Patent ID: 6520929
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
Apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly, said apparatus comprising:a hollow needle for emulsifying and aspirating a cataract lens through a cornea/sclera wound; and an elongated sleeve, having a proximal and distal end, the sleeve establishing an annular passage around the needle, said elongate sleeve including rigidity enhancing structure for enabling the sleeve to withstand insertion through the cornea/sclera wound and enable irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through the passage while cooling the needle, said elongate sleeve having a fixed length shorter than a length of said hollow needle thus enabling a tip of said hollow needle to protrude from said elongate sleeve, said elongate sleeve including: a hub, disposed at the proximal end, for enabling attachment of the sleeve to the handpiece; and a port, disposed proximate the distal end for introducing irrigation fluid into the eye; said rigidity enhancing structure comprising an internal continuous circumferential berm, disposed between the port and the distal end, a first constant inside diameter between the proximal end and the port and a second constant inside diameter between the port and the distal end.