PHACOEMULSIFICATION TIP, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING SAME

摘要

An apparatus comprising: a phacoemulsification handpiece having a tip, the t ip having a tubular shaft, the shaft having a distal end; and one of (i) means for torsionally and ultrasonically vibrating the tip; (ii) means for ultrasonically vibratin g the tip to produce a twisting motion in the shaft; or (iii) means for ultrasonically vibrating the tip to produce a whipping motion in the distal end of the shaft. The shaft can, for example, either be: angled or bent on an angle relative to a centerline of the shaft or curved relative to a longitudinal centerline along the entire length of the shaft. Various methods of using the apparatus include the steps of inserting the tip of the phacoemulsification handpiece into an eye having a lens; and (i) torsionally and ultrasonically vibrating the tip to liquefy or emulsify the lens; (ii) ultrasonically vibrating the tip to produce a twisting motion in the shaft to liquefy or emulsify the lens; or (iii) ultrasonically vibrating the tip to produce a whipping motion in the distal end of the shaft to liquefy or emulsify the lens.