Controlling a phacoemulsification surgical system by transitioning between pulse and burst modes

Abstract

Methods of manipulating pulses of ultrasonic energy for use with an ophthalmic surgical device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of ophthalmic surgery and, more particularly, to a method of manipulating the shapes, sequences and durations of pulses of ultrasonic energy generated by an ultrasound handpiece of a phacoemulsification surgical system. BACKGROUND [0002] The human eye functions to provide vision by transmitting light through a clear outer portion called the cornea, and focusing the image by way of a lens onto a retina. The quality of the focused image depends on many factors including the size and shape of the eye, and the transparency of the cornea and lens. When age or disease causes the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light that can be transmitted to the retina. This deficiency is medically known as a cataract. An accepted treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove the cataract and replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). In the United States, t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When age or disease causes the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light that can be transmitted to the retina.

These small incisions result in very tight wounds that squeeze the irrigating sleeve tightly against the vibrating tip.

Friction between the irrigating sleeve and the vibrating tip generates heat.

Sharp pulse transitions can reduce the ability to hold and emulsify lens material.

More specifically, when lens material is held at a tip of an ultrasound hand piece by vacuum, the very fast (almost immediate) ramping of a pulse to a maximum power level can displace or push the lens material away from the tip too quickly.

This, in turn, complicates cutting of the lens material.

In other words, rapid power transitions can create an imbalance between vacuum at the ultrasonic tip that holds or positions the lens material and the ability to emulsify lens material.

Rectangular pulses that apply the same amount of power after movement or emulsification of lens material can result in excessive heat being applied to tissue, which can harm the patient.

Further, pulse patterns that are used by some known surgical systems do not adequately reduce cavitation effects.

This movement causes pockets of low and high pressure.

Imploding bubbles can create unwanted heat and forces and complicate surgical procedures and present dangers to the patient.

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