Ultrasonic needles and transducer assemblies formed of non-metal materials or a combination of materials
US10932948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/00745
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A phacoemulsification needle includes a hub for connection to an ultrasonic handpiece. An elongated shaft is formed with the hub and extends from the hub. A distal end of the shaft breaks-up tissue when the distal end is caused to be vibrated by the handpiece. At least a distal portion of the shaft is formed of a material that has properties providing advantages compared to a metal needle. Example properties include a substantially lower density, a substantially higher electrical resistivity, a substantially lower thermal conductivity, a substantially lower mechanical lateral stiffness, a substantially higher efficiency of converting electrical energy powering the handpiece into motion of the distal end, a substantially lower acoustical impedance, a substantially higher Poisson's ratio, and a substantially higher mechanical gain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.