Phacoemulsification Hand Piece With Integrated Aspiration Pump

Abstract

An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn. The horn is coupled to a needle. An aspiration pump is integral with the hand piece and is located close to the needle. A rigid length of aspiration line is located between the aspiration pump and the needle. An optional pressure sensor is located between the aspiration pump and the needle as well.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to phacoemulsification surgery and more particularly to a device that better regulates pressure experienced in the eye during cataract surgery.[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 crystalline 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 the lens. When age or disease causes the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light which can be transmitted to the retina. This deficiency in the lens of the eye is medically known as a cataract. An accepted treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the lens and replacement of the lens function by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).[0003]In the United States, the majority of cataractous lenses are removed by a...

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 which can be transmitted to the retina.

Varying flow rates result in varying pressure losses in the irrigation fluid path from the irrigation fluid supply to the eye, thus causing changes in pressure in the anterior chamber (also referred to as Intra-Ocular Pressure or IOP.)

Higher flow rates result in greater pressure losses and lower IOP.

Another common complication during the phacoemulsification process arises from a blockage, or occlusion, of the aspirating needle.

As the irrigation fluid and emulsified tissue is aspirated away from the interior of the eye through the hollow cutting needle, pieces of tissue that are larger than the diameter of the needle's bore may become clogged in the needle's tip.

While the tip is clogged, vacuum pressure builds up within the tip.

This post-occlusion surge can, in some cases, cause a relatively large quantity of fluid and tissue to be aspirated out of the eye too quickly, potentially causing the eye to collapse and / or causing the lens capsule to be torn.

Images