Surge-flow regulator for use in ophthalmic surgical aspiration

摘要

A surge-flow regulator ( 36 ) for use with an ophthalmic surgical instrument ( 12 ) having an infusion line ( 20 ) adapted to irrigate a surgical site with fluid and an aspiration line ( 24 ) adapted to carry the fluid and particles of lenticular debris away from the surgical site. The surge-flow regulator ( 36 ) includes a flow limiting device ( 40 ) that is placed in fluid communication with the aspiration line ( 24 ) to control surge-flow of the aspirated fluid and lenticular debris through the aspiration line ( 24 ). The lenticular debris carried in the aspiration line ( 24 ) is processed into smaller particles before the fluid and debris are introduced to the flow limiting device ( 40 ).