Phacoemulsification needle

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.

1 . A phacoemulsification needle comprising 
 a shaft,    a tip, disposed at a distal end of said shaft, said tip having a larger outside diameter than said shaft and    an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip, the tip having an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen,    wherein said tip has a ball-shaped surface and. wherein the tip has a flat distal end comprising said opening.    
     
     
         2 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said tip has at its distal end rounded edges.  
     
     
         3 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said flat distal end is formed by said opening.  
     
     
         4 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein the part of said aspiration lumen extending within the tip is rectilinear.  
     
     
         5 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein the needle is angled.  
     
     
         6 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said opening has a larger diameter than the part of the aspiration lumen extending within said shaft.  
     
     
         7 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said aspiration lumen comprises a conical step within the tip.  
     
     
         8 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said opening has a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm.  
     
     
         9 . The needle according to  claim 2 , wherein said edges have a radius of curvature of approximately 0.15 mm.  
     
     
         10 . The needle according to  claim 1 , wherein said tip comprises a slit extending in longitudinal direction of the needle and communicating with said aspiration lumen.