Method for using microelectromechanical systems to generate movement in a phacoemulsification handpiece

[0017]Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0018]In FIG. 1 a cross-section along the longitudinal axis of a portion of an ultrasound phaco handpiece 100 known in the art is shown. Generally, handpiece 100 includes a needle 110, defining a lumen that is operatively coupled with an aspiration pump (not shown), forming an aspiration line 114. The proximal end of needle 110 is coupled with horn 150, which has its proximal end coupled with a set of piezoelectric crystals 180, shown as three rings. Horn 150, crystals 180, and a proxima