Rigid sleeve phacoemulsification needle
A phacoemulsification needle 10 includes an elongated lumen 12 , a hub 14 , and a rigid sleeve 16 concentrically formed around at least a majority of the lumen 12 . The sleeve 16 is attached to the hub 14 . An irrigation fluid path 24 is formed between the sleeve 16 and lumen 12 and a portion of the path 24 is also formed in the hub 14 for carrying irrigation fluid from a source through the path 24 to a patient's eye during surgery.
1 . A phacoemulsification needle comprising:
an elongated lumen having a distal end and a proximal end;
a hub formed on the proximal lumen and for attachment to a handpiece;
a rigid sleeve concentrically formed around at least a majority of the lumen and wherein the sleeve is attached to the hub; and
wherein an irrigation fluid path is formed between the sleeve and lumen and a portion of the path is also formed in the hub for carrying irrigation fluid from a source through the path to a patient's eye during surgery.
2 . The needle of claim 1 wherein, the lumen, hub, and sleeve are formed of metal.
3 . The needle of claim 2 , wherein the metal is titanium.
4 . The needle of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve includes a port formed adjacent the distal end for providing an exit for the irrigation fluid.
5 . The needle of claim 1 , wherein a fluid-tight seal is formed between a distal end of the sleeve and the lumen.
6 . The needle of claim 1 , wherein the lumen has a flared distal end of a greater diameter of a majority of the lumen and wherein the sleeve is attached to the flared distal end of the lumen.