초록 ▼

A method and instrument for thermal phacoemulsification includes, in one aspect, a process for introducing high temperature water into the lens capsule of the eye for emulsification purposes. The invention provides a mechanism for heating water to the desired temperature at the point of delivery, wh

A method and instrument for thermal phacoemulsification includes, in one aspect, a process for introducing high temperature water into the lens capsule of the eye for emulsification purposes. The invention provides a mechanism for heating water to the desired temperature at the point of delivery, whereby the cannula that enters the eye is maintained at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid thermal damage to surrounding eye tissue. The invention provides an isenthalpic device for delivering heated water to the lens capsule for phacoemulsification. The device includes a intraocular cannula for delivering high pressure water, and a throttling mechanism at the point of delivery for converting the energy in the water stream from pressure to heat. The throttling mechanism may comprise a capillary passage, or a porous plug, or a micro-orifice which directs the fluid stream to strike a target in the cannula bore, after which the fluid is discharged from the cannula. In a further aspect, the invention comprises a fluid pressure intensifier generating high pressure fluid pulses that are delivered through the cannula to the throttling mechanism. The use of a fluid pressure intensifier minimizes the length of tubing that must carry high pressure fluid, and the use of a throttling mechanism to heat the fluid stream assures that the tubular cannula remains within a tolerable temperature range. Moreover, the risk of a catastrophic malfunction is held to an absolute minimum.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An instrument for thermal phacoemulsification, including:a cannula adapted to be introduced into an anterior portion of an eye, said cannula including an output end adapted to be introduced into a lens capsule of the eye;means for supplying a fluid under high pressure to said cannul

[ I claim:] [1.] An instrument for thermal phacoemulsification, including:a cannula adapted to be introduced into an anterior portion of an eye, said cannula including an output end adapted to be introduced into a lens capsule of the eye;means for supplying a fluid under high pressure to said cannula to cause a fluid stream to be emitted from said output end of said cannula; and,means adjacent to said output end of said cannula for raising the temperature of said fluid, wherein said mean for raising the temperature includes throttling means for causing a pressure drop in said cannula and isenthalpic heating of said fluid.