Infusion sleeve
First Claim
1. 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:
- at least three infusion ports formed on said tubular body proximate said tip through which said irrigating liquid is discharged; and
a plurality of 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.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three discharge ports are formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid proximate the sleeve tip. The ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve. Internal reinforcing ribs are provided to limit contact between the thinner portions of the sleeve wall and the phacoemulsification needle. External ridges are provided to limit leakage through the incision. A sleeve with an oval cross-sectional configuration is also provided to limit leakage through the incision. These features may be combined to provide sleeves with desired characteristics.
61 Citations
14 Claims
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1. 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:
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at least three infusion ports formed on said tubular body proximate said tip through which said irrigating liquid is discharged; and
a plurality of 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. 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:
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said tubular body having 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.
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12. 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:
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said tubular body having a round cross-sectional configuration; and
first and second external ridges formed on and protruding above an exterior surface of said sleeve, said ridges extending substantially parallel with said needle when said sleeve is mounted to said handpiece, said first external ridge positioned on said outer surface substantially 180°
from said second external ridge.
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13. 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:
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a plurality of external ridges formed externally on and protruding above an exterior surface of said sleeve, said ridges extending substantially parallel with said needle when said sleeve is mounted to said handpiece; and
a plurality of 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. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification