the cables during ophthalmic procedure, which can make it difficult to operate on the patient’s eye and potentially lead to unwanted and unintentional trauma to ocular tissues. Further, the cables may present a tripping hazard and / or accidentally become disconnected or entangled with other equipment, which limits the efficiency and safety of ophthalmic procedures, thereby further increasing patient risk.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless devices and systems for illuminating an eye of a patient during ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as vitreoretinal procedures.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a wireless illumination device is provided. The wireless illumination device includes a handpiece comprising a light source, a wireless communicationPAT059514-WO-PCT module, a light source driver, an optical fiber, and a power source. The light source is configured to generate an illumination light, and the wireless communication module is configured to wirelessly receive signals from a user input device. The light source driver is in communication with the light source and the wireless communication module, and is configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received from the user input device through the wireless communication module. The optical fiber extends from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, and is configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye. The power source is configured to power the light source, the wireless communication module, and the light source driver.

[0006] In certain embodiments, another wireless illumination device is provided. The wireless illumination device includes a handpiece comprising a light source, one or more buttons, a light source driver, an optical fiber, and a power source. The light source is configured to generate an illumination light, and the one or more buttons are configured to relay signals based on user input. The light source driver is in communication with the light source and the one or more buttons, and is configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received based on the user input through the one or more buttons. The optical fiber extends from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, and is configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye. The power source is configured to power the light source, the one or more buttons, and the light source driver.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a system is provided that includes a surgical console for ophthalmic procedures, and a wireless illumination device in communication with the surgical console. The wireless illumination device includes a handpiece comprising a light source, a wireless communication module, a light source driver, an optical fiber, and a power source. The light source is configured to generate an illumination light, and the wireless communication module is configured to wirelessly receive signals from the surgical console through the wireless communication module. The light source driver is in communication with the light source and the wireless communication module, and is configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received from the surgical console. The optical fiber extends from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, and is configured toPAT059514-WO-PCT transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye. The power source is configured to power the light source, the wireless communication module, and the light source driver.

[0008] The following description and the related drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The appended figures depict certain aspects of the one or more embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1A shows an example surgical system, according to certain embodiments.

[0011] FIG. IB shows an example foot controller of the surgical system of FIG. 1 A, according to certain embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a side view of an example wireless illumination device, according to certain embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the wireless illumination device of FIG. 2A, according to certain embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of another example wireless illumination device, according to certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an eye and an example illumination system, according to certain embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional diagram of the surgical system and the foot controller of FIGS. 1A-1B wirelessly coupled to a wireless illumination device representative of the wireless illumination devices of FIGS. 2A-2B and FIG. 3, according to certain embodiments.

[0017] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the drawings. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.PAT059514-WO-PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended Figures can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in the Figures, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0019] Reference throughout this specification to the term “distal” refers to a system, device, component, end, portion, or segment that is disposed closer to a patient and / or further from a console during an ophthalmic procedure; and the term “proximal” refers to the system, device, component, end, portion, or segment that is disposed further from the patient and / or closer to the console during the ophthalmic procedure.

[0020] During ophthalmic surgeries, illumination devices (e.g., chandeliers, endoilluminators, wide angle illuminators, etc.) are often used to illuminate a treatment area and / or target tissue within an eye. The illumination light transmitted by the illumination device may be used to help provide illumination while another tool (e.g., a vitrectomy probe, a diathermy probe, forceps, etc.) is used to operate on the treatment area or target tissue. Therefore, the illumination device may need to be moved (or repositioned) while operating on the target tissue so that the surgeon is able to adequately see the target tissue, move between different treatment areas, and avoid accidentally or unintentionally causing damage to other surrounding tissues.

[0021] Current illumination devices often include one or more cables (or wires) that connect the illumination device to a surgical console. The surgeon can then use the surgical console to control operational functions of the illumination device. As such, when the illumination device is inserted into a patient’s eye, the one or more cables may be positioned on and / or around the patient’s eye, as well as within the operating room (e.g., on the operating table, the floor, etc.). However, by having a cabled connection between the illumination device and the surgical console, the one or more cables may hinder the surgeon’s ability to move the illumination device and / or may also become accidentally disconnected during the ophthalmic procedure. When the surgeon cannot easily move and / or operate the illumination device to adequately see the treatment area, itPAT059514-WO-PCT increases the likelihood of unwanted and unintentional trauma to ocular tissues, and may also increase a duration of the surgery as the surgeon needs to take extra care in order to avoid unwanted trauma, which further increases risk to the patient.

[0022] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide wireless illumination devices. For example, a wireless illumination device as described herein allows the surgeon to control the illumination device without a wired connection to a surgical console, thereby reducing the number of cables in the operating room and affording greater mobility of the illumination device. The wireless illumination devices described herein, therefore, provide surgeons with greater freedom to operate on and around the eye, which thereby facilitates safer, quicker, and more efficient ophthalmic procedures.

[0023] FIG. 1A shows an example surgical system 100, according to certain embodiments. FIG. IB shows an example foot controller 110 of the surgical system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to certain embodiments. Accordingly, FIGS. 1A-1B are described together herein for clarity purposes.

[0024] The surgical system 100 includes a surgical console 101, which is operably coupled, physically or wirelessly, to any number of user input devices, including a user interface 102 and / or a foot controller 110. The user interface 102 includes an electronic display screen 104, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) 108, and one or more buttons 106 disposed on the surgical console 101. The surgical console 101 allows a user, generally a surgeon or other medical professional, to select ophthalmic procedures and set operating parameters and modes for such processors into the surgical console 101, for example, by using the electronic display screen 104 (e.g., via a touch-screen interface, mouse, trackball, keyboard, etc.) and / or the one or more buttons 106. The user interface 102 allows the user to access (e.g., via the electronic display screen 104 or the buttons 106) various menus and screens related to the functions and operations of the surgical console 101. For example, the surgeon may select an illumination operation during which a handheld wireless illumination device (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and FIG. 3) is used to illuminate an eye of a patient (shown in FIG. 4).

[0025] In certain embodiments, the surgical console 101 is configured to wirelessly control the operations of the illumination device based on commands received from the surgeon through the user interface 102 (e.g., via the electronic display screen 104 and / or the buttons 106) and / or thePAT059514-WO-PCT foot controller 110. For example, the user interface 102 and / or the foot controller 110 may be configured to control one or more settings of the wireless illumination device’s light source, which generates an illumination light for transmission by the illumination device (shown in FIG. 4). In other words, the user interface 102 and / or the foot controller 110 can control a color of the illumination light, a brightness of the illumination light, an on / off state of the illumination light, etc.

[0026] As shown in FIG. IB, the foot controller 110 includes a body 112 with a base 114 that supports the foot controller 110 on an operating room floor. The body 112 further includes a footpedal 116, which is configured to be actuated by a user (e.g., a surgeon) to perform one or more actions of a surgical procedure, such as controlling one or more settings of the wireless illumination device’s light source. That is, the surgeon can depress the footpedal 116 using the distal portion of his or her foot to move from a fully undepressed position to, for example, a fully depressed position in which the footpedal 116 lies in generally the same plane as a heel rest 118. Such depression of the footpedal 116 may be configured to send a signal to control the one or more settings of the wireless illumination device’s light source (shown in FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, proportional depression of the footpedal 116 is utilized for proportional control of illumination, where the position of the footpedal 116 (e.g., the extent to which the footpedal 116 is depressed) corresponds to a desired brightness of the illumination light transmitted by the wireless illumination device.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the foot controller 110 is wirelessly in direct communication with the illumination device. Thus, control or command signals from the foot controller 110 are directly transmitted to the illumination device to control one or more settings of the light source in the illumination device. In other words, in such embodiments, the control signals do not pass through the surgical console 101. In certain other embodiments, the foot controller 110 is physically or wirelessly coupled to the surgical console 101, which is in wireless communication with the illumination device. Thus, the foot controller 110 indirectly sends a signal to the illumination device via the surgical console 101.

[0028] FIG. 2A is a side view of an example wireless illumination device 200, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the wireless illumination devicePAT059514-WO-PCT200 of FIG. 2A, according to certain embodiments. Accordingly, FIGS. 2A-2B are described together herein for clarity purposes.

[0029] The wireless illumination device 200 is an illumination device (also referred to herein as an “illumination handpiece” or a “wireless illumination handpiece”) which may be used, for example, to generate an illumination light for illuminating a posterior segment (or interior portion) of an eye to assist a surgeon in ophthalmic procedures as described in further detail with reference to FIG. 4. As an example, the wireless illumination device 200 may be an endoilluminator, a wide angle illuminator, etc. The surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110 are configured to control the wireless illumination device 200 and operational features thereof.

[0030] The wireless illumination device 200 includes a handpiece 202 with a handpiece tip 204 and a power button 206 configured to control an on / off state of the wireless illumination device 200 (e.g., by pressing and holding the power button 206 for a predetermined amount of time). In certain embodiments, the handpiece 202 is configured to be held by a user, such as a surgeon. For example, the handpiece 202 may be ergonomically contoured to substantially fit the hand of the user. In certain embodiments, the outer surface may be textured or have one or more gripping features formed thereon, such as one or more grooves and / or ridges. The handpiece 202 may be made from any materials commonly used for such instruments and suitable for ophthalmic surgery. For example, the handpiece 202 may be formed of a lightweight aluminum, a polymer, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the handpiece 202 may be sterilized and used in more than one surgical procedure, or may be a single-use device.

[0031] The wireless illumination device 200 further includes a protective tube 210, a cannula 211 disposed through the protective tube 210, and an optical fiber 212 arranged within the cannula 211. The protective tube 210, the cannula 211, and the optical fiber 212 share and extend along a longitudinal axis 260 of the wireless illumination device 200.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2B, the wireless illumination device 200 further comprises a light source 216, a wireless communication module 218, a light source driver 220, and a power source 222. In the embodiments of FIG. 2B, the light source 216, the wireless communication module 218, the light source driver 220, and the power source 222 are disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 214 that is fixed within the handpiece 202 near a proximal end 272 of the handpiece 202.PAT059514-WO-PCTThe light source 216, the wireless communication module 218, the light source driver 220, and the power source 222 are each electronically coupled by circuitry 215 of the PCB 214.

[0033] The light source 216 is disposed in the handpiece 202 and is configured to generate an illumination light (shown in FIG. 4). As an example, in certain embodiments, the light source 216 generates the illumination light with up to 10 lumens (e.g., up to 9 lumens, 8 lumens, 7 lumens, 6 lumens, or 5 lumens) and, in certain other embodiments, more than 10 lumens. In certain embodiments, the light source 216 comprises one or more light-emitting diode (LEDs) which may be arranged in an array pattern, (e.g., a linear output array pattern). Accordingly, the illumination light may be a combination of one or more of a red light, a green light, or a blue light. Two or more of the red, green, and blue lights can be combined to produce a wide spectrum of colors, e.g., yellow, magenta, cyan, white, etc. In some embodiments, a color and / or brightness of the illumination light can be adjusted by the surgeon (e.g., using the surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110) by controlling one or more settings of the light source 216.

[0034] The illumination light generated by the light source 216 is transmitted through a combiner 226 that is coupled to a proximal end 242 of the optical fiber 212. The combiner 226 comprises a channel 228 therein which channels scattered light (e.g., the illumination light) into the optical fiber 212. To help channel the illumination light, the channel 228 comprises a conical shape that decreases in diameter distally from the light source 216 to the optical fiber 212. Accordingly, the illumination light is focused (or guided) onto the proximal end 242 of the optical fiber 212 by the combiner 226. The illumination light then travels through the optical fiber 212, which extends from the light source 216, through the cannula 211, and to the distal end 250 of the wireless illumination device 200, and is transmitted from a distal end (or emitting end) 240 of the optical fiber 212.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the optical fiber 212 is a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) cord with a fluoride cladding, but may also be comprised of other commonly used optical fiber materials or other suitable materials for transmitting the illumination light. In certain embodiments, a window or other transparent protective element is disposed within the cannula 211 and adjacent to the distal end 240 of the optical fiber 212. In such embodiments, the illumination light is transmitted from the distal end 240 of the optical fiber 212 and through the window orPAT059514-WO-PCT other transparent protective element to exit the cannula 211 at the distal end 250 of the wireless illumination device 200.

[0036] The wireless communication module 218 is configured to wirelessly receive signals from a user input device such as, e.g., the surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110, to control the one or more settings of the light source 216 and / or other functionalities of the illumination device 200. In certain embodiments, the wireless communication module 218 comprises circuitry that comports to one or more of a variety of wireless communications protocols. For example, the wireless communication module 218 can communicate with the surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110 via a Bluetooth connection, a WiFi connection, or other similar short range communications protocols.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the wireless communication module 218 may be wirelessly in direct communication with the surgical console 101. Thus, control or command signals from the surgical console 101 are directly transmitted to the wireless communication module 218 to control the one or more settings of the light source 216. In certain embodiments, the control signals from the surgical console 101 may be transmitted based on user input received via the user interface 102 (i.e., the display screen 104 and / or the buttons 106) and / or the foot controller 110.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, in certain embodiments, the wireless communication module 218 may be wirelessly in direct communication with the foot controller 110. Thus, control or command signals from the foot controller 110 are directly transmitted to the wireless communication module 218 to control the one or more settings of the light source 216. In other words, in such embodiments, the control signals do not pass through the surgical console 101.

[0039] Further, in certain embodiments, the wireless communication module 218 is configured to wirelessly transmit signals to a user input device such as, e.g., the surgical console 101, to share illumination information about the one or more settings of the light source 216 and / or the wireless illumination device 200. Thus, the illumination information can then be displayed on the display screen 104 of the surgical console 101 in graphics or text for the surgeon. As an example, the illumination information may include a color of the illumination light, a brightness of the illumination light, a battery level (or remaining charge) of the wireless illumination device 200, etc. In certain embodiments, the illumination information is provided to and displayed on a display screen of the handpiece 202, for example, as described in further detail with reference to FIG. 3.PAT059514-WO-PCT

[0040] The light source driver 220 refers to circuitry that is in communication with the light source 216 and the wireless communication module 218. As such, the light source driver 220 is configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source 216 based on the signals received from the user input device (e.g., the surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110) through the wireless communication module 218. In certain embodiments, the light source driver 220 is coupled to one or more buttons of the handpiece 202, for example, as described in further detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0041] The power source 222 is configured to power the light source 216, the wireless communication module 218, and the light source driver 220. In certain embodiments, the power source 222 comprises a rechargeable battery. The power source 222 is coupled to a charging port 224 disposed at a proximal end 252 of the wireless illumination device 200. The charging port 224 is configured to receive a charging input (or power cord) for charging (or recharging) the power source 222. Additionally, the power source 222 is coupled to the power button 206, which the surgeon may press to control the on / off state of the wireless illumination device 200.

[0042] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2B, the optical fiber 212 is disposed within and extends through the cannula 211, which has a proximal end attached to a base 230. The base 230 is fixed within the handpiece 202 and is disposed near a distal end 270 of the handpiece 202. The base 230 is part of a stiffening assembly 208. The stiffening assembly 208 further includes the protective tube 210 and a biasing device 232 that is disposed around the cannula 211 within the handpiece 202. The biasing device 232 extends between the base 230 and the protective tube 210. In certain embodiments, the biasing device 232 includes a spring that is configured to compress in response to proximal forces on the protective tube 210 when the wireless illumination device 200 is inserted into an eye.

[0043] When the wireless illumination device 200 is not inserted into the eye, the biasing device 232 remains in a decompressed state (shown in FIG. 2B) in which the biasing device 232 is extended in a first (distal) direction 234. In the decompressed state, the biasing device 232 engages the protective tube 210, such that the protective tube 210 is disposed over a distal end 240 of the optical fiber 212. Accordingly, the protective tube 210 is at least partially disposed over the cannula 211 and the optical fiber 212, and is configured to help prevent the cannula 211 and / or the optical fiber 212 from bending or breaking along a length thereof.PAT059514-WO-PCT

[0044] When the wireless illumination device 200 is inserted into the eye, e.g., through a trocar cannula, the protective tube 210 engages the trocar cannula and causes the biasing device 232 to compress. In other words, the protective tube 210 and the biasing device 232 move in a second (proximal) direction 236, thereby transitioning to a compressed state. In the compressed state, the cannula 211 and the distal end 240 of the optical fiber 212 is uncovered by the protective tube 210 so that only the cannula 211 and the optical fiber 212 are inserted into the eye. Accordingly, the optical fiber 212 can then transmit an illumination light into the eye without being blocked or interfered by the protective tube 210, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a side view of another example wireless illumination device 300, according to certain embodiments. The wireless illumination device 300 may include similar components and perform functions similar to the wireless illumination device 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. The wireless illumination device 300 shown in FIG. 3 further includes a display screen 305 disposed near a proximal end 272 of the handpiece 202, and a first button 307a and a second button 307b (collectively referred to herein as “buttons 307a-b” or “buttons 307”) disposed near a distal end 270 of the handpiece 202.

[0046] The display screen 305 is configured to display illumination information about the one or more settings of the light source 216 and / or the wireless illumination device 300. As an example, the illumination information may include a color of the illumination light, a brightness of the illumination light, a battery level (or remaining charge) of the wireless illumination device 300, etc. In certain embodiments, the illumination information is displayed on the display screen 305 in graphics or text for the surgeon. In certain embodiments, the display screen 305 is powered by the power source 222.

[0047] The buttons 307a-b are configured to control the one or more settings of the light source 216, e.g., by relaying additional signals (e.g., in addition to the signals from the surgical console 101 and / or the foot controller 110) to the light source driver 220 based on user input received through the buttons 307a-b. For example, the buttons 307a-b may be configured to control the color of the illumination light and / or the brightness of the illumination light. In certain embodiments, pressing the first button 307a causes the color to advance to a next color in a list of colors, and pressing the second button 307b causes the color to return to a previous color in the list of colors. In certain embodiments, pressing the first button 307a causes the brightness of thePAT059514-WO-PCT illumination light to increase, and pressing the second button 307b causes the brightness of the illumination light to decrease. In certain embodiments, the user can switch between adjusting the color and the brightness of the illumination light by pressing the power button 206 (e.g., for less than the predetermined amount of time set for controlling the on / off state of the wireless illumination device 300). In certain embodiments, the buttons 307a-b are powered by the power source 222.

[0048] When the wireless illumination device 300 is in communication with the surgical console 101, the surgeon can control the one or more settings of the light source 216 via the user interface 102 of the surgical console 101, and / or via the power button 206 and the buttons 307a-b. In such embodiments, the illumination information may be shared between the wireless illumination device 300 and the surgical console 101 in real-time so that the one or more settings of the light source 216 are synchronized between the wireless illumination device 300 and the surgical console 101.

[0049] However, the wireless illumination device 300 can also be used without being in communication with the surgical console 101. In other words, the surgeon can use the illumination device 300 without it needing to be connected to the surgical console 101. In such embodiments, the surgeon can control the one or more settings of the light source 216 via the power button 206 and the buttons 307a-b (i.e., without the surgical console 101). As such, the surgeon can continue to operate on the patient in the event of a loss of connection between the wireless illumination device 300 and the surgical console 101.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an eye 400 and an example illumination system 401, according to certain embodiments. The eye 400 includes a vitreous cavity 402 with vitreous 404, a retina 406, and a sclera 408. The illumination system 401 includes the surgical console 101 and the wireless illumination device 200, which may be wirelessly connected to each other via a wireless connection 430. In certain embodiments, the wireless connection 430 is a Bluetooth connection or another similar wireless connection.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4, the wireless illumination device 200 and a vitrectomy probe 410, are inserted into the eye 400. In particular, the vitrectomy probe 410 is inserted through a first cannula 450a and the wireless illumination device 200 is inserted through a second cannula 450b. When the surgeon inserts the wireless illumination device 200 into the eye 400 through thePAT059514-WO-PCT second cannula 450b, the protective tube 210 may engage the second cannula 450b and retract proximally to uncover the cannula 211 and the optical fiber 212 as described above with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0052] The wireless illumination device 200 is configured to transmit an illumination light 420 into the vitreous cavity 402 of the eye 400 via the optical fiber 212, e.g., based on one or more control signals received from the surgical console 101 through the wireless connection 430. As an example, the optical fiber 212 is configured to transmit the illumination light 420 with a particular brightness, color, etc.

[0053] Because the wireless illumination device 200 is wirelessly connected to the surgical console 101, there may be less cables or wires on and / or around the eye 400, and in the operating environment (e.g., on the operating table, floor, etc.). As such, the surgeon does not have to reposition (or move) any cables when moving the wireless illumination device 200 during the ophthalmic procedure. Thus, the wireless illumination device 200 affords the surgeon with increased mobility and precision because the surgeon can move more freely and adjust the position of the wireless illumination device 200 without the risk of entangling or pulling on cords. Accordingly, the illumination system 401 affords the surgeon greater freedom to operate, which lessens patient-risk.

[0054] Further, reducing the number of cables by using the wireless illumination device 200 also helps reduce risk of contamination and improve overall safety. Fewer cables reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination because there will be fewer surfaces that need to be sterilized and fewer chances for the illumination device 200 and / or the cables to come into contact with non- sterile areas. Additionally, reducing cables helps lessen the risk of tripping hazards in the operating environment and / or accidental disconnections of the illumination device from the surgical console 101 during ophthalmic procedures. Accordingly, the illumination system 401 also helps lessen patient-risk by improving sterility and safety throughout ophthalmic procedures.

[0055] Although FIG. 4 shows the wireless illumination device 200 being used with the vitrectomy probe 410, the wireless illumination device 200 may also be used with other ophthalmic surgical instruments (e.g., a diathermy probe, forceps, pics, etc.).

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional diagram of the surgical system 100 and the foot controller 110 of FIGS. 1A-1B wirelessly coupled to a wireless illumination device 500, which isPAT059514-WO-PCT representative of the wireless illumination devices 200, 300 of FIGS. 2A-2B and FIG. 3, respectively, according to certain embodiments. In other words, FIG. 5 illustrates how various components of the wireless illumination device 500 (e.g., wireless illumination devices 200, 300), the surgical system 100, and the foot controller 110 communicate and operate together.

[0057] The foot controller 110 includes the footpedal 116, which receives mechanical input from the surgeon and provides a control signal to a wireless communication module 512. The control signal may correspond to the footpedal 116’s position (e.g., in terms of angle or displacement), which is converted into a digital signal for relaying to the surgical system 100 and / or the wireless illumination device 500. Where the foot controller 110 is a wireless device, the digital signal is wirelessly relayed to the surgical system 100 and / or directly to the wireless illumination device 500 via wireless communication module 512 as described above with references to FIG. 2B. Where the foot controller 110 is wired, the digital signal is relayed to the surgical system 100 via interconnect 516 and then wirelessly relayed to the wireless illumination device 500 via a wireless communication module 518 of the surgical console 101 as described above with references to FIG. 2B.

[0058] The surgical console 101 includes a processor or central processing unit (CPU) 501, memory 502, and support circuits. The CPU 501 may retrieve and execute programming instructions stored in the memory 502. Similarly, the CPU 501 may retrieve and store application data residing in the memory 502. The CPU 501 can represent a single CPU, multiple CPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, and the like.

[0059] The memory 502 may be one or more of a readily available memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, solid state, flash memory, magnetic memory, or any other form of digital storage, local or remote. In certain embodiments, the memory 502 includes instructions, which when executed by the CPU 501, causes CPU 501 to perform an operation for controlling illumination operations, as described in the embodiments herein.

[0060] As an example, the memory 502 includes instructions for activating the foot controller 110 and / or the wireless illumination device 500. As another example, the memory 502 includes instructions for allowing the foot controller 110 and / or the wireless illumination device 500 to receive commands (e.g., input) from the user. The memory 502 also has instructions that, whenPAT059514-WO-PCT executed by the CPU 501, cause the surgical console 101 to control the one or more settings of the light source 216 and other operations of the wireless illumination device 500 based on the input received from the user interface 102, the foot controller 110, and / or the wireless illumination device 500.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, wireless communication pathways are operably established between the wireless illumination device 500, the surgical system 100, and / or the foot controller 110 via the wireless communication module 218 of the wireless illumination device 500. Specifically, the wireless communication module 218 communicatively couples to the wireless communication module 518 of the surgical console 101 and / or the wireless communication module 512 of the foot controller 110. Each wireless communication module may be implemented, for example, using low-power wireless transmitter and receiver circuitry. Thus, control signals provided by the surgical system 100 and / or the foot controller 110 are able to be communicated to the wireless illumination device 500 via wireless pathways. Upon receipt of the control signal by the wireless communication module 218, the digital signal is relayed to the light source driver 220 to control the one or more settings of the light source 216 as described above with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0062] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended Claims rather than by this Detailed Description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the Claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0063] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.PAT059514-WO-PCT

[0064] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0066] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person 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 generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, 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.

Claims

PAT059514-WO-PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wireless illumination device for ophthalmic procedures comprising: a handpiece, comprising: a light source configured to generate an illumination light; a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly receive signals from a user input device; a light source driver in communication with the light source and the wireless communication module, the light source driver configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received from the user input device through the wireless communication module; an optical fiber extending from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, the optical fiber configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye; and a power source configured to power the light source, the wireless communication module, and the light source driver.

2. The wireless illumination device of claim 1, wherein the handpiece further comprises: a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the light source, the wireless communication module, the light source driver, and the power source are disposed on the PCB.

3. The wireless illumination device of claim 1, wherein the user input device comprises a surgical console having a user interface for controlling one or more settings of the light source.

4. The wireless illumination device of claim 3, wherein information about the one or more settings of the light source is displayed on a display screen of the surgical console.

5. The wireless illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the user input device comprises a foot controller for controlling one or more settings of the light source.PAT059514-WO-PCT6. The wireless illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light source and the optical fiber are coupled by a combiner that channels the generated illumination light into the optical fiber.

7. The wireless illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a lightemitting diode (LED).

8. The wireless illumination device of claim 1, further comprising: a stiffening assembly, comprising: a base disposed at or near a distal end of the handpiece; a protective tube disposed over a distal end of the optical fiber; and a biasing device disposed between the base and the protective tube, wherein the biasing device compresses and the protective tube moves in a proximal direction to uncover the distal end of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is inserted through a cannula in the patient’s eye.

9. A wireless illumination device for ophthalmic procedures comprising: a handpiece, comprising: a light source configured to generate an illumination light; one or more buttons configured to relay signals based on user input; a light source driver in communication with the light source and the one or more buttons, the light source driver configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received based on the user input through the one or more buttons; an optical fiber extending from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, the optical fiber configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye; and a power source configured to power the light source, the one or more buttons, and the light source driver.PAT059514-WO-PCT10. The wireless illumination device of claim 9 further comprising: a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly receive additional signals from a user input device, wherein the light source driver is further configured to drive the generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the additional signals received from the user input device.

11. The wireless illumination device of claim 9, wherein the one or more buttons control one or more settings of the light source.

12. The wireless illumination device of claim 11, information about the one or more settings of the light source is displayed on a display screen of the handpiece.

13. A system comprising: a surgical console for ophthalmic procedures; and a wireless illumination device in communication with the surgical console and comprising: a handpiece comprising: a light source configured to generate an illumination light; a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly receive signals from the surgical console; a light source driver in communication with the light source and the wireless communication module, the light source driver configured to drive generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the signals received from the surgical console through the wireless communication module; an optical fiber extending from the light source to a distal end of the wireless illumination device, the optical fiber configured to transmit the generated illumination light from the light source to the distal end of the wireless illumination device and into an interior portion of a patient’s eye; and a power source configured to power the light source, the wireless communication module, and the light source driver.PAT059514-WO-PCT14. The system of claim 13, wherein the surgical console comprises: an interface for controlling one or more settings of the light source.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the handpiece of the wireless illumination device further comprises: one or more buttons configured to relay additional signals based on user input, wherein the light source driver is further configured to drive the generation of the illumination light by the light source based on the additional signals received from the user input.

Images