Abstract: An improved nozzle for injecting an IOL through a corneal incision and into a human eye has a nozzle with upper, or upper and lower tapers formed at the end thereof to facilitate passage of the nozzle into the incision. A textured surface formed on the upper taper helps to keep the nozzle from slipping when it is inserted.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three discharge ports are formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid proximate the sleeve tip. The ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three discharge ports are formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid proximate the sleeve tip. The ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve. Internal reinforcing ribs are provided to limit contact between the thinner portions of the sleeve wall and the phacoemulsification needle. External ridges are provided to limit leakage through the incision. A sleeve with an oval cross-sectional configuration is also provided to limit leakage through the incision. These features may be combined to provide sleeves with desired characteristics.

Abstract: A method of providing more stable intraocular pressure during phacoemulsification by reducing the irrigation reducing the irrigation fluid flow resistance.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration tubing system for use with surgical handpieces and irrigation fluid supplies has a first flexible irrigation tube for transporting irrigation fluid to the handpiece and a second flexible aspiration tube disposed within the first tube. The inner diameter of the first tube is selected to provide a cross-sectional area available for fluid flow in excess of the cross-sectional area of a standard surgical irrigation tubes. The system also includes at least one adaptor to allow the tubing to be attached to known surgical handpieces. Preferably, a second adaptor is also provided allowing attachment to sources of irrigating fluid and aspiration vacuum. The system finds particular utility with phacoemulsification instruments used for opththalmic surgery.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen. The shaft comprises at least a portion which has a ribbed outer surface. This needle minimizes heat generation and can therefore be used with or without sleeve.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen. The shaft comprises at least a portion which has a ribbed outer surface. This needle minimizes heat generation and can therefore be used with or without sleeve.

Abstract: The phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft, the tip having a larger outer diameter than said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen, a ball-shaped surface and a flat distal end comprising said opening. This needle can be used for removal of the cataract nucleus as well as for removal of the residual tissue.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen. The shaft comprises at least a portion which has a ribbed outer surface. This needle minimizes heat generation and can therefore be used with or without sleeve.

Abstract: The phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft, the tip having a larger outer diameter than said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen, a ball-shaped surface and a flat distal end comprising said opening. This needle can be used for removal of the cataract nucleus as well as for removal of the residual tissue.