Ophthalmic surgical system for treating one eye, as well as cassette and console for an ophthalmic surgical system

Abstract

The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical system (2) for treating an eye, comprising a console (1) with a cassette holder (3) and a cassette (6). The cassette (6) has at least one first surface design element (8). The cassette holder (3) has at least one second surface design element (20) and is configured to hold the cassette (6) in a predetermined position within the cassette holder (3) when the first surface design element (8) and the second surface design element (20) are positioned in an interlocking manner. The first surface design element (8) and / or the second surface design element (20) have at least one change in cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to a surface (9, 21) on which the respective surface design element (8, 20) is arranged.Only if the surface design elements (8, 20) are designed to fit each other, can the first surface design element (8) and the second surface design element (20) be positioned interlocking at all.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical system for treating an eye. The invention also relates to a cassette and a console for such an ophthalmic surgical system.

[0002] An ophthalmic surgical system is suitable for treating an eye. For example, cataract surgery can be performed using an ophthalmic surgical system. In this procedure, a patient's eye has a clouding of the lens, known as a cataract. A particularly common type of cataract surgery is phacoemulsification, in which a thin hollow needle is inserted into the capsular bag of the eye being treated and vibrated within the capsule. This shatters the lens, releasing lens particles into the eye. These particles are then aspirated through an aspiration tube of the ophthalmic surgical system. Simultaneously, a treatment fluid, also known as irrigation fluid, is introduced into the eye.Once the lens has been completely removed from the eye, a new artificial lens can be inserted into the emptied capsular bag. This can result in, for example, improved vision for the treated patient compared to their vision before the operation. To perform cataract surgery, the ophthalmic surgical system used must be capable of performing anterior segment surgery. Furthermore, a cassette of the ophthalmic surgical system specifically designed for anterior segment surgery should be used. Such a cassette can be referred to as an anterior segment cassette or anterior cassette.

[0003] The ophthalmic surgical system can be equipped to perform posterior segment surgery on the eye, either as an alternative or additional procedure. An example of posterior segment surgery is a vitrectomy, or vitreous aspiration. In a vitrectomy, a suction-cutting instrument of the ophthalmic surgical system is inserted through an opening in the eye to remove a portion of the vitreous humor and refill the vitreous with a special fluid. After refilling, a diseased area of ​​the retina, for example, can be treated. Vitrectomy is therefore suitable for removing at least part of the vitreous humor, particularly in cases of diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and / or vitreous hemorrhage. A cassette of the ophthalmic surgical system specifically designed for posterior segment surgery should be used to perform this procedure.Such a cassette can be called a posterior segment cassette or posterior cassette.

[0004] There are consoles for ophthalmic surgical systems that are suitable for anterior segment surgery but unsuitable for posterior segment surgery. Therefore, such a console should be equipped to detect and prevent the insertion of the posterior segment cassette and the performance of posterior segment surgery.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2021 210 484 A1 discloses a console for an ophthalmic surgical system with a cassette holder into which a cassette can be inserted. A clamping device is associated with the cassette holder, by means of which the cassette can be detachably secured to the console.

[0006] German patent DE 102021 124 405 B4 discloses a method for operating an ophthalmic surgical system. The console can have retaining clips on the sides of a cassette mounting area, which can grip the cassette when inserted and thus fix it in a position on the console.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a solution by means of which a fitting of a cassette and a console of an ophthalmic surgical system can be ensured.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical system for treating an eye. The ophthalmic surgical system comprises a console. This console can be configured for anterior segment surgery and / or posterior segment surgery. The console includes a cassette holder into which a cassette can be inserted. The ophthalmic surgical system also includes the cassette. The cassette can, for example, include at least part of a fluid pump for aspirating and / or delivering a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid can, for example, be an irrigation fluid for anterior segment surgery and / or a special fluid for filling the vitreous humor for posterior segment surgery.The treatment fluid can be pumped via the cassette, for example, from a treatment fluid reservoir of the ophthalmic surgical system, through the cassette and console, to an ophthalmic surgical handpiece of the ophthalmic surgical system, which may be coupled to the console and / or cassette. Alternatively, the treatment fluid can flow without using the fluid pump from a treatment fluid reservoir positioned higher relative to the cassette, such as a bottle or an infusion bag, towards the ophthalmic surgical handpiece or the patient's eye. Furthermore, aspiration fluid can be aspirated from the eye via the cassette using at least one fluid pump and directed to a collection container of the ophthalmic surgical system. The console may incorporate another part of the at least one fluid pump.

[0010] The cassette has at least one surface design element. This first surface design element is located on a surface of the cassette facing the cassette receptacle when the cassette is inserted. When the cassette is inserted into the receptacle, it is moved, for example, with the surface on which the first surface design element is located facing the receptacle. The first surface design element can be, for example, a raised area, a recess, and / or a cutout in the surface.

[0011] The cassette receptacle has at least one second surface design element, which is arranged on a surface of the cassette receptacle facing the cassette when the cassette is inserted. When the cassette is inserted into the cassette receptacle, it is moved, for example, towards the surface of the cassette receptacle on which the second surface design element is arranged. Once the cassette is inserted into the cassette receptacle, the two surfaces, each having at least one of the surface design elements, are arranged opposite each other. In a preferred example, the first surface design element and the second surface design element are not identical, that is, they differ from each other in at least one feature.

[0012] The cassette holder is designed to keep the cassette in a predetermined position when the first and second surface design elements are positioned in an interlocking manner. For this purpose, the first and second surface design elements can be designed, for example, to have shapes that fit together. For instance, the first surface design element can be a pin or stud protruding from the surface, and the second surface design element can be a recess that fits the pin or stud, or vice versa. When the two surface design elements interlock, they are positively connected.In a positive-locking connection, the shape of the parts, i.e., in this case the shape of the two surface design elements, prevents relative movement in at least one direction.

[0013] The first surface design element and the second surface design element exhibit at least one change in cross-sectional area in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the surface on which the respective surface design element is arranged. "Transverse" here includes, for example, angles between greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, in particular between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees, or 80 degrees and 90 degrees, between the respective surface design element and the surface on which this surface design element is arranged. Only if the surface design elements are designed to be at least partially compatible with each other, for example due to their changes in cross-sectional area, can the first surface design element and the second surface design element be positioned in an interlocking manner.A change in cross-sectional area within the meaning of the invention means that the respective surface design element has at least two distinct sub-areas that differ in their cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area is, for example, oriented parallel to the surface on which the surface design element, whose cross-sectional area is being considered, is arranged. The change in cross-sectional area thus results, for example, in a part of the surface design element that borders the surface on which the surface design element is arranged having a different cross-sectional area than another part of the surface design element that borders this part.

[0014] Surface design elements are considered interlockable if one of the two surface design elements can be completely enclosed by the other. In this case, the surface design elements can be positively connected, such that the shapes of the two surface design elements prevent relative movement in at least one direction. In one example, relative movement is prevented in all directions except the direction from which the cassette is moved towards the surface of the cassette receptacle when inserted into it. Alternatively, one of the two surface design elements can be completely enclosed by the other, although at least a cavity is formed between the two surface design elements.In this case, the two surface design elements cannot be positively connected. However, the recess formed by one of the surface design elements can, for example, be larger than a projection formed by the other surface design element, so that the two surface design elements can indeed be positioned interlocking. The two surface design elements are then considered to fit together because they align at least partially. The surface design elements are therefore considered to be positionable interlocking if at least a cavity is formed between them, but this cavity does not result in a gap or distance between the surfaces surrounding the respective surface design element that is greater than zero, in particular greater than a specified minimum distance.In a preferred example, the specified minimum distance is between greater than 0 millimeters and less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0015] Surface design elements are not considered interlockable if one of them cannot be fully enclosed by the other. In this case, for example, one element might not be able to be inserted into the other at all, perhaps because it has a larger diameter. In this example, the two elements do not fit together. Alternatively, surface design elements are also considered non-interlockable if a gap or space exists between the surfaces surrounding each element.If this gap or distance is greater than 0, especially greater than a specified minimum distance, the two surface design elements are considered not to be interlocking, since they cannot be positioned completely interlocking.

[0016] It can therefore be stipulated that the cassette can only be inserted into the cassette holder if the cross-sectional area changes match, or if the cross-sectional area change of one of the two surface design elements matches a surface design element without a cross-sectional area change. If the surface design elements, in particular the cross-sectional area changes, do not match, the cassette cannot be positioned in the cassette holder; that is, insertion of the cassette is mechanically prevented. By requiring at least one cross-sectional area change, it is thus possible to exclude individual cassettes from being positioned and used in a given type of cassette holder and therefore in given brackets.This simple mechanism prevents the mechanical function of inserting a cassette into an unsuitable cassette holder (if the surface design elements do not match), while allowing the insertion of a suitable cassette into the cassette holder (if the surface design elements match). This ensures that a cassette and a console of an ophthalmic surgical system are always compatible.

[0017] The respective surface design element is made of, for example, a plastic. Alternatively or additionally, it can be made at least partially of metal or a hard plastic. This can prevent, for example, unwanted interlocking of the two surface design elements under sufficiently high force and resulting deformation of the surface design elements.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the cassette is at least one cassette from a group of cassettes intended for different types of eye surgery and / or belonging to different cassette generations. The different types of eye surgery distinguish, for example, at least anterior segment surgery, particularly cataract surgery, and posterior segment surgery, particularly vitrectomy. The different cassette generations are, for example, cassettes developed successively. Old and new cassettes can be distinguished from one another based on their cassette generation. The first surface design element of each cassette in the group of cassettes has an individual cross-sectional area variation that differs, at least in some areas, from the respective cross-sectional area variation of the other cassettes in the group.The design of the cross-sectional area change of the first surface design element allows differentiation between front-section and rear-section cassettes, and / or between older and newer cassettes. The terms "new" and "old" refer to the cassette generation and thus to the cassette's developmental stage. Based on their individual cross-sectional area changes, each cassette within a group is marked and can be uniquely assigned to at least one console with a cassette mounting area by having a first surface design element that matches the second surface design element of that cassette mounting area.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the console can be at least one console from a group of consoles designed for different types of eye surgery and / or belonging to a different console generation. For example, a distinction can be made between consoles for anterior segment surgery only or consoles for both anterior and posterior segment surgery. In another example, a console designed solely for posterior segment surgery may be provided. Furthermore, different generations of consoles can be distinguished. Analogous to the cassette generations described above, a distinction can be made, for example, between an older and a newer console.The second surface design element of the cassette mounting of the respective console of the group of consoles has an individual cross-sectional area change that differs, at least in some areas, from the respective cross-sectional area change of the cassette mounting of the other consoles of the group of consoles.

[0020] By differentiating cassettes and / or consoles according to the type of eye surgery and / or the cassette or console generation, a differentiated determination of the approved combination of console, in particular the cassette holder of the console, and cassette can be made. In the approved combination, the two surface design elements are compatible with respect to cross-sectional area changes. This ensures the reliable operation of the ophthalmic surgical system, as inappropriate combinations of cassettes and consoles can be identified and prevented.

[0021] For example, it may be stipulated that a console from an older console generation can only be combined with a cassette from an older cassette generation, specifically one that is assigned to that console generation. This can be achieved through a corresponding design of the surface design elements. Similarly, in one example, a console from a newer console generation can only be combined with a cassette from the same newer cassette generation. Alternatively or additionally, a combination of, for example, the cassette from the newer cassette generation with the console from the older console generation may be possible due to the design of the surface design elements. However, the combination of the cassette from the older cassette generation with the console from the newer console generation can be prevented by the design of the surface design elements.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, in an example, the cross-sectional area changes might be chosen such that, for instance, the cassette intended for the front section operation can be inserted into the cassette receptacle of the console for a front section operation, but the cassette intended for a rear section operation cannot be inserted into the cassette receptacle of the console for a front section operation. This is because, in this case, the first and second surface design elements do not interlock, or at least not completely interlock, due to the mismatched cross-sectional area changes of the surface design elements.Preventing the use of a cassette intended for posterior segment surgery in the console for anterior segment surgery is particularly useful, as the console typically cannot perform posterior segment surgery. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, with a console designed for both anterior and posterior segment surgery, to allow the use of anterior segment cassettes as well as posterior segment cassettes.

[0023] Another embodiment provides that both surface design elements each have the cross-sectional area change and, if these cross-sectional area changes match, the surface of the cassette on which the first surface design element is arranged and the surface of the cassette receptacle on which the second surface design element is arranged touch at least in an area adjacent to the respective surface design element. In this area, the two surfaces lie, for example, directly on top of each other and are thus in direct contact. Furthermore, the surfaces can also abut each other in other areas adjacent to this region.It can therefore be designed so that the matching of the two cross-sectional area changes results in, for example, the cassette and the cassette holder having surface design elements that interlock completely, bringing the two surfaces so close that they touch. However, if, for example, a gap remains between the surface of the cassette holder and the surface of the cassette in this area, this shows, or at least indicates, that the two cross-sectional area changes do not match and thus the first and second surface design elements cannot be positioned, or are not positioned, interlocking due to their cross-sectional area changes. A user of the ophthalmic surgical system, especially a practitioner, can recognize this visually and / or by touch.For example, a gap can prevent a holding mechanism that secures the cassette in the cassette holder from functioning, as the cassette cannot be moved close enough to the surface of the cassette holder for the holding mechanism to operate and / or be activated. Furthermore, whenever the surfaces do not touch, at least in that area, a sensor in the console can detect this and, for example, automatically block the connection between the cassette and the console. Thus, it can be reliably determined whether the cassette and cassette holder are compatible and, if necessary, effectively prevent the console from operating with an incompatible cassette.

[0024] Another embodiment provides that the first surface design element is configured as a recess and the second as a projection. Alternatively, the first surface design element can be configured as the projection and the second as the recess. It is therefore arbitrary whether the cassette or the cassette receptacle has the recess or the projection. The recess is, for example, a hole, a bore, or a cutout in the respective surface. The projection is, for example, a pin or other shaped, protruding element that extends from the respective surface. If the cross-sectional area changes do not match, this can lead, for example, to the recess not being able to fully accommodate the projection or, in some cases, not accommodating the projection at all.The indentation and the protrusion represent geometric shapes for the surface design elements that are particularly easy to implement yet clearly definable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first surface design element and / or the second surface design element has a base element to at least support the relative alignment of the two surface design elements with each other. The base element can alternatively be referred to as the plinth or base element of the respective surface design element. Due to the base element, the respective surface design element can act as a kind of alignment pin. This facilitates the insertion of the cassette and the cassette receptacle into one another in the area of ​​the surface design elements, thereby advantageously supporting the positioning of the cassette relative to the cassette receptacle or vice versa.

[0026] It is specifically stipulated that the respective surface design element has an oval cross-sectional area, at least in the area of ​​the base element. The oval cross-sectional area can be constant across the entire base element in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the surface design element is located. In this example, the base element has a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area can decrease or increase, at least in certain areas, with increasing distance from the surface. In this example, the base element has a conical shape, at least in certain areas. The oval cross-sectional area is, for example, at least partially circular. In one example, the oval cross-sectional area is circular or elliptical. In another example, the base element can have an angular shape, in particular a square or triangular one.The oval cross-sectional area is particularly suitable for providing support in the relative alignment of the surface design elements to each other.

[0027] An additional embodiment provides that the first surface design element and / or the second surface design element has at least a partial area in which it has a cross-sectional area that differs from the cross-sectional area of ​​the base element in terms of shape and / or size. This results, for example, in a step or other change in shape where the base element adjoins the partial area. For instance, in the case of an oval cross-sectional area of ​​the base element, the cross-sectional area of ​​the partial area may not be oval and / or may also be oval, but have a diameter that is larger or smaller than the diameter of the oval cross-sectional area of ​​the base element. The embodiment with the partial area and the base element illustrates how a change in cross-sectional area can be achieved in a simple yet effective manner.The change in cross-sectional area does not necessarily have to be generated by a local change in the size of the cross-sectional area, such as a diameter, length and / or width of the cross-sectional area, but can be achieved, for example, by a change in the shape of the respective cross-sectional areas in the base element compared to the sub-area.

[0028] The cross-sectional area of ​​the sub-section is, for example, at least partially oval and / or angular, in particular triangular or quadrilateral. Alternatively or additionally, polygonal cross-sectional areas are possible, such as hexagonal or octagonal cross-sectional areas. In a preferred example, the base element is oval, but the sub-section is angular. In this example, the sub-section can have a triangular cross-sectional area adjacent to the oval cross-sectional area of ​​the base element.

[0029] The cross-sectional area can be constant in size and / or shape across the entire sub-area. Alternatively or additionally, the cross-sectional area can increase and / or decrease within the sub-area. In this case, the respective surface design element in the sub-area can be pyramidal or conical. Numerous different sub-area configurations are possible, allowing for the differentiation of any number of different cassettes and cassette mounts. The described prevention of unwanted combinations is therefore versatile and applicable to, for example, numerous cassette and / or console generations and / or several different types of eye surgery.

[0030] Furthermore, one embodiment provides that both surface design elements each have a change in cross-sectional area. These changes in cross-sectional area are designed to fit each other if the section of the first surface design element and the section of the second surface design element have matching shapes, cross-sectional areas, and / or heights. The height refers to the extent of the section in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the surface design element is arranged. For example, if both surface design elements have a section whose cross-sectional area has a predetermined width and length, the same shape, and the same height, these sections fit together and consequently interlock. If, for example, the height differs, it depends, for instance, on whether the section of the recess or the section of the projection has the greater height.In the case of a recess, the two surface design elements still fit together. However, in the case of a protrusion, a gap forms between the two surface design elements, preventing them from interlocking. If the sub-areas differ in shape, it is possible, for example, that the shape of one sub-area can be adapted to the shape of the other due to their cross-sectional areas and heights, resulting in interlocking surface design elements despite their differing shapes. Conversely, the differing shapes may prevent the two sub-areas from interlocking, in which case the surface design elements cannot fit together.This means that surface design elements can be provided that match several other surface design elements, thus enabling various combinations of cassettes and consoles.

[0031] In another embodiment, the projection has a base element at a first end adjacent to the surface on which it is arranged, and at least one partial region at a second end opposite the first end. The other surface design element has a base element at a third end where the recess borders the surface on which it is arranged, and at least one partial region at a fourth end opposite the third end. In the case of the projection, the partial region is thus located as far away as possible from the surface on which the projection is arranged. In contrast, in the case of the recess, the partial region is located at an endpoint of the recess and thus also as far away as possible from the actual surface into which the recess projects.This results in the first end being located in the area of ​​the third end, and the second end in the area of ​​the fourth end, when the recess and the projection are interlocked. In the case of a projection and a recess, this clearly illustrates how the base element and its sub-area can be arranged.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cassette receptacle may have at least two alignment pins arranged on the surface where the second surface design element is located. Two complementary recesses for these alignment pins are provided on the cassette. These recesses may, for example, be designed as a notch and / or as a laterally bounded hole. At least one of the alignment pins is designed as the second surface design element. Thus, at least one of the alignment pins is shaped in such a way that it forms the surface design element.This allows the cassette receptacle to be designed so that, if it only has two alignment pins, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first surface element of the cassette can be adjusted to determine whether or not it can be inserted into the existing receptacle with the two alignment pins. This enables cassettes to be designed in such a way that they can be inserted into existing consoles without requiring any modifications. To prevent insertion, for example, the cross-sectional area in the section of the first surface element of the cassette can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the alignment pin of the cassette receptacle.

[0033] The respective surface design element is, for example, positioned centrally on the surface. Alternatively or additionally, it can be offset from the central axis of the cassette holder or the cassette itself, for example, shifted longitudinally and / or transversely relative to the central axis. Numerous different arrangements or positions of the respective surface design element on the cassette or cassette holder are possible.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cassette for inclusion in a cassette holder of a console of an ophthalmic surgical system, as described above. This means that, in one example, the cassette can include at least part of a fluid pump for aspirating and / or conveying a treatment fluid and has at least one first surface design element arranged on a surface of the cassette. The first surface design element is characterized by having a change in cross-sectional area.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention relates to a console of an ophthalmic surgical system, as described above. The console has a cassette receptacle for a cassette. The console has at least one second surface design element arranged on a surface of the cassette receptacle of the console. The second surface design element is characterized by having a change in cross-sectional area.

[0036] The embodiments described in connection with the ophthalmic surgical system according to the invention, both individually and in combination with one another, apply accordingly, where applicable, to the cassette and the console according to the invention. The invention comprises combinations of the described embodiments.

[0037] The characters show in: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an ophthalmic surgical system, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the front of a cassette for an ophthalmic surgical system, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the back of a cassette according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a cassette recording of an ophthalmic surgical system, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a cassette recorded in a cassette recording, Fig. 6 a first embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 7 a sectional view along a line VII-VII' in Fig. 8 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 another sectional view along a line VIII-VIII' in Fig. 7 of the surface design elements from Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a second embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 10 a sectional view along a line XX' in Fig. 11 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 9, Fig. 11 a sectional view along a line XI-XI' in Fig. 10 of the surface design elements from Fig. 9, Fig. 12 a third embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 13 a sectional view along a line XIII-XIII' in Fig. 14 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 12, Fig. 14 a sectional view along a line XIV-XIV' in Fig. 13 of the surface design elements from Fig. 12, Fig. 15 a fourth embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 16 a sectional view along a line XVI-XVI' in Fig. 17 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 15, Fig. 17 a sectional view along a line XVII-XVII' in Fig. 16 of the surface design elements from Fig. 15, Fig. 18 a fifth embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 19 a sectional view along a line XIX-XIX' in Fig. 20 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 18, Fig. 20 a sectional view along a line XX-XX' in Fig. 19 of the surface design elements from Fig. 18, Fig. 21 a sixth embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 22 a sectional view along a line XXII-XXII' in Fig. 23 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 21, Fig. 23 a sectional view along a line XXIII-XXIII' in Fig. 22 of the surface design elements from Fig. 21, Fig. 24 a seventh embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 25 a sectional view along a line XXV-XXV' in Fig. 26 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 24, Fig. 26 a sectional view along a line XXVI-XXVI' in Fig. 25 of the surface design elements from Fig. 24, Fig. 27 an eighth embodiment of surface design elements in a perspective view, Fig. 28 a sectional view along a line XXVIII-XXVIII' in Fig. 29 of the surface design elements according to Fig. 27, and Fig. 29 a sectional view along a line XXIX-XXVIX' in Fig. 28 of the surface design elements from Fig. 27.

[0038] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a console 1 of an ophthalmic surgical system 2. The console 1 has a cassette holder 3. Furthermore, the ophthalmic surgical system 2 can have a holding device 4 on the console 1 for a treatment fluid reservoir containing treatment fluid. The ophthalmic surgical system 2 can include a dispensing device 5, which is designed here as a screen.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a front view of a cassette 6 that can be inserted into the cassette receptacle 3 of the console 1. The cassette 6 includes, for example, at least a part of at least one fluid pump 7. Furthermore, the cassette 6 includes at least one first surface design element 8, which is arranged on a surface 9 of the cassette 6 facing the cassette receptacle 3 when the cassette 6 is inserted. In one example, the cassette 6 can have at least one recess 10, 11, which can be configured as a hole or a slot. The at least one recess 10, 11 can, for example, assist in aligning the cassette 6 relative to the cassette receptacle 3.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows the reverse side of cassette 6, which can be attached, for example, to one of the in Fig. The outer wall 13 of the cassette 6 can form on the side opposite the front of the cassette 6 shown in Figure 2. A handle 12 can be arranged on the back, for example, by which the cassette 6 can be held and moved manually towards the cassette receptacle 3. The Fig. 2 shown representation of cassette 6 as well as the one in Fig. The sketched representation of cassette 6 can, in an alternative example, be understood as two different housing parts of cassette 6, which are in particular indirectly attached to each other and can be inserted together into the cassette receptacle 3.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows the cassette holder 3 without the cassette 6. Numerous possible components of an exemplary clamping device 14 are shown. This device can, for example, have opposing clamps 15, a retaining clip 16, and two guide elements 17 arranged vertically at the bottom. Furthermore, the clamping device 14 can have lever arms 18 and sensors 19 to fix the cassette 6 in the cassette holder 3 or to detect the position of the fluid pump 7.

[0043] The cassette receptacle 3 has at least one second surface design element 20. This is arranged on a surface 21 of the cassette receptacle 3, which faces the cassette 6 in an inserted state of the cassette 6.

[0044] The cassette receptacle 3 can also, in one example, have at least two alignment pins 22, 23 into which the recesses 10, 11 of the cassette 6 can be inserted, thereby aligning the cassette 6 relative to the cassette receptacle 3.

[0045] The respective surface design element 8, 20 can be arranged centrally on the respective surface 9, 21. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the surface design elements 8, 20 can be provided that is offset on the surface 21 in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction with respect to a central axis.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows the cassette 6 in a state in which it is received by the cassette receptacle 3, that is, inserted into it. In the example shown here, it is also fixed in this inserted state by means of the clamping device 14. It is clear that the cassette 6 and the cassette receptacle 3 lie directly on top of each other, meaning, for example, that surface 9 touches surface 21. This illustrates that the cassette receptacle 3 can be designed to hold the cassette 6 in a predetermined position within the cassette receptacle 3 when the first surface design element 8 and the second surface design element 20 are positioned in an interlocking manner.

[0047] The first surface design element 8 and / or the second surface design element 20 each exhibit at least one change in cross-sectional area in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the surface 9, 21 on which it is arranged. Only if the surface design elements 8, 20, and in particular the changes in cross-sectional area, are designed to be compatible with each other, at least section by section, can the first surface design element 8 and the second surface design element 20 be positioned in an interlocking manner.

[0048] Examples of possible cross-sectional area changes are in Fig. 6 to Fig. 29 outlined. These examples are not exhaustive, meaning that alternative cross-sectional area changes are possible.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment. It is evident that each surface design element 8, 20 can have at least one base element 24, 24' to at least support the relative alignment of the two surface design elements 8, 20 to each other. The respective surface design element 8, 20 can have an oval cross-sectional area, at least in the region of the base element 24, 24'. Here, for example, it has a round cross-sectional area. In the sketched example, the cross-sectional area in the region of the base element 24, 24' is also constant, so that the base element 24, 24' is cylindrical. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area can increase or decrease in the z-direction, so that the base element 24, 24' can, for example, be conical.

[0050] The respective surface design element 8, 20 can have at least a sub-area 25, 25' in which it has a cross-sectional area that differs from the cross-sectional area of ​​the base element 24, 24' in terms of shape and / or size. Here, a deviation in shape is evident, as the cross-section in the sub-area 25, 25' is angular, in particular quadrilateral. Other configurations of the cross-sectional area in the sub-area 25, 25' are possible. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the base element 24, 24' can be angular, in particular quadrilateral or triangular, in another example.

[0051] It is possible for the first surface design element 8 to be configured as a recess and the second surface design element 20 as a projection. This case is sketched here as an example. Alternatively, it is possible for the first surface design element 8 to be configured as the projection and the second surface design element 20 as the recess (this case is not sketched).

[0052] In a preferred example, the projection has the base element 24, 24' at a first end 26, which adjoins the surface 21. At a second end 27 opposite the first end 26, the projection has at least one sub-region 25, 25'. The recess has the base element 24, 24' at a third end 28, where the recess adjoins the surface 9 in which it is arranged, and at a fourth end 29 opposite the third end 28, it has at least one sub-region 25, 25'.

[0053] Fig. Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment, from which the different shapes of the base element 24, 24' and the sub-area 25, 25' become particularly clear. It is also shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows another sectional view, which clearly illustrates that, if the cross-sectional area changes match, the surface 9 of the cassette 6, on which the first surface design element 8 is arranged, and the surface 21 of the cassette receptacle 3, on which the second surface design element 20 is arranged, can touch at least in an area 30 adjacent to the respective surface design element 8, 20. Here, for example, surface 9 rests on surface 21 in area 30. They are therefore in contact. Thus, this illustrates a case in which the two surface design elements 8, 20 can be positioned interlockingly, since they have cross-sectional area changes that match each other.

[0054] Fig. Figure 9 shows a second embodiment in which the respective sub-area 25, 25' has a triangular cross-sectional area. From the sectional views of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, each analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. Since 8 are selected, it becomes clear that matching cross-sectional area changes are sketched so that the cassette 6 and the cassette receptacle 3 fit together, as the surface design elements 8, 20 interlock.

[0055] Fig. Figure 12 shows a third embodiment in which the cassette receptacle 3 has a second surface design element 20 with a sub-area 25 having a square cross-section, whereas the cassette 6 has a first surface design element 8, the sub-area 25' of which has a triangular cross-sectional area. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show analogous sectional views of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Due to the mismatched shapes of the sub-areas 25 and 25', a gap is created between the two surfaces 9 and 21 in area 30. The cross-sectional area changes are therefore not properly aligned, preventing the cassette 6 from being positioned in the cassette receptacle 3 and thus in the console 1, as the surface design elements 8 and 20 cannot fully interlock. This is clearly visible and / or tactilely due to the gap in area 30. Because of this gap, the cassette 6 cannot, for example, be secured in the cassette receptacle 3 using the clamping device 14.

[0056] Fig. Figure 15 shows a fourth embodiment in which the triangular and square cross-sectional design in the sub-area 25, 25' is reversed, i.e., here the second surface design element 20 has the triangular sub-area 25 and the first surface design element 8 has the square sub-area 25'. Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, which are analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. Since 8 are selected, it becomes clear that the triangular cross-sectional area in sub-area 25 of the second surface design element 20 fits perfectly into the quadrilateral cross-sectional area of ​​sub-area 25' of the first surface design element 8, so that there are corresponding changes in cross-sectional area. Here, therefore, the cassette 6 and the cassette receptacle 3 can be combined with each other, unlike in the third embodiment.

[0057] Fig. Figure 18 shows a fifth embodiment in which the sub-area 25, 25' of both surface design elements 8, 20 each has an oval, in particular circular, cross-sectional area. Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, which are analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. The selected elements 8 show that these sub-areas 25, 25' have matching surface design elements 8, 20. Here, the sub-area 25, 25' differs from the base element 24, 24' not in shape, as in the first four embodiments, but in the size of its cross-sectional area. The size can be specified by a diameter, a length, and / or a width.

[0058] Fig. Figure 21 shows a sixth embodiment in which shorter, oval sub-sections 25, 25' are provided in the z-direction. The sixth embodiment thus differs from the fifth embodiment in the height of the sub-section 25, 25' in the z-direction. Based on Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, which are analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. Since 8 have been selected, it becomes clear that matching surface design elements 8, 20 are present.

[0059] Fig. Figure 24 shows a seventh embodiment with two non-matching surface design elements 8 and 20. Here, for example, the first surface design element 8 has a partial area 25' like the sixth embodiment with a height h2. The second surface design element 20 has a partial area 25 like the fifth embodiment with a height h1.

[0060] The height h1 is greater than the height h2. Based on Fig. 25 and Fig. 26, which are analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. Since 8 are selected, it becomes clear that this leads to the distance in area 30 between surface 9 and surface 21, resulting in mismatched cross-sectional area changes. The height h1 of sub-area 25 of the second surface design element 20 is therefore too large to be accommodated by the first surface design element 8.

[0061] Fig. Figure 27 shows an eighth embodiment in which the two sections 25, 25' are of different heights, but nevertheless fit together in terms of shape, size, and height. This is because the height h1 of section 25 of the second surface design element 20 is less than the height h2 of section 25' of the first surface design element 8, so that the surface design element 20 can be completely enclosed by the taller surface design element 8. This creates a cavity. The two surface design elements 8, 20 still interlock completely, as no part of either surface design element 8, 20 protrudes. This is illustrated in the sectional views in Figure 27. Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, which are analogous to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 have been chosen.

[0062] It may also be provided that the cassette 6 is at least one cassette 6 from a group of cassettes 6 intended for different types of eye surgery and / or belonging to a different cassette generation. For example, the first surface design element 8 of the respective cassette 6 in the group of cassettes 6 has an individual cross-sectional area change that differs, at least in some areas, from the respective cross-sectional area change of the other cassettes 6 in the group of cassettes 6. Alternatively or additionally, the console 1 may be at least one console 1 from a group of consoles 1 intended for different types of eye surgery and / or belonging to a different console generation.The second surface design element 20 of the cassette receptacle 3 of the respective console 1 of the group of consoles 1, for example, has an individual cross-sectional area change that differs at least in some areas from the respective cross-sectional area change of the cassette receptacle 3 of the other console 1 of the group of consoles 1.

[0063] Overall, the examples demonstrate cassette recognition in an ophthalmic surgical system 2 to prevent certain functions depending on the inserted cassette 6. Since the console 1 may already be in use, no additional function for recognizing, for example, a cassette 6 for a posterior segment operation can be implemented. Therefore, a mechanical function must prevent the insertion of a posterior segment cassette into a console 1 designed only for anterior segment operations. An alignment pin 22, 23 can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, an additional surface design element 8, 20 can be provided. Modifying the surface design element 8, 20 in the console 1 for posterior operations, as well as modifying the surface design element 8, 20 in the posterior cassette, prevents the posterior cassette from being inserted into the console 1 for anterior operations.Ultimately, this prevents, for example, a cassette 6 intended for a posterior segment operation from being inserted into a console 1 intended solely for anterior segment operations with a corresponding cassette holder 3. Reference symbol list 1 console 2 System 3 cassette recording 4 Holding device 5 Output device 6 cassette 7 Fluid pump 8 first surface design element 9 Surface 10 recesses 12 handle 13 Exterior wall 14 Clamping device 15 terminals 16 retaining clip 17 guide elements 18 lever arms 19 sensors 20 second surface design element 21 surface 22 alignment pin 24 Basic element 24' base element 25 sub-area 25' Sub-area 26 first end 27 second end 28 third end 29 fourth end 30 area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 210 484 A1

[0005] DE 102021 124 405 B4

[0006]

Claims

[1] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) for treating an eye, comprising a console (1) with a cassette receptacle (3) into which a cassette (6) can be inserted, and the cassette (6) having at least a first surface design element (8) arranged on a surface (9) of the cassette (6) facing the cassette receptacle (3) in an inserted state, wherein the cassette receptacle (3) has at least a second surface design element (20) arranged on a surface (21) of the cassette receptacle (3) facing the cassette (6) in an inserted state and is designed to hold the cassette (6) in a predetermined position in the cassette receptacle (3) when the first surface design element (8) and the second surface design element (20) are positioned interlocking, characterized by, that the first surface design element (8) and / or the second surface design element (20) has at least one change in cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to the surface (9, 21) on which the respective surface design element (8, 20) is arranged, and only if the surface design elements (8, 20) are designed to fit each other at least section by section, can the first surface design element (8) and the second surface design element (20) be positioned interlocking at all. [2] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the cassette (6) is at least one cassette (6) from a group of cassettes (6) intended for different types of eye surgery and / or belonging to a different cassette generation, wherein the first surface design element (8) of the respective cassette (6) of the group of cassettes (6) has an individual cross-sectional area change that differs at least partially from the respective cross-sectional area change of the other cassettes (6) of the group of cassettes (6), and / or - the console (1) is at least one console (1) from a group of consoles (1) that are intended for different types of eye surgery and / or belong to a different console generation, wherein the second surface design element (20) of the cassette receptacle (3) of the respective console (1) of the group of consoles (1) has an individual cross-sectional area change that differs at least in some areas from the respective cross-sectional area change of the cassette receptacle (3) of the other consoles (1) of the group of consoles (1). [3] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that both surface design elements (8, 20) have the respective cross-sectional area change and if these cross-sectional area changes match each other, the surface (9) of the cassette (6) on which the first surface design element (8) is arranged and the surface (21) of the cassette receptacle (3) on which the second surface design element (20) is arranged, touch at least in an area (30) adjacent to the respective surface design element. [4] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first surface design element (8) is designed as a depression and the second surface design element (20) as a projection or the first surface design element (8) is designed as a projection and the second surface design element (20) as a depression. [5] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first surface design element (8) and / or the second surface design element (20) has a base element (24, 24') to at least support a relative alignment of the two surface design elements (8, 20) to each other, wherein in particular the respective base element (24, 24') has an oval cross-sectional area. [6] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first surface design element (8) and / or the second surface design element (20) has at least a partial area (25, 25') in which it has a cross-sectional area which differs from the cross-sectional area of ​​the base element (24, 24') with respect to a shape and / or size, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the partial area (25, 25') is at least partially oval and / or angular, in particular triangular or quadrangular. [7] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that both surface design elements (8, 20) each have the cross-sectional area change and these cross-sectional area changes are designed to match each other, if the sub-area (25, 25') of the first surface design element (8) and the sub-area (25, 25') of the second surface design element (20) have matching shapes, cross-sectional areas and / or heights. [8] Ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to claim 4 and 5 and one of claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that the projection at a first end (26) adjacent to the surface (9, 21) on which it is arranged has the base element (24, 24') and at a second end (27) opposite the first end (26) has at least one sub-area (25, 25') and the recess at a third end (28) adjacent to the surface (9, 21) on which it is arranged has the base element (24, 24') and at a fourth end (29) opposite the third end (28) has at least one sub-area (25, 25'). [9] Cassette (6) for receiving in a cassette holder (3) of a console (1) of an ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Console (1) with a cassette holder (3) for an ophthalmic surgical system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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