Importance

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Abstract

An ultrasonic probe tip is provided with improved characteristics for removing material during surgery on a cataract or the like, and reducing the removed material into smaller particles. The tip includes a body section and a cutting section with a passage extending through both sections. Aspiration is provided to the passage means through a collector passageway within a smooth, cylindrical head. An annular sharpened edge on the cutting section removes the material and emulsifies the particles. The cutting section is an enlarged chamber to receive a core stream of liquid from the operation site drawn into and defined by the smaller passage in the body section to generate vortex action clearing the operation site, reducing the size of the particles to prevent clogging and prevent cavitation. The interior surface of the enlarged chamber can be roughened, such as by etching, in order to provide additional emulsification action. The tip is fabricated of titanium and used on conventional ultrasonic handpieces.

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First Claim