Aerosol-reducing collar for ophthalmic surgery

Abstract

The ophthalmic surgical instrument system includes an ophthalmic instrument including a shaft and a lumen extending through the shaft. The sleeve has a tubular portion that receives and surrounds the ophthalmic instrument. An annulus is defined between the ophthalmic instrument and the sleeve. An aerosol-mitigating collar extends from the sleeve. The aerosol-mitigating collar includes a tubular section and a skirt extending outwardly and distally from the tubular section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for performing ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a flexible collar for use with an irrigation sleeve to prevent aerosolization of intraocular fluid. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of the specification are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Several different ophthalmic procedures involve the use of instruments with irrigated sleeves that are inserted into the eye to perform all or part of the procedure. For example, ophthalmic phacoemulsification is a procedure commonly used to remove cataractous lenses. The procedure typically involves inserting the working tip of an ultrasonic handpiece into the eye. In such handpieces, ultrasonic vibrations drive the working tip, which the physician can manipulate against the cataractous lens in order to break it down or emulsify it for removal and replacement.

[0004] Commonly used ophthalmic phacoemulsification handpieces are typically designed to perform additional functions beyond driving the ultrasonic working tip, such as facilitating the delivery of irrigation fluid to the eye and the aspirating of irrigation fluid and fragmented or emulsified crystalline lenses from the eye. To facilitate the irrigation function, such ultrasonic handpieces may include an irrigation sleeve around the working tip to channel irrigation fluid. The handpiece may be connected to a control console by one or more electrical cables and flexible tubing. The electrical cable provides power to the components that drive the vibration of the working tip, and the tubing serves as a conduit for irrigation fluid delivered to the eye and aspirate fluid withdrawn from the eye.

[0005] Several different ultrasonic handpieces and working tips have been proposed and are in use.

[0006] In addition to phacoemulsification, other ophthalmic procedures may be performed in which an instrument with an irrigating sleeve is inserted into the eye to perform all or part of the procedure. The irrigating sleeve can be disposed around the working tip of the instrument so that the distal end of the working tip extends through a distal opening at the end of the irrigating sleeve. Irrigation occurs by delivering irrigation fluid through the sleeve, which exits through a relatively large, circular side opening proximate the distal end of the irrigating sleeve.

[0007] Current irrigation sleeves can be susceptible to leakage of intraocular fluid in aerosol form from the surgical site. Such fluids can carry infectious agents, placing the surgeon and surgical team at risk of exposure and infection. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ophthalmic surgical equipment system. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system includes an ophthalmic instrument including a shaft and a lumen extending through the shaft. A sleeve has a tubular portion that receives and surrounds the ophthalmic instrument. An annulus is defined between the ophthalmic instrument and the sleeve. An aerosol mitigation collar extends from the sleeve. The aerosol mitigation collar includes a tubular section and a skirt extending outwardly and distally from the tubular section.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol mitigation collar. A tubular section receives a portion of a sleeve. A skirt extends outwardly and distally from the tubular section. A contact surface is disposed at a distal end of the skirt. A plurality of pleats are formed in the skirt. The plurality of pleats facilitates compression and expansion of the aerosol mitigation collar.

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for containing aerosol fluids during ophthalmic surgery. The method includes coupling an aerosol-mitigating collar to a sleeve. A contact surface of the aerosol-mitigating collar is contacted with the outer surface of the eye during ophthalmic surgery. The aerosol-mitigating collar blocks the escape of aerosol fluids from the eye. The depth of the sleeve within the eye is adjusted while maintaining contact between the contact surface and the eye.

[0011] This Summary is provided to introduce selected concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to standard industry practice, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a distal perspective view of an ophthalmic device inserted into a sleeve and having an aerosol-reducing collar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a proximal perspective view of the ophthalmic device collar of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a side view of the ophthalmic device collar of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 1C taken along line 2-2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is an exploded distal perspective view of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an exploded proximal perspective view of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the ophthalmic device of FIG. 1A inserted into an eye, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 5A-5D] 5A-5D are diagrams of various embodiments of aerosol mitigation collars according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for containing aerosol fluid during ophthalmic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 7A-7D] 7A-7D are diagrams of various embodiments of aerosol mitigation collars according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0015] Current irrigation sleeves can be susceptible to leakage of intraocular fluid in aerosol form from the surgical site. Such fluids can carry infectious agents and expose the surgeon and surgical team to risk of exposure and infection. Various techniques have been investigated to mitigate the release of aerosol fluid from the surgical site. These techniques include suction, compressed air directed at the surgical site, reducing incision size, maintaining corneal moisture, and applying topical gels. Most of these techniques have proven ineffective in preventing leakage of aerosol fluid from ophthalmic surgical sites. While the use of topical gels prevents leakage of aerosol fluid, effective use requires frequent reapplication.

[0016] FIG. 1A is a distal perspective view of an ophthalmic device 110 inserted into a sleeve 100 having an aerosol-mitigating collar 160. FIG. 1B is a proximal perspective view of the ophthalmic device 110 inserted into a sleeve 100 having an aerosol-mitigating collar 160. FIG. 1C is a side view of the ophthalmic device 110. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the ophthalmic device 110. For purposes of discussion, the ophthalmic device 110 is described and illustrated herein as an example of a phacoemulsification needle, and the sleeve 100 is similarly described and illustrated herein as an example of a phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles of the present disclosure may be extended to numerous other ophthalmic surgeries, including, for example, anterior capsule surgery, posterior capsule surgery, retinal surgery, or any other ophthalmic surgery requiring simultaneous irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site. 1A-2 , the sleeve 100 includes an elongated, elastic tubular body 102 configured to surround all but the distal end of an ophthalmic device 110. The distal tip of the ophthalmic device 110 extends beyond the distal end of the sleeve 100. The ophthalmic device 110 includes a lumen 120 formed therein that defines an opening 122 at the distal end of the ophthalmic device 110. The sleeve 100 includes an enlarged section 104 extending from the proximal end of the tubular body 102 and configured to surround the hub 112 and flared portion 116 of the ophthalmic device 110. In various embodiments, the sleeve 100 may be formed, for example, from silicone or other flexible, elastic materials suitable for use in ophthalmic surgery. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the sleeve 100 may vary to facilitate compatibility with various sizes of ophthalmic devices. In various embodiments, sleeve 100 is generally suitable for insertion through a small incision in a patient's eye and provides a smooth, non-sharp surface for contacting the patient's eye. In various embodiments, sleeve 100 serves to isolate ophthalmic device 110 from eye tissue and effectively seal the incision, for example, during phacoemulsification surgery. In various embodiments, sleeve 100 includes an opening 152 formed at the distal end of tubular body portion 102. Opening 152 may be adapted to accommodate a portion of the shaft of ophthalmic device 110 extending through opening 152.

[0017] During use, the hub 112 of the ophthalmic instrument 110 threads into an instrument handpiece (not shown) using threads 114. The enlarged section 104 of the sleeve 100 is also attached to the instrument handpiece. In various embodiments, the sleeve 100 can be attached to the instrument handpiece using, for example, internal threads (not shown) formed inside the enlarged section 104 of the sleeve 100. An annulus 118 is defined between the sleeve 100 and the ophthalmic instrument 110. During use, irrigation fluid is provided to the patient's eye through the annulus 118 in the direction indicated by arrow 130. Thus, the irrigation fluid flows through the annulus 118 toward the distal end of the sleeve 100 and, in various embodiments, exits the device into the eye through opening 152, through one or more conventional irrigation ports (not shown), or both. The irrigation fluid and emulsified lens tissue are aspirated from the eye through a lumen 120 within the ophthalmic instrument 110 using suction applied through the instrument handpiece.

[0018] 1A-2 , the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is coupled to the sleeve 100. In various embodiments, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is constructed from the same silicone or other flexible, resilient material suitable for use in constructing the sleeve 100. In other embodiments, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 may be constructed from a similar material that is compatible with the material of the sleeve 100 and suitable for use during ophthalmic surgery. In some embodiments, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is made from a transparent, flexible, low-friction material. The use of a transparent material allows the surgeon to better visualize the surgical site. Because the opening 122 of the ophthalmic device 110 (or the phacoemulsification needle in this case) is centered within the corneal incision, the maximum diameter of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 may be slightly larger than the incision size (e.g., less than about 5 mm to less than about 3 mm). Most surgical incisions for phacoemulsification procedures are less than about 2 mm. In such a case, the maximum diameter of the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is about 3 mm.

[0019] The aerosol mitigation collar 160 includes a sleeve 162 that is generally tubular in shape. In one example, the diameter of the sleeve 162 is about 1 mm, but can be about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. A skirt 164 extends outward and distally from the sleeve 162 such that the distal end of the skirt 164 is of a larger diameter than the proximal end of the skirt 164. In this example, the distal end of the skirt 164 has a diameter of about 3 mm. The skirt 164 is shown as a cone in the figures, but can have a parabolic or cylindrical shape. The surface of the skirt 164 includes accordion-like pleats 166, which allow the skirt 164 to be stretched distally or compressed proximally relative to the sleeve 162. Alternatively, the skirt 164 can be smooth without the pleats 166.

[0020] FIG. 3A is an exploded distal perspective view of the ophthalmic device 110 showing the sleeve 100 and the aerosol mitigation collar 160. FIG. 3B is an exploded proximal perspective view of the ophthalmic device 110 showing the sleeve 100 and the aerosol mitigation collar 160. Referring together to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in various embodiments, the sleeve 100 is received within the sleeve 162 such that a frictional engagement is formed between the sleeve 162 and the sleeve 100. The engagement between the sleeve 162 and the sleeve 100 prevents inadvertent movement of the aerosol mitigation collar 160 during use and prevents leakage of fluid from within the aerosol mitigation collar 160. While the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is shown herein as being removable from the sleeve 100, in other embodiments, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 100. As shown in FIG. 3A, the contact surface 302 is formed on the distal end of the skirt 164.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ophthalmic device 110 being inserted into the eye 402. During use, the ophthalmic device 110 and sleeve 100 are inserted into an incision in the eye 402. In the specific case of phacoemulsification, the ophthalmic device 110 and sleeve 100 are inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye 402. The contact surface 302 of the skirt 164 contacts the patient's eye 402. Contact pressure between the skirt 164 and the eye 402 maintains contact between the skirt 164 and the patient's eye 402. During operation, the depth of the ophthalmic device 110 and sleeve 100 can be adjusted multiple times. The pleats 166 allow the skirt 164 to compress as the ophthalmic device 110 is inserted deeper into the eye 402. Additionally, the pleats 166 facilitate expansion of the skirt 164 as the ophthalmic device 110 is retracted from the eye 402. In this manner, the pleats 166 facilitate spring-like movement of the skirt 164. In other embodiments, the sleeve 162 may allow axial movement of the aerosol mitigation collar 160 on the sleeve 100. Thus, as the ophthalmic device 110 and sleeve 100 are inserted into and retracted from the eye 402, the sleeve 162 may slide relative to the sleeve 100 to accommodate changes in the depth of the ophthalmic device 110 within the eye 402. In such embodiments, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 may slide between a proximal limit 168 and a distal limit 170 (shown in FIGS. 2-3B ). In various embodiments, the proximal limit 168 and the distal limit 170 may be formed, for example, as ridges, ridges, or grooves formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 100. In operation, the proximal limit 168 corresponds to the deepest insertion point of the sleeve 100 into the eye, for example, when the surgeon is treating the posterior aspect of the anterior capsule. Distal limit 170 corresponds to the shallowest insertion point of sleeve 100 into the eye, such as during treatment of the anterior surface of the anterior capsule. In one example, the distance between proximal limit 168 and distal limit 170 is equivalent to the circumference of the anterior chamber of the human eye (10 mm to 20 mm).

[0022] The opening 122 of the ophthalmic device 110 is inserted into the eye through an incision in the cornea (in the case of phacoemulsification or cataract removal surgery). The contact surface 302 of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 rests on the surface of the eye. The opening 122 is moved within the anterior chamber, but the contact surface 302 of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 remains on the surface of the eye. Thus, as the opening 122 moves within the eye, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 deforms. Still referring to FIG. 4 , the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 provides a physical barrier against leakage of aerosolized irrigation fluid, emulsified lens tissue, and intraocular fluid. Such a barrier prevents surgeons and other medical personnel from coming into contact with aerosolized fluids and potentially exposing them to infectious agents. The length of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is such that the opening 122 can be positioned anywhere desired within the eye; in this case, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is 10 mm to 30 mm long. Such a length allows the opening 122 to move within the eye while the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is deformed. In this example, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is made from a transparent material to allow visualization of the eye during surgery. In this example, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is made from a flexible material (such as silicone) that is easily deformed to allow proper deformation of the aerosol mitigation collar 160. In addition, the contact surface 302 is a low-friction material that allows the aerosol mitigation collar 160 to move along the surface of the eye as it is deformed. In one example, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is made from a hydrophilic material. Alternatively or additionally, upon connection to the sleeve 162, the proximal end of the aerosol mitigation collar 160 moves along the sleeve 100.

[0023] 5A-5D are diagrams of various embodiments of an aerosol mitigation collar 500. The aerosol mitigation collar 500 includes an asymmetric contact surface 502. As shown in FIG. 5A, the contact surface 502 is contoured to accommodate contact with the limbus, conjunctiva, cornea, and other external structures of the eye 402. In various embodiments, the contact surface 502 may exhibit a smooth, curved shape. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5C, the contact surface 502 may be angled from one side to the opposite side. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the aerosol mitigation collar 500 includes an asymmetric longitudinal cross-section. In various embodiments, the axial cross-sectional shape of the skirt 164 may be generally circular. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D, the axial cross-sectional shape of the skirt 164 may be, for example, elliptical, oval, or teardrop-shaped.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 600 for containing aerosol fluids during ophthalmic surgery. Process 600 begins at step 602. In step 604, an aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is coupled to the sleeve 100. In step 606, the sleeve is inserted into an incision in a patient's eye. In step 608, the contact surface 302 of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 contacts the patient's eye. In various embodiments, the contact surface 302 may contact various external ophthalmic structures, including, for example, the limbus, conjunctiva, and cornea. In step 610, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 blocks the release of aerosolized fluid from the incision. In step 612, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is adjusted to accommodate changes in the depth of the sleeve 100. In various embodiments, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 may be adjusted, for example, through expansion and compression of accordion-like pleats 166 formed in the skirt 164 of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160. In such embodiments, as sleeve 100 is inserted deeper into the incision, pleats 166 are compressed, and as sleeve 100 is withdrawn from the incision, pleats 166 are expanded. In other embodiments, aerosol mitigation collar 160 is slidably disposed on sleeve 100, such that as sleeve 100 is inserted deeper into the incision, aerosol mitigation collar 160 slides proximally on sleeve 100. Similarly, as sleeve 100 is withdrawn from the incision, aerosol mitigation collar slides distally on sleeve 100. The process ends at step 614.

[0025] 7A-7D show various embodiments of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160. In FIG. 7A, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is cylindrical in shape. A skirt 164 extends from the sleeve 162 toward the opening 152 at the distal end of the phacoemulsification needle. The skirt 164 has sidewalls that are parallel to the device 110. The skirt 164 can be 10 mm to 30 mm in length. In this example, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is made from a transparent, flexible, low-friction material, such as silicone. When the opening 152 is positioned in the eye, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 seals against the outer surface of the eye and can elastically deform as the opening 152 of the device 110 moves within the eye. In FIG. 7B, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is bell-shaped. The skirt 164 extends from the sleeve 162 toward the opening 152 at the distal end of the phacoemulsification needle. The skirt 164 has sidewalls that curve outward from the device 110 as shown. The distal end of the skirt 164 flares slightly outward to provide a sealing surface that seals against the eye. The skirt 164 can be 10 mm to 30 mm in length. In this example, the aerosol-mitigating collar 160 is made from a transparent, flexible, low-friction material, such as silicone. When the opening 152 is positioned in the eye, the aerosol-mitigating collar 160 seals against the outer surface of the eye and can elastically deform as the opening 152 of the device 110 moves within the eye. In FIG. 7C, the aerosol-mitigating collar 160 is bell-shaped. The skirt 164 extends from the sleeve 162 toward the opening 152 at the distal end of the phacoemulsification needle. The skirt 164 has sidewalls that curve outward from the device 110 as shown. The distal end of the skirt 164 flares slightly inward to provide a sealing surface that seals against the eye. The skirt 164 can be 10 mm to 30 mm in length. In this example, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is made from a transparent, flexible, low-friction material, such as silicone. When the opening 152 is positioned in the eye, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 seals against the outer surface of the eye and can elastically deform as the opening 152 of the device 110 moves within the eye. In FIG. 7D, the aerosol mitigation collar 160 is bell-shaped. The skirt 164 extends from the sleeve 162 toward the opening 152 at the distal end of the phacoemulsification needle.The skirt 164 has sidewalls that curve slightly outward from the device 110 as shown. The diameter of the skirt 164 at its widest point is approximately 3 mm. The skirt 164 may be 10 mm to 30 mm in length. In this example, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is made from a transparent, flexible, low-friction material, such as silicone. When the opening 152 is positioned on the eye, the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 seals against the outer surface of the eye and can elastically deform as the opening 152 of the device 110 moves within the eye. In Figures 7A-7D, the pleats 166 are optional, and the widest diameter of the aerosol-mitigation collar 160 is approximately 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0026] The term "substantially" is defined as approximately what is specified, but not necessarily exactly what is specified, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (and is inclusive of what is specified, e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, and substantially parallel includes parallel). In any disclosed embodiment, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "nearly," and "about" can be substituted with "within [a few percent]" of what is specified.

[0027] Conditional language used herein, such as "may," "could be," "could," "for example," and the like, among others, unless specifically stated or understood within the context in which it is used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or conditions, while other embodiments do not include them. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or conditions are necessarily required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or conditions are included in or performed in a particular embodiment, with or without input or prompting from the designer.

[0028] While the foregoing detailed description illustrates, describes, and points out novel features applicable to various embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made in the form and details of the devices shown without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. As will be recognized, the processes described herein may be embodied in forms that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, since some features can be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. According to aspect (1), there is provided an ophthalmic surgical equipment system, comprising: an ophthalmic device having a shaft and a lumen extending through the shaft; a sleeve having a tubular portion that receives and surrounds the ophthalmic device; an annulus defined between the ophthalmic device and the sleeve; an aerosol mitigation collar extending from the sleeve, the aerosol mitigation collar including a tubular section and a skirt extending outwardly and distally from the tubular section; An ophthalmic surgical instrument system including: According to aspect (2), the skirt includes a plurality of pleats formed therein. According to aspect (3), the plurality of pleats facilitate compression and expansion of the skirt to accommodate movement of the ophthalmic device within the eye. According to aspect (4), the aerosol-reducing collar is integrally formed with the sleeve. According to aspect (5), the tubular section is slidably disposed around the sleeve. According to aspect (6), sliding movement of the aerosol mitigation collar relative to the sleeve corresponds to movement of the ophthalmic device within the eye. According to aspect (7), the aerosol-mitigating collar prevents the expulsion of aerosolized fluid from the eye. According to aspect (8), the aerosol mitigation collar includes a symmetrical longitudinal cross section. According to aspect (9), the aerosol-mitigating collar includes an asymmetric longitudinal cross-section. According to aspect (10), the aerosol mitigation collar includes a non-circular radial cross-section. According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an aerosol-reducing collar, comprising: a tubular section for receiving a portion of the sleeve; a skirt extending outwardly and distally from the tubular section; a contact surface disposed at a distal end of the skirt; a plurality of pleats formed in the skirt, the plurality of pleats facilitating compression and expansion of the aerosol mitigation collar; and aerosol-reducing color containing According to embodiment (12), the ejection of aerosolized fluid from the eye is prevented. According to aspect (13), it comprises a symmetrical longitudinal section. According to aspect (14), it includes an asymmetric longitudinal cross section. According to aspect (15), the contact surface is contoured to facilitate contact with external structures of the eye. According to aspect (16), it includes a non-circular radial cross section. According to aspect (17), the plurality of pleats facilitate compression and expansion of the skirt to accommodate movement of the ophthalmic device within the eye. According to aspect (18), there is provided a method for containing an aerosol fluid during ophthalmic surgery, the method comprising: coupling an aerosol-reducing collar to the sleeve; contacting a contact surface of the aerosol-reducing collar with an outer surface of the eye during ophthalmic surgery; blocking the emission of aerosol fluid from the eye via the aerosol mitigation collar; adjusting the depth of the sleeve within the eye while maintaining contact between the contact surface and the eye; The method includes: According to aspect (19), maintaining contact between the contact surface and the eye includes at least one of compressing and expanding a plurality of pleats formed in the aerosol mitigation collar. According to aspect (20), maintaining contact between the contact surface and the eye includes sliding the aerosol mitigation collar along the sleeve.

Claims

1. 1. An ophthalmic surgical equipment system, comprising: an ophthalmic device having a shaft and a lumen extending through the shaft; a sleeve having a tubular portion that receives and surrounds the ophthalmic device; an annulus defined between the ophthalmic device and the sleeve; an aerosol mitigation collar extending from the sleeve, the aerosol mitigation collar including a tubular section and a skirt extending outwardly and distally from the tubular section; Including, the skirt includes a contact surface disposed at a distal end of the skirt; The skirt has a flared shape, and a plurality of accordion-like pleats are formed on the flared skirt; the accordion-like pleats facilitate compression and expansion of the skirt to accommodate movement of the ophthalmic device within the eye; Ophthalmic surgical equipment system.

2. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol mitigating collar is integrally formed with the sleeve.

3. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the tubular section is slidably disposed about the sleeve.

4. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 3 , wherein sliding movement of the aerosol mitigation collar relative to the sleeve corresponds to movement of the ophthalmic equipment within the eye.

5. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-mitigating collar prevents the expulsion of aerosolized fluid from the eye.

6. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol mitigation collar includes a symmetrical longitudinal cross-section.

7. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol mitigation collar includes an asymmetrical longitudinal cross-section.

8. The ophthalmic surgical equipment system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol mitigation collar includes a non-circular radial cross-section.

9. 10. The aerosol mitigation collar of claim 1, The aerosol mitigation collar, wherein the tubular section is configured to receive a portion of the sleeve.

10. 10. The aerosol-mitigating collar of claim 9, wherein the collar prevents the escape of aerosolized fluid from the eye, the skirt defining a physical barrier extending between the tubular section and the exterior of the eye.

11. 10. The aerosol mitigation collar of claim 9, comprising a symmetrical longitudinal cross-section.

12. 10. The aerosol-mitigating collar of claim 9, comprising an asymmetric longitudinal cross-section.

13. 13. The aerosol mitigation collar of claim 12, wherein the contact surface is contoured to facilitate contact with external structures of the eye.

14. 10. The aerosol mitigation collar of claim 9, comprising a non-circular radial cross-section.

15. 10. The aerosol mitigation collar of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pleats facilitate compression and expansion of the skirt to accommodate movement of the ophthalmic device within the eye.

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