Vacuum surge resistant module with power and data transfer coils

Abstract

Methods and systems provide a vacuum surge protection system or an anti-vacuum surge (AVS) module and a console-side connector that forms an energy (power) and / or data transfer system that transfers energy and / or data between the console-side connector and the AVS module via non-contact magnetic induction using a magnetic field. The AVS module generally powers a medical tool, such as a phacoemulsification handpiece, for ophthalmic procedures, such as cataract removal.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,594, filed on May 11, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to connector modules for phacoemulsification handles or handpieces, and particularly to methods and systems for transmitting power and data to the connector modules. Background Art

[0004] Cataracts are the clouding and hardening of the natural lens of the eye, which is a structure located behind the cornea, iris, and pupil. The lens is mostly composed of water and protein, and as people age, these proteins change and may begin to clump together and cloud part of the lens. To correct this, a physician may recommend phacoemulsification cataract surgery. In this operation, the surgeon makes a small incision in the sclera or cornea of ​​the eye. Then, a portion of the front surface of the lens capsule is removed to access the cataract. The surgeon then uses a phacoemulsification probe, which has an ultrasonic handpiece with a needle, also called a handle. The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to carve and emulsify the cataract, while a pump aspirates particles and fluid from the eye through the tip. The aspirated fluid is replaced with irrigation of a balanced salt solution (BSS) to maintain the anterior chamber of the eye. After the cataract is removed with phacoemulsification, the softer outer cortex of the lens is removed with suction. The intraocular lens (IOL) is then introduced into the empty lens capsule to restore the patient's vision.

[0005] The power for the handpiece is provided from a connector module that is in communication with the console. The connector module is electrically connected to the handpiece through a plurality of separate module connections. Through these plurality of separate module connections, power and data are transmitted to operate the connector module and the handpiece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of examples of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or similar components, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example phacoemulsification system according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram of a phacoemulsification handle or handpiece having an anti-vacuum surge (AVS) module attached thereto;

[0009] Figure 3A is a cutaway perspective view of an AVS module according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3B For along Figure 3A The line 3B-3B is intercepted Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the AVS module;

[0011] Figure 4 For Figure 1 A perspective view of the console side connector mating with the AVS module;

[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 1 and Figure 4 An exploded view of the AVS module and console-side connector; and

[0013] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a power and / or data transmission system according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Overview

[0015] During phacoemulsification of the lens of the eye, emulsified lens particles are aspirated. When particles block the entrance to the aspiration channel (which may be the needle of a phacoemulsification probe), resulting in a blockage of the channel, the vacuum in the channel increases. When the channel becomes unobstructed (e.g., due to subsequent aspiration of particles into the channel), the accumulation of vacuum in the channel causes a surge in aspiration known as a post-occlusion surge, which may have traumatic consequences to the eye. For example, sensitive parts of the eye may be damaged or come into contact with the needle of the phacoemulsification probe.

[0016] An anti-vacuum surge (AVS) system, such as disclosed in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 511,166, entitled “Anti-Vacuum Surge System,” filed on October 26, 2021, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is used to remove or reduce pressure differentials in a suction channel during occlusion clearing, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The AVS system includes an AVS connector module (also referred to herein as an AVS module (for connecting to a handpiece)) and a console-side connector. The AVS connector module includes a valve, such as a fast-acting and programmable solenoid valve, that limits or otherwise blocks fluid connectivity in the suction channel during occlusion clearing based on detecting a pressure change (e.g., a sharp or rapid change) in the suction channel. The vacuum can then be reduced in a controlled manner until an acceptable pressure is reached, thereby allowing the valve to open again. For example, the solenoid valve includes an electromagnetic coil that moves a plunger that includes a permanent magnet in a valve chamber.

[0017] The AVS system is generally continuously operable and the valve closes when a pressure change is detected, even though the phacoemulsification needle is not vibrating and the risk associated with needle damage to the eye is low.

[0018] The AVS system actuates the valve to close the aspiration channel, for example, based on changes in pressure (e.g., rate of change of pressure or other fluid metric) in the aspiration channel during a period when the needle is vibrating, where vacuum increases due to an occlusion or decreases due to a ruptured occlusion. Thus, the pressure in the aspiration line can be adjusted before the valve opens to prevent post-occlusion surges. If there are no particles at the tip and the phacoemulsification probe is not vibrating, the pump continues to run to bring particles to the tip.

[0019] The disclosed system provides an AVS module and a console-side connector that form an energy (power) and / or data transfer system that uses a magnetic field to transfer energy and / or data via contactless magnetic induction. The magnetic induction is formed, for example, between magnetic coils (at least one coil in the AVS module and at least one coil in the console-side connector) separated (separated) by a partition, such as an insulating partition. For example, a thin insulating partition located on at least one of the AVS module or the console-side connector enables the coils to be close together while providing electrical insulation.

[0020] This arrangement of magnetic coils separated by insulating partitions eliminates the use of electrical connections between the AVS module and the handpiece. Thus, since both electrical and data signals are transmitted / transmitted via a single coil on the AVS module and a mating console-side connector, many and typically all of the separate electrical and data connections in the AVS module are eliminated. This arrangement of coils also allows the transmission of power and / or data to proceed normally, even when the coils are misaligned, thereby avoiding interrupted power and data transmission. Moreover, since the coils use a magnetic connection, transmission problems that may be caused by moisture contacting the dedicated electrical connections in the AVS module and handpiece are eliminated. In some examples, a single pair of coils is used to transmit electrical power signals modulated with data, but more than a single pair of coils are also contemplated.

[0021] The AVS module coil can be used, for example, to power the AVS module and also provide power through the AVS module to operate the handpiece. Additionally, the AVS module coil can be used to charge a capacitor in the AVS module, which can be used, for example, to power a solenoid coil of a solenoid valve that moves between an open state and a closed state in situations where additional power is needed. In the closed state, the aspiration line or channel is closed by the solenoid valve to prevent a vacuum surge, and then when the vacuum surge or vacuum accumulation decreases, no longer exists, or does not exist, the solenoid valve moves to the open state, thereby opening the aspiration line or channel.

[0022] The disclosed system provides a console-side connector that is connected to the AVS module so that the AVS module and the handpiece operate to perform a phacoemulsification procedure. The console-side connector and the AVS module each include at least one magnetic coil, wherein the coil in the console-side connector is coupled and communicated with the coil in the AVS module to transfer magnetic energy between the coils. Magnetic induction (e.g., a magnetic energy path between the coils) provides power (e.g., energy, including electricity) and / or data transmission between the connector and the AVS module, and the transmitted power is used to operate the AVS module and the handpiece (e.g., via the AVS module).

[0023] In some examples, the coupled magnetic coils of the console side connector and the AVS module provide a power scheme that alternates between providing power pulses to charge the capacitor and actuating the AVS with the pulses. By using short pulses delivered in a fraction of a millisecond, the power threshold, typically defined in 1 millisecond (msec), can be exceeded. The short pulses charge the capacitor. The energy stored in the capacitor can be released to instantaneously power the solenoid valve to immediately close the suction line in response to a vacuum surge detected in the suction line (e.g., detected by a sensor in the AVS module).

[0024] System Description

[0025] See now Figure 1 , which is a partially pictorial, partial block diagram view of a phacoemulsification system 10 constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0026] The phacoemulsification system 10 includes a phacoemulsification probe 12, also referred to as a handle or handpiece, which terms are used interchangeably herein. In some examples, the phacoemulsification probe 12 may be replaced by any suitable medical tool. As seen in the pictorial view of the phacoemulsification system 10 and in illustration 25, the phacoemulsification probe 12 includes a needle 16, a probe body 17, and a coaxial irrigation sleeve 56 that at least partially surrounds the needle 16 and creates a fluid path between the outer wall of the needle and the inner wall of the irrigation sleeve, wherein the needle 16 is hollow to provide a suction channel. In addition, the irrigation sleeve 56 may have one or more side ports at or near the distal end to allow irrigation fluid to flow through the fluid path and out of the port toward the distal end of the phacoemulsification probe 12.

[0027] The needle 16 of the phacoemulsification probe 12 is configured for insertion by the physician 15 into the lens capsule 18 of the eye 20 of the patient 19 to remove a cataract. Although the needle 16 (and the irrigation sleeve 56) are shown as straight objects in the inset 25, any suitable needle may be used with the phacoemulsification probe 12, for example, a curved or bent tip needle commercially available from Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, USA.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In an example of the embodiment of the present invention, during a phacoemulsification procedure, a pumping subsystem 24 included in a console 28 pumps irrigation fluid from an irrigation container (not shown) to an irrigation sleeve 56 to irrigate the eye 20. The irrigation fluid is pumped via an irrigation line 43 extending from the console 28 to an irrigation channel 45 of the probe 12, the distal end of which includes a fluid path in the irrigation sleeve 56. The irrigation line 43 is typically flexible and may be susceptible to collapse during an occlusion of the needle 16. In another example, the pumping subsystem 24 may be coupled to or replaced with a gravity-fed irrigation source such as a BSS (balanced salt solution bottle / bag).

[0029] Ocular fluid and waste (e.g., the emulsified portion of the cataract) are aspirated via aspiration channel 47, which extends from the hollow portion of needle 16, through phacoemulsification probe 12, and then via aspiration line 46 to a collection container (not shown) coupled to console 28. Aspiration is effected by pumping subsystem 26, which is included in console 28. Aspiration line 46 and aspiration channel 47 are described herein as aspiration line 53. Aspiration line 53 is thus partially disposed in needle 16 and connected to pumping subsystem 26, which is configured to remove fluid and waste from eye 20 via aspiration line 53.

[0030] The system 10 includes an AVS module 50a, for example in the form of a box (which may be removable in one example), which mates (couples) with and magnetically senses the console-side connector 50b, and is coupled to the distal end of the probe body 17. Magnetic induction is between a coil, at least one coil, and typically a single coil (e.g., coils 100, 101) in each of the AVS module 50a and the console-side connector 50b ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5). Energy (e.g., power) and / or data are transferred and transmitted between the coils 100, 101 by magnetic induction between the coils 100, 101. The coils 100, 101 carry, for example, a current, such as alternating current (AC), which generates a magnetic field via magnetic induction when flowing through the coils 100, 101, thereby allowing energy and / or data to be transferred to the AVS module 50a, which in turn transfers the energy and / or data to the probe 12.

[0031] The AVS module 50a includes, for example, a vacuum surge protection system 51 (see Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 ), which includes, for example, one or more valves optionally along the irrigation channel 45 to regulate the flow of fluid in the irrigation channel 45, and a valve 64 along the suction channel 47 to regulate the vacuum therein. There is also a reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 The sensors 68, 70 described in more detail, and the controller 74, which communicates with the sensors 68, 70 and one or more valves (including the valve 64 along the aspiration channel 47) to signal the one or more valves to open and close the irrigation channel 45 and / or the aspiration channel 47. For example, with respect to the valve 64 coupled to the aspiration channel 47, the controller 74 may signal the valve 64 to open or close based on the pressure detected by the sensor 70 in the aspiration channel 47. Portions of the irrigation channel 45 and the aspiration channel 47 are disposed in the probe body 17, and portions are disposed in the AVS module 50a and the console-side connector 50b.

[0032] The phacoemulsification probe 12 includes other elements, such as an ultrasonic actuator 52 (e.g., a piezoelectric crystal) coupled to an horn 54, which is configured to support the needle 16 and drive the vibration of the needle 16 to emulsify the lens of the eye 20. The ultrasonic actuator 52 is configured to vibrate the needle 16 in a resonant mode. The vibration of the needle 16 is used to break the cataract into small pieces during the phacoemulsification procedure. The console 28 includes an ultrasonic (e.g., piezoelectric) drive module 30, which is coupled to the ultrasonic actuator 52 using wires extending in a cable 33. The drive module 30 is controlled by a controller 38 and transmits a processor-controlled drive signal via the cable 33 to, for example, maintain the needle 16 at a maximum amplitude. The drive module can be implemented in hardware or software form, for example, in a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control configuration. Controller 38 may also be configured to receive signals from sensors in phacoemulsification probe 12 and control one or more valves to regulate fluid flow in irrigation channel 45 and / or aspiration channel 47. In some examples, at least some of the functions of controller 38 may be implemented using a controller disposed in phacoemulsification probe 12 (e.g., AVS module 50a).

[0033] The controller 38 may receive user-based commands via the user interface 40, which may include setting the vibration mode and / or frequency of the ultrasonic actuator 52, and setting or adjusting the irrigation rate and / or suction rate of the pumping subsystem 24 / 26. In some examples, the user interface 40 and the display 36 may be combined into a single touch screen graphical user interface. In some examples, the physician 15 uses a foot switch (not shown) as a control device. In addition or alternatively, the controller 38 may receive user-based commands from controls located in the handle 21 of the probe 12.

[0034] Some or all of the functions of controller 38 may be combined in a single physical component, or alternatively, implemented using multiple physical components. These physical components may include hardwired or programmable devices, or a combination of both. In some examples, at least some of the functions of controller 38 may be implemented by a memory device stored in memory 35 (e.g., Figure 1 The software may be executed by appropriate software in the form shown in . The software may be downloaded to the device in electronic form, for example, over a network. Alternatively or in addition, the software may be stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical, magnetic or electronic memory.

[0035] Figure 1 The system 10 shown in FIG. 1 may include additional elements that are omitted for clarity of presentation. For example, the physician 15 typically performs the procedure using a stereo microscope or a magnifying glass (neither shown). The physician 15 may use other surgical tools in addition to the probe 12, which are also not shown for clarity and simplicity of presentation.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2 , the figure shows that Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a phacoemulsification probe 12 having an AVS module 50a engaged therein for use with the VISION system. The cover 50ax of the AVS module 50a is shown removed from the AVS module 50a.

[0037] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The AVS module 50a is shown removed from the probe body 17. The ports 60 ( Figure 1 ) are connected to the corresponding port 62 of the AVS module 50a. The flushing line 43 and the suction line 46 are connected to the port 62 of the AVS module 50a.

[0038] The AVS module 50a typically includes, for example, a solenoid valve 64 including ports 62 for connecting to the irrigation line 43 and the aspiration line 46 of the console-side connector 50b, ports 60 for connecting to the handpiece 12, and ports 66 for sections of the irrigation channel 45 and the aspiration channel 47; a sensor 68 coupled to the irrigation channel 45; and a sensor 70 coupled to the aspiration channel 47 of the console-side connector 50b. The sensors 68, 70 are configured to provide respective signals indicative of respective fluid metrics (e.g., pressure levels) in the irrigation channel 45 and the aspiration channel 47. The aspiration channel 47 traverses the solenoid valve 64. The sensors 68, 70 in the AVS module 50a typically provide a higher sensitivity to local changes in fluid dynamics and provide a higher degree of control over pressure in the eye.

[0039] Steering Figure 4 , showing a perspective view of the AVS module 50a matingly connected or coupled (eg, magnetically coupled) to the console-side connector 50b. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The power and data transmission system of the present disclosure is shown, for example, as provided by an AVS module 50a and a console side connector 50b.

[0040] The AVS module 50a includes a coil 100 in contact with or in close proximity to a partition 104. The partition 104 is, for example, made of an electrically insulating material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and has, for example, a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 3 mm. The partition 104 includes openings or orifices 104a, 104b to accommodate the flushing channel 45 and the suction channel 47, respectively. Similarly, the console side connector 50b enables the coil 101 to be located at or near the electrically insulating layer 105, which is typically the same material as the partition 104 and has a thickness of about 1 mm. In this mating connection or coupling, the coils 100, 101 are close together to provide a contactless magnetic connection or magnetic coupling. Through this magnetic connection, power (e.g., energy including electrical power, such as current) and / or data are transmitted between the coils 100, 101 without signal degradation, interference, and / or transmission interruption. For example, when the AVS module 50a and the console-side connector 50b are mated or coupled, the coils 100, 101 are approximately 5 mm apart from each other.

[0041] Coils 100, 101 enable the AVS module 50a to be mated or otherwise coupled or connected to the console-side connector 50b, such as Figure 4, the coils 100, 101 are aligned. However, because the coils 100, 101 are in magnetic induction, where current is transferred from the console side coil 101 to the AVS module coil 100, the coils 100, 101 do not need to be perfectly aligned, and can be misaligned, for example up to about 3 mm, where the magnetic induction between the coils 100, 101 remains fully operational. Magnetic induction allows signal transmission for transferring energy (power) and data between the coils 100, 101, such as from the console side coil 101 to the AVS module coil 100.

[0042] One or more coils 100 in the AVS module 50a may be used to power the AVS module 50a, thereby supplying its electrical needs, and to power the handpiece 12, thereby also supplying its electrical needs.

[0043] The one or more coils 101 in the console-side connector 50 b generate magnetic energy for power and / or data transfer and transmission. The one or more coils 101 receive energy generated by hardware inside the console 28 .

[0044] The AVS module 50a and / or the console-side connector 50b may include an indicator light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) or the like in communication with a sensor (not shown) that indicates whether the magnetic induction between the coils 100, 101 is operating properly so that energy and / or data is transferred in an uninterrupted manner between the coils 100, 101. For example, proper operation of the coils 100, 101 is indicated by a solid or non-flashing LED, while a faulty or blocked coil 100, 101 is indicated by a flashing LED.

[0045] In addition, there may be other indicators, such as LEDs in the AVS module 50a and / or the console-side connector 50b, to indicate whether the suction (vacuum) 47 channel in or associated with the AVS module 50a (including in the console-side connector 50b or the handpiece 12) is unobstructed or blocked.

[0046] return Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the AVS module 50a may include a controller 74 for receiving signals from the pressure sensor 68 and / or the pressure sensor 70, and controlling fluid connectivity in the flushing channel 45 and / or the suction channel 47 by selectively opening and closing one or more valves 64 in response to the received signals. In some examples, the AVS module 50a may also include a controller 74 and / or a memory 76 (e.g., an EEPROM) for maintaining calibration settings and / or a usage counter for counting the use of the AVS module 50a and thereby preventing overuse of the AVS module 50a. In some examples, the controller 74 may be included in the console 28. In some examples, the functions of the controller 74 may be performed by the controller 38. Including the controller 74 in the AVS module 50a allows the controller 74 to be configured for calibration of the solenoid valve 64. Additionally or alternatively, including controller 74 in AVS module 50a allows controller 74 to be located close to sensors 68, 70, which may provide signals that may be degraded if the signals were required to travel on cable 33 to console 28 (where controller 74 may otherwise be mounted).

[0047] The controller 38, 74 comprises, for example, a general purpose computer or processor programmed in software form to perform the functions described herein. The software may be downloaded to the computer in electronic form over a network, for example, or it may alternatively or additionally be provided and / or stored on a non-transitory tangible medium such as magnetic, optical or electronic memory.

[0048] The AVS module 50a and console-side connector 50b are, for example, compact and may be any suitable size. In some examples, the AVS module 50a and console-side connector 50b may fit into a cube of approximately 2.5 cm on all sides.

[0049] The suction channel 47 includes a section 47-1 coupled to the inlet port 66-1 and a section 47-2 coupled to the outlet port 62-1 (eg, Figure 3B ). The controller 74 is configured to control fluid connectivity between the inlet port 66-1 and the outlet port 62-1 in the suction channel 47 by selectively opening and closing the solenoid valve 64 in response to a fluid metric (e.g., a pressure level) in the suction channel 47. It should be noted that when the solenoid valve 64 is closed, Figure 3B The sensor 70 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to sense a measure of fluid (eg, pressure level) in the section 47 - 2 between the solenoid valve 64 and the console 28 .

[0050] The solenoid valve 64 and its operation will now be described in greater detail. The solenoid valve 64 includes a valve body 78, a solenoid coil 80, and a plunger 82.

[0051] The valve body 78 includes a port 62, a port 66, and a valve cavity 84, and a plunger 82 is movable in the valve cavity 84. The electromagnetic coil 80 is disposed in the valve body 78 around the valve cavity 84. The plunger 82 includes a permanent magnet 88. The permanent magnet 88 may include all or only a portion of the plunger 82. For example, the plunger 82 may include a permanent magnet 88 coated or covered with a low friction material. The plunger 82 is configured to move back and forth between a position 90 and a position 92 in the valve cavity 84 along an extension direction 86, and selectively controls fluid connectivity by opening and closing the suction channel at a position between the inlet port 66-1 and the outlet port 62-1.

[0052] The plunger 82 may have any suitable dimensions, for example, a length in the range of 3 mm to 2 cm (e.g., 6 mm) and a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 1 cm (e.g., 3 mm). The valve body 78 may include a spacer 94, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 511,166. The valve body 78 may also include one or more dampers 96 to mitigate the impact of the plunger 82 on the valve body 78. Figure 3B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the upper damper 96 forms part of the spacer 94 .

[0053] Go to Figure 6 , shows a circuit diagram of the disclosed power and / or data transmission system 150. The AVS module 50a includes a coil 100 that communicates with a coil 101 of the console-side connector 50b by magnetic induction. In the AVS module 50a, the coil 100 is used to power the module 50a (using electrical energy) and also to charge a capacitor 152 that is electrically coupled to the controller 74 (which is also in communication with the sensors 68, 70) and the solenoid valve 64.

[0054] If a vacuum surge is detected in the suction channel 47 of the AVS module 50a (47-1, 47-2 of the AVS module 50a) or the console side connector 50b by one or both of the sensors 68, 70, the controller 74 responds to the sensors 68, 70 having detected a vacuum surge because the controller 74 has determined that a threshold pressure has been reached or exceeded in the suction channel 47. The controller 74 then signals the switch 156 to close, thereby causing the capacitor 152 to momentarily provide additional power to the solenoid valve 64 to move to a closed state, thereby immediately closing the suction channel 47. This immediate action of closing the suction channel 47 prevents damage to the eye and its tissues.

[0055] The paired (coupled) magnetic coils 100, 101 of the AVS module 50a and the console-side connector 50b provide a power scheme that alternates between providing power pulses 160, 162 for charging the capacitor 152 and actuating the AVS coil 100 with the pulses. By using short pulses delivered within a fraction of a millisecond, the power threshold, typically defined within 1 millisecond, can be exceeded to provide a rapid charge to the capacitor 152. The rapidly charged capacitor 152 can instantaneously power the solenoid valve 64, for example, to close instantaneously in response to a pressure surge on the suction channel 47.

[0056] Example

[0057] Example 1

[0058] A system for transmitting energy and / or data between a console (28) and a medical tool (12), the system comprising: a first connector (50b), the first connector comprising at least one first coil (101); a second connector (50a), the second connector comprising: at least one second coil (100); and a vacuum surge protection system (51), the vacuum surge protection system comprising a valve (64), the valve (64) being configured to be actuated by energy transmitted to the at least one second coil (100) to open and close a portion of a suction channel (47) extending through the vacuum surge protection system (51), the suction channel (47) being connected to at least the console (28) and the medical tool (12). The first connector (50b) is configured to couple with the console (28) and the second connector (50a), and the second connector (50a) is configured to couple with the medical tool (12), wherein the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100) are configured to transfer the energy and / or the data between the first connector (50b) and the second connector (50a) by magnetic induction. The system also includes a partition (104) located on either the first connector (50b) or the second connector (50a), so that when the first connector (50b) is coupled with the second connector (50a), the partition (104) is positioned between the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100).

[0059] Example 2

[0060] A system according to embodiment 1, wherein the first connector (50b) is configured to couple with the second connector (50a) so that the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100) are substantially aligned.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] The system according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the at least one first coil (101) includes one coil (101), and the at least one second coil (100) includes one coil (100).

[0063] Example 4

[0064] The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the separator (104) comprises an electrically insulating material.

[0065] Example 5

[0066] A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the second connector (50a) includes the partition (104).

[0067] Example 6

[0068] A system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the medical tool (12) includes a phacoemulsification handpiece (12).

[0069] Example 7

[0070] According to the system described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, the system further includes: a flushing channel (45), which extends through the first connector (50b) and the second connector (50a) and is connected to the console (28) and the medical tool (12); and the suction channel (47), which extends through the first connector (50b).

[0071] Example 8

[0072] A system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the vacuum surge protection system (51) further comprises: a pressure sensor (70), the pressure sensor being connected to the suction channel (47); and a controller (74), the controller being connected to the pressure sensor (70), wherein the controller (74) is configured to actuate the valve (64) to close the portion of the suction channel (47) when the pressure in the suction channel (47) detected by the pressure sensor (70) reaches a threshold pressure.

[0073] Example 9

[0074] A method for transmitting energy and / or data between a console (28) and a medical tool (12), the method comprising: providing a system, the system comprising: a first connector (50b), the first connector comprising at least one first coil (101); a second connector (50a), the second connector comprising: at least one second coil (100); and a vacuum surge protection system (51), the vacuum surge protection system comprising a valve (64), the valve (64) being configured to be actuated by energy transmitted to the at least one second coil (100) to open and close a portion of a suction channel (47) extending through the vacuum surge protection system (51), the suction channel (47) being in communication with at least the console (28) and the medical tool (12). The first connector (50b) is coupled to the second connector (50a) to transmit energy and / or data between the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100).

[0075] Example 10

[0076] A method according to embodiment 9, wherein the transmission of the energy and / or the data between the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100) is performed by magnetic induction.

[0077] Embodiment 11

[0078] A method according to Example 9 or Example 10, wherein coupling the first connector (50b) with the second connector (50a) includes orienting the first connector (50b) and the second connector (50a) so that the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100) are substantially aligned to facilitate energy and / or data transfer between the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100).

[0079] Example 12

[0080] A method according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the transmission of energy and / or data between the at least one first coil (101) and the at least one second coil (100) is transmitted from the at least one first coil (101) to the at least one second coil (100).

[0081] Example 13

[0082] A method according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the medical tool (12) includes a phacoemulsification handpiece (12), the phacoemulsification handpiece is used to communicate with the second connector (50a), and after the first connector (50b) is coupled with the second connector (50a), a phacoemulsification procedure is performed in the eye (20) of the subject (19).

[0083] Embodiment 14

[0084] An anti-vacuum surge (AVS) module (50a) for communicating with a medical tool (12), the AVS module (50a) comprising: at least one coil (100), the at least one coil being used to receive energy and / or data transmitted from the at least one external coil (101) by magnetic induction when a connector (50b) is coupled to the AVS module (50a) so that the at least one coil (100) is at least substantially aligned with at least one external coil (101) of the connector (50b); and a flushing channel (45) for communicating with the medical tool (12). The invention relates to a medical device comprising a flushing channel (43) connected to a tool (12); a suction channel (47) for connecting to a suction channel (53) of the medical tool (12); and a valve (64) configured to be actuated by energy transmitted to the at least one coil (100) to open and close the suction channel (47) of the AVS module (50a); and a partition (104) for electrically insulating the at least one coil (100) from the at least one external coil (101) when the AVS module (50a) is coupled to the connector (50b).

[0085] Embodiment 15

[0086] The AVS module according to embodiment 14, wherein the at least one coil (100) includes one coil (100).

[0087] Example 16

[0088] The AVS module according to embodiment 14 or embodiment 15, wherein the partition (104) comprises an electrically insulating material.

[0089] Embodiment 17

[0090] According to the AVS module described in any one of Examples 14 to 16, the AVS module further includes: a pressure sensor (70), which is connected to the suction channel (47); and a controller (74), which is connected to the pressure sensor (70), wherein the controller (70) is configured to actuate the valve (64) to close the suction channel (47) when the pressure in the suction channel (47) detected by the pressure sensor (70) reaches a threshold pressure.

[0091] Although the embodiments described herein are primarily directed to connectors to transfer energy and / or data therebetween, the methods and systems described herein may also be used in other applications, such as in other power and / or data transfers that use magnetic energy for transfer.

[0092] It should therefore be understood that the examples described above do not limit the present disclosure to what is specifically shown and described above. On the contrary, the scope of the present disclosure includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof, which will occur to a person skilled in the art upon reading the above description and which are not disclosed in the prior art. The documents incorporated by reference into this patent application are deemed to be an integral part of this application, unless any term defined in these incorporated documents conflicts with a definition explicitly or implicitly given in this specification, in which case only the definition in this specification shall be considered.

Claims

1. A system for transmitting energy and / or data between a console and a medical tool, the system comprising: a first connector, the first connector comprising at least one first coil; A second connector, the second connector comprising: at least one second coil; and a vacuum surge protection system comprising a valve configured to be actuated by energy transmitted to the at least one second coil to open and close a portion of a suction channel extending through the vacuum surge protection system, the suction channel being in communication with at least the console and the medical tool, wherein the first connector is configured to couple with the console and the second connector, and the second connector is configured to couple with the medical tool, wherein the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil are configured to transfer the energy and / or the data between the first connector and the second connector by magnetic induction; and A separator is located on either the first connector or the second connector such that when the first connector is coupled with the second connector, the separator is positioned between the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector is configured to couple with the second connector such that the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil are substantially aligned.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one first coil includes one coil, and the at least one second coil includes one coil.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The separator comprises an electrically insulating material.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector includes the bulkhead.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The medical tool includes a phacoemulsification handpiece.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: an irrigation channel extending through the first connector and the second connector and communicating with the console and the medical tool; and The suction channel extends through the first connector.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The vacuum surge protection system further comprises: a pressure sensor in communication with the suction passage; and A controller is in communication with the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the valve to close the portion of the suction channel when the pressure in the suction channel detected by the pressure sensor reaches a threshold pressure.

9. A method for transferring energy and / or data between a console and a medical tool, the method comprising: A system is provided, the system comprising: a first connector, the first connector comprising at least one first coil; A second connector, the second connector comprising: at least one second coil; and a vacuum surge protection system comprising a valve configured to be actuated by energy transmitted to the at least one second coil to open and close a portion of a suction channel extending through the vacuum surge protection system, the suction channel being in communication with at least the console and the medical tool, and The first connector is coupled to the second connector to transfer energy and / or data between the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The transmission of the energy and / or the data between the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil is performed by magnetic induction.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Coupling the first connector with the second connector includes orienting the first connector with the second connector such that the at least one first coil is substantially aligned with the at least one second coil to facilitate energy and / or data transfer between the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The transfer of energy and / or data between the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil is transferred from the at least one first coil to the at least one second coil.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The medical tool includes a phacoemulsification handpiece for communicating with the second connector and performing a phacoemulsification procedure in an eye of a subject after the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

14. An anti-vacuum surge (AVS) module for communicating with a medical tool, the AVS module comprising: at least one coil for receiving energy and / or data transmitted from the at least one external coil by magnetic induction when the connector is coupled to the AVS module such that the at least one coil is at least substantially aligned with the at least one external coil of the connector; A flushing channel, the flushing channel being used to communicate with the flushing channel of the medical tool; a suction channel for communicating with a suction channel of the medical tool, and a valve configured to be actuated by energy delivered to the at least one coil to open and close the suction channel of the AVS module; and A spacer is provided for electrically insulating the at least one coil from the at least one external coil when the AVS module is coupled to the connector.

15. The AVS module according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one coil comprises a coil.

16. The AVS module according to claim 14, wherein: The separator comprises an electrically insulating material.

17. The AVS module according to claim 14, further comprising: a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being in communication with the suction channel; and A controller is in communication with the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the valve to close the suction channel when the pressure in the suction channel detected by the pressure sensor reaches a threshold pressure.

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