Patent ID: 7601136

Claim:
In an infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece, said handpiece having a phacoemulsification needle extending from a handpiece body, said infusion sleeve of the type having a hollow flexible tubular body with an open end through which said needle is inserted and an open tip through which said needle protrudes, said handpiece having a pathway through which irrigating liquid passes, said sleeve communicating with said liquid pathway to allow said liquid to pass through said sleeve when said sleeve is mounted to said handpiece, the improvement comprising: said tubular body formed with an oval cross-sectional configuration; said cross-section having a major, or longer axis and a minor, or shorter axis; at least three infusion ports formed on said tubular body proximate said tip through which said irrigating liquid is discharged; and first and second internal ribs formed on and protruding above an interior surface of said sleeve, said internal ribs extending substantially parallel with and protruding toward said needle when said sleeve is mounted to said handpiece, one said internal rib positioned on said inner surface substantially where said minor axis and said inner surface meet, said internal ribs being spaced apart from said needle.