Removable adapter for phacoemulsification handpiece having irrigation and aspiration fluid paths

A phacoemulsification system comprising:

• a phacoemulsification handpiece, the handpiece comprising a body, a horn, piezoelectric elements disposed on the horn, and a socket disposed on an end of the horn for receiving a phacoemulsification needle;
• a phacoemulsification needle adapter comprising;
• a horn extension, the horn extension having a projection on a first end thereof, the projection being attached to the handpiece socket, the horn having a socket on a second end thereof opposite the first end for receiving the phacoemulsification needle;
• a nosecone, the nosecone being disposed around the horn extension;
• an irrigation passage configured for receiving irrigation fluid from the handpiece and for delivering the irrigation fluid to the phacoemulsification needle;
• an aspiration pathway configured for receiving aspirated fluids from a phacoemulsification needle tip and for transporting said fluids through the needle adapter and out of the needle adapter without passing through the phacoemulsification handpiece;
• wherein the aspiration pathway includes a bore, which extends into a side of the horn extension, the bore being in fluid communication with an aspiration port in the nosecone;
• and wherein the phacoemulsification needle is attached to the needle adapter socket.

A method of using a phacoemulsification handpiece comprising:

• selecting a phacoemulsification handpiece, the handpiece having a piezoelectric element, a horn, a body, and a horn socket for receiving a phacoemulsification needle;
• attaching a first end of a phacoemulsification needle adapter to the horn socket, the needle adapter comprising a horn extension and a nosecone;
• attaching the phacoemulsification needle to a second end of the needle adapter opposite the first end;
• and operating the handpiece such that irrigation fluid flows through the handpiece, through the needle adapter, and adjacent the needle and such that aspirated fluid flows through the needle, through the needle adapter, and out of the needle adapter such that the aspirated fluid does not contact the handpiece.