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Infusion sleeve for ophthalmic surgery

  • US 6,520,929 B2
  • Filed: 04/20/2000
  • Issued: 02/18/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. 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.

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