Infusion sleeve for ophthalmic surgery

Sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle for emulsifying and aspirating a cataract lens throughout a cornea/sclera wound, said sleeve apparatus comprising:

• an elongate sleeve, having a proximal and a distal end, the sleeve establishing an annular passage around the needle and enabling irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through the passage and cornea/sclera would while cooling the needle, said elongate sleeve including;
• a hub, disposed at the original end, for enabling attachment of the sleeve to the handpiece;
• a port, disposed proximate the distal end and in fluid communication with the annular passage, for introducing irrigation fluid into the eye;
• and
• a first diameter between the proximal end and the port and a second diameter between the port and the distal end, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter.

Sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle for emulsifying and aspirating a cataract lens through a cornea/sclera wound, said sleeve apparatus comprising:

• an elongate sleeve, having a proximal and a distal end, the sleeve establishing an annular passage around the needle and enabling irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through the passage and cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle, said elongate sleeve including;
• a hub, disposed at the original end, for enabling attachment of the sleeve to the handpiece;
• a port, disposed proximate the distal end and in fluid communication with the annular passage, for introducing irrigation fluid into the eye;
• and
• a first wall thickness between the proximal end and the port and a second will thickness between the port and the distal end, the second wall thickness being greater than the first wall thickness.