Irrigation sleeve for an ultrasonic tip

摘要

An irrigation sleeve for a surgical instrument which has an outer band that is attached to the sleeve. The irrigation sleeve has an inner bore that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the sleeve. Located at the distal end of the sleeve is a tip which has an outlet port. The outer band is attached to the distal end of the sleeve at a location that is adjacent to the tip. The sleeve is typically constructed from a silicone rubber material that is flexible enough so that the tip can be repeatedly inserted through an incision in a cornea without damaging the eye. The band is preferably constructed from a rigid material such as TEFLON which will not collapse when inserted through the cornea incision. The band has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity so that heat is not transferred to the cornea tissue. The band also has a low coefficient of friction so that the Decemets membrane does not roll up on the sleeve when inserted into and out of the incision.