Variable frequency phacoemulsification handpiece

8 The phacoemulsification system of claim 7 wherein the level of mechanical disruption is proportional to the operating frequency, and the level of cavitation-induced emulsification is inversely proportional to the operating frequency.

A control system for controlling an excitation of a phacoemulsification handpiece having a transducer configured to establish mechanical oscillation of a horn coupled to a phacoemulsification needle, the control system comprising:

• drive circuitry adapted to be connected to the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece for exciting the transducer, whereby the phacoemulsification needle is made to vibrate by oscillation of the transducer and horn to provide for mechanical cutting action and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle, the control system being configured to adjust an operating frequency within a range of between about 15 kHz up to about 60 kHz, to thereby vary a vibration level of the phacoemulsification needle to increase or decrease mechanical cutting and cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.

The control system of claim 115 wherein the transducer is a piezoelectric crystal configured to be excited by an alternating electrical current applied to the piezoelectric crystal.