Tapered structure in a phacoemulsification device for node placement
US11191669B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/0612
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a surgical instrument directed to phacoemulsification for cataract eye surgery. The instrument generally includes a hollow titanium needle extending from a vibration generating handpiece. Together, the hollow needle and handpiece form an aspiration pathway to suck cataractous debris from an eye. A piezoelectric transducer in the handpiece generates both high and low ultrasonic frequency vibrations that rings the needle. The low frequency produces a node-free standing wave along the needle and the high frequency produces a standing wave along the needle with a node of minimum amplitude along the needle. Both frequencies produce a high anti-node at the needle's tip. The low frequency causes higher cavitation for emulsifying the cataract and the high frequency facilitates fragmentation of the cataract with a low heat portion of the needle at the eye incision point. The placement of the node along the needle can be tailored by way of a tapered section in a step horn region of the handpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.