Phacoemulsification needle
First Claim
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1. A phacoemulsification needle for removing a cataract from an eye, said needle comprising:
- a shaft having a longitudinal axis,a threaded portion and a hub, disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, for fixing the needle to an ultrasonic device;
a metal tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having;
an opening, disposed in a flat distal terminus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft,an essentially completely spherical surface except for the terminus, anda larger outside diameter than said shaft; and
an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the opening in the tip,wherein said tip includes rounded edges disposed around said opening and extending to said aspiration lumen.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft, the tip having a larger outer diameter than said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen, a ball-shaped surface and a flat distal end comprising said opening. This needle can be used for removal of the cataract nucleus as well as for removal of the residual tissue.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A phacoemulsification needle for removing a cataract from an eye, said needle comprising:
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a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a threaded portion and a hub, disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, for fixing the needle to an ultrasonic device; a metal tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; an opening, disposed in a flat distal terminus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, an essentially completely spherical surface except for the terminus, and a larger outside diameter than said shaft; and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the opening in the tip, wherein said tip includes rounded edges disposed around said opening and extending to said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A phacoemulsification needle for removing a cataract from an eye, comprising:
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a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a threaded portion and a hub, disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, for fixing the needle to an ultrasonic device; a metal tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; an opening disposed in a flat distal terminus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a smooth, continuous curved shape except for the terminus, and a larger outside diameter than said shaft; and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the opening in the tip, wherein said tip includes rounded edges disposed around said opening and extending to said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A phacoemulsification needle for removing a cataract from an eye, comprising:
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a shaft, a threaded portion and a hub, disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, for fixing the needle to an ultrasonic device; a metal tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; a distal terminus and at least two openings arranged near the terminus, an overall smooth, continuous curved shape, and a larger outside diameter than said shaft; and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the openings near the terminus, wherein said tip includes rounded edges disposed around said at least two openings and extending to said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method of phaco-emulsification, comprising:
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providing a needle having; a shaft having a longitudinal axis; a tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; an opening, defined by a rounded edge, disposed in a flat distal terminus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, an essentially completely spherical surface except for the terminus, and a larger outside diameter than said shaft, and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the opening in the tip; inserting said tip in an eye having a cataract; vibrating said tip with substantially ultrasonic vibration; breaking substantially said cataract into pieces with said tip; and aspirating substantially said pieces through said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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35. A method of phaco-emulsification, comprising:
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providing a needle having; a shaft having a longitudinal axis; a tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; an opening, defined by a rounded edge, disposed in a flat distal terminus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a smooth, continuous curved surface except for the terminus, and a larger outside diameter than said shaft, and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the opening in the tip; inserting said tip in an eye having a cataract; vibrating said tip with substantially ultrasonic vibration; breaking substantially said cataract into pieces with said tip; and aspirating substantially said pieces through said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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37. A method of phaco-emulsification, comprising:
- providing a needle having;
a shaft; a tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, having; a distal terminus and at least two openings, defined by rounded edges. arranged near the terminus, an overall smooth, continuous curved shape, and a larger outer diameter than said shaft, and an aspiration lumen, extending through said shaft and said tip, in communication with the openings in the tip; inserting said tip in an eye having a cataract; vibrating said tip with substantially ultrasonic vibration; breaking substantially said cataract into pieces with said tip; and aspirating substantially said pieces through said aspiration lumen. - View Dependent Claims (38)
- providing a needle having;
Specification