Phacoemulsification needle
First Claim
1. A phacoemulsification system for removing cataract tissue from the eye comprising:
- an ultrasonic handpiece;
a hollow needle mounted on the handpiece, the hollow needle having an internal surface, an external surface, an angled tip a beveled surface extending substantially around the external surface at the angled tip, and a single continuous cutting edge between the external surface and the internal surface, the cutting edge extending substantially all the way around the hollow needle and having a leading portion of the cutting edge formed along an inner diameter of the hollow needle;
a hollow sleeve surrounding the hollow needle;
a treatment fluid delivery system for delivering treatment fluid to the hollow sleeve; and
a suction system for aspirating fluid and tissue through the hollow needle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A phacoemulsification needle tip of the present invention has a continuous cutting edge formed at an inner surface of a cylindrical needle shaft. The cutting edge is formed by cutting the needle shaft at an angle and beveling the exterior surface of at least the forward portion of the needle. The beveling of the exterior surface of the needle tip moves the cutting edge from an exterior diameter of the needle to an interior diameter of the needle. The needle tip having the shape of the present invention has improved cutting ability, accuracy, and threading ability which are important for phacoemulsification procedures. The needle tip is also less likely to puncture sensitive membranes of the eye during surgery. The needle tip may also include an internal beveled surface at a trailing portion of the cutting edge.
94 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A phacoemulsification system for removing cataract tissue from the eye comprising:
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an ultrasonic handpiece; a hollow needle mounted on the handpiece, the hollow needle having an internal surface, an external surface, an angled tip a beveled surface extending substantially around the external surface at the angled tip, and a single continuous cutting edge between the external surface and the internal surface, the cutting edge extending substantially all the way around the hollow needle and having a leading portion of the cutting edge formed along an inner diameter of the hollow needle; a hollow sleeve surrounding the hollow needle; a treatment fluid delivery system for delivering treatment fluid to the hollow sleeve; and a suction system for aspirating fluid and tissue through the hollow needle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A phacoemulsification needle comprising:
A hollow needle shaft adapted to be mounted on an ultrasonic handpiece, the hollow needle shaft having an internal surface, an external surface, an angled distal end, and a beveled surface extending around a portion of the external circumference of the distal end of the needle shaft, a single continuous, substantially oval-shaped cutting edge formed by intersections of the beveled surface, the internal surface, and the external surface, the cutting edge having a leading distal edge and a trailing proximal edge. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification