Controlling A Phacoemulsification Surgical System By Transitioning Between Pulse and Burst Modes

Abstract

Methods of manipulating pulses of ultrasonic energy for use with an ophthalmic surgical device.

1 . A method of generating ultrasonic energy for use with an ophthalmic surgical device, the method comprising:
 generating pulses having an on-time, a first off-time, and a first amplitude, the first off-time being greater than the on-time;   reducing the first off-time of the pulses; and   increasing the amplitude of the pulses from the first amplitude to a second amplitude when the first off-time is reduced to a pre-determined second off-time.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein reducing the first off-time comprises reducing the first off-time in response to a controller. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is a foot pedal and is reducing the first off-time comprises reducing the first off-time in response to movement of the foot pedal. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein reducing the first off-time comprises reducing the first off-time until the foot pedal reaches a pre-determined position, after which the off-time remains constant. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein increasing the amplitude of the pulses from the first amplitude to the second amplitude begins after the pre-determined second off-time is about the same as the on-time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein increasing the amplitude comprises increasing the amplitude from the first amplitude to the second amplitude in response to a controller. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the controller is a foot pedal and the first amplitude is increased in response to movement of the foot pedal. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein increasing the amplitude of the pulses from the first amplitude to the second amplitude begins after the foot pedal is moved to a pre-determined position. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is a foot pedal and continuous movement of the foot pedal initially reduces the first off-time and then increases the amplitude from the first amplitude to the second amplitude. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first off-time and the first amplitude are adjustable in response to the same controller. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the on-time remains substantially constant during the steps of reducing the first off-time and increasing the first amplitude. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein generating pulses comprises generating rectangular pulses.