Patent ID: 6398754
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly, said phaco tip apparatus comprising:a needle having a tip, for emulsifying a cataract lens through a cornea/sclera wound, and a lumen for aspirating emulsified lens therethrough; a compressible sleeve for establishing an annular passage around the needle and enabling irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through the cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle; a bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, for establishing a fluid communicating between said lumen and said annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the tip, thus providing fluid surge protection; and a depending member disposed within said compressible sleeve for limiting compression of opposing walls of said compressible sleeve in order to prevent contact of said compressible sleeve with said needle, maintain the annular passage flow of irrigation fluid past said needle and prevent the compressible sleeve from closing said bypass port.