No port phacoemulsification needle sleeve

Abstract

A phacoemulsification needle sleeve 10 includes an elongated, resilient tubular body portion 18 having a distal end 20 . An enlarged section 22 is formed on a proximal end of the body portion 18 for surrounding a hub of a needle 12 . The distal end 20 is formed to abut a proximal end 24 of a flared end 14 of the needle 12 . An outer diameter of the body portion 18 is essentially equal to an outer diameter of the flared end 14 so that the sleeve 10 is easily inserted through an incision 54 in a patient's eye.

1 . A phacoemulsification needle sleeve comprising: 
 an elongated, resilient essentially tubular body portion having a distal end and a proximal end for surrounding a portion of a shaft of a phacoemulsification needle;    an enlarged section formed on the proximal end of the body portion for surrounding a hub of the needle; and    wherein the distal end is formed to abut a proximal end of a flared end of the needle, such that an outer diameter of the body portion is essentially equal to an outer diameter of the flared end so that the sleeve is easily inserted through an incision in a patient's eye.    
     
     
         2 . The sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the enlarged section is formed to receive a flow of fluid from a source of irrigation fluid and wherein the sleeve is devoid of any irrigation ports in the body portion.  
     
     
         3 . The sleeve of  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve is formed of silicone.  
     
     
         4 . The sleeve of  claim 2 , wherein the needle includes at least one hole for allowing irrigation fluid to flow into an inner aspiration lumen of the needle.  
     
     
         5 . The sleeve of  claim 1  and surrounding the phacoemulsification needle is sized to be inserted into the incision of less then 2 mm in length.  
     
     
         6 . (canceled)