Control apparatus for microsurgical instruments

摘要

An automated electronic microsurgical control system is disclosed which is capable of performing the various aspiration functions customarily performed manually by a surgical assistant. The system is entirely subservient to the surgeon's foot control unit which is adapted to control seven different surgical functions. In addition, the electronic control system is designed to communicate audibly with the surgeon regarding actual fluid flow and the build-up of vacuum pressure in the aspiration lines connected to the microsurgical cutting instrument, thus permitting the surgeon to audibly ascertain complete information as to the actual activity within the aspiration line without requiring him to take his eyes from the operating microscope.