Ophthalmic cassette

Abstract

An ophthalmic cassette (1) for insertion or insertion into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system, comprising a housing (2) with a plurality of connections (4) for connecting external hose / line systems (5) to internal fluid channels, for example to an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel, wherein the connections are formed on an outer end face (3) which are freely accessible when the cassette (1) is inserted, characterized by an adapter (6) which can be plugged onto the connections (4) and has corresponding adapter connections (7), which are preferably firmly connected to the hose / line systems (5) and any devices, equipment or the like connected thereto.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ophthalmological cassette for insertion or plugging into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system, comprising a housing with a plurality of connections for connecting external hose / line systems to internal fluid channels, for example to an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel, wherein the connections are formed on an outer end face of the cassette and are freely accessible when the cassette is inserted.

[0002] Ophthalmic cassettes of the generic type have been known in practice for years. Reference is made, merely by way of example, to a cassette from the applicant, as described in DE 10 2021 201 040 A1. The known cassette is designed to be inserted or plugged into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system. The cassette comprises a housing with several connections for connecting external hose / line systems to internal fluid channels, which can be an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel.

[0003] During ophthalmic procedures, it is often necessary to supply fluid to the eye (irrigation) and to drain or aspirate fluid from the eye (aspiration). The irrigation fluid and aspiration fluid are regularly provided via a console that is connected to the corresponding surgical handheld devices, for example via a hose connection. For example, during phacoemulsification, irrigation fluid is supplied to the eye while the clouded lens is broken up using ultrasound, and the lens debris is suctioned out of the eye along with the irrigation fluid. To enable sterile working, the fluid is guided through an ophthalmic cassette that can be inserted into the console. The cassette has previously been disposed of after each procedure.

[0004] During ophthalmic surgery, it is necessary to control irrigation and aspiration in this way. Therefore, it is common practice to provide valves in the cassette that allow the fluid channel to be interrupted or opened to influence the flow of fluid within the cassette.

[0005] For example, an ophthalmic cassette with a valve is previously known from EP 3 318 290 B1. The fluid channel of the cassette has a side wall made of a soft plastic that can be compressed by a plunger of the console to close the fluid channel. Since the fluid in an ophthalmic cassette is conveyed by negative pressure, the known design presents the problem of the soft plastic being sucked in, which leads to the valve closing automatically. Due to ever smaller instruments and evolving surgical techniques, there is a need for higher negative pressures in the fluid channels, which further exacerbates the problem of automatic closure.

[0006] For the known cassette, it is essential that the connectors are integral components of the housing. After each use, i.e., after a single use during an ophthalmic surgical procedure, the entire cassette must be replaced to ensure that a germ-free or sterile cassette is always used. While such constant replacement of the cassette provides sterile handling, it is questionable from an ecological perspective. Constantly replacing the cassette after each single use results in high material consumption and thus high component costs per use, even though it is not actually necessary to replace the entire cassette.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the generic cassette in such a way that a positive ecological footprint is achieved through minimal material usage. The cassette according to the invention should be easy to handle and differentiate itself from competitive products.

[0008] The above object is achieved by the features of claim 1, namely by an adapter which can be plugged onto the connections and has corresponding adapter connections which are preferably firmly connected to the hose / line systems and, if applicable, to devices, equipment or the like connected thereto.

[0009] The invention is based on the idea of making the area of the cassette contaminated by the ophthalmic surgical procedure, namely the connector area, replaceable. This is achieved by an interchangeable adapter, so that throughout the course of a single surgical day, only the adapter with the corresponding adapter connectors and the tubing / line system need to be replaced. The cassette itself can be used multiple times and, thanks to the inventive measure, becomes a "daily cassette."

[0010] Advantageously, the adapter is designed according to a coding of the connections, so that only this adapter fits and hoses, cables or the like can only be connected appropriately using this adapter.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adapter includes optionally activated or deactivated, or open or closable adapter connections, such as blind connections. This allows the adapter to be used universally, depending on requirements.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adapter is dimensioned such that, when plugged in, it essentially covers or covers the outer face of the cassette. This ensures that the adapter sits flush with the cassette, allowing it to be integrated without any noticeable or even obstructive protrusion.

[0013] A secure connection between the adapter and the cassette can be achieved mechanically and / or by magnetic force. This ensures a secure connection between the cassette and the adapter.

[0014] On the side facing the cassette, the adapter can feature bolts, bars, locking devices, or similar features for precise positioning and releasable engagement with the cassette, further ensuring safety during operation. Disconnection is easily achieved through manual / mechanical intervention.

[0015] Particularly advantageously, the cassette and / or adapter can be equipped with special functional elements, e.g., a disinfection mechanism. This mechanism or device can be assigned to the cassette and / or adapter, as required. Disinfection is preferably carried out by irradiation, e.g., UV light. Areas to be irradiated are advantageously surrounded by transparent plastic areas so that the radiation can penetrate these areas.

[0016] The adapter and its respective adapter connectors are preferably made of a single piece of plastic. Injection molding is advantageous.

[0017] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic view an ophthalmological cassette with adapter and various connections and functional parts, Fig. 2 in a schematic view, enlarged, the cassette according to the invention with adapter and hoses connected thereto, Fig. 3 in a schematic view, enlarged, the cassette according to the invention with adapter in a kind of exploded view, Fig. 4 in a schematic view, under a different angle than in Fig. 3, the cassette with adapter and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 the adapter with the integrated connections seen from the connection side and from the back for plugging onto the cassette.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a conventional ophthalmic cassette 1 which is used to be inserted or plugged into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system, not shown in the figure.

[0019] The ophthalmological cassette 1 has a housing 2 and has on the rear side, ie on the front side 3 facing away from the console when the cassette 1 is plugged in, several connections 4 for connecting external hose / line systems 5.

[0020] In a departure from the prior art, according to which the hose / line systems 5 are directly connected or plugged onto the connections 4 of the cassette 1, an adapter 6 is provided according to the invention, which can be plugged onto the connections 4 and in turn comprises corresponding adapter connections 7.

[0021] Within the scope of these embodiments, the cassette can be used as a "daily cassette" for multiple applications, whereby the adapter 6 with the respective hose / line systems 5 and the connected equipment can be described as disposable. Contaminated parts of the device can thus be disposed of while continuing to use the cassette 1 or replaced for the next procedure.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows the hose / line system 5 connected to the adapter 6 with a fluid-absorbing bag 8 and an ophthalmic handset 9, which may also be a disposable item (not necessarily).

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the cassette 1 with the connectors 4, the adapter 6, the adapter connectors 7 located there, and the tubing / line system 5. The adapter 6 is placed or pressed onto the front of the ophthalmic cassette, so that the connectors 4 located there act as a receptacle.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of Fig. 2 in a slightly different representation, without the hose / pipe system 5.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows a different view of the adapter 6 from the underside or connection side. There, guide / locking elements 10 can be seen, which facilitate the secure connection between the adapter 6 and the cassette 1.

[0026] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 finally show the adapter 6 in an isolated representation, according to Fig. 5 from the connection side with the adapter connections 7 and in Fig. 6 from the rear with insertion openings 11 for the connections 4 and with two guide / locking means 10 to facilitate the secure positioning of the adapter 6.

[0027] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the cassette according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0028] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiment of the cassette according to the invention described above serves only to explain the claimed teaching, but does not limit it to the embodiment. List of reference symbols 1 ophthalmic cassette 2 housings 3 Front side (of the cassette) 4 Connection (on the cassette) 5 Hose / cable system 6 adapters 7 adapter connections 8 bags 9 Ophthalmic device 10 guide / locking devices (on the adapter) 11 Slot (on the back of the adapter) QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2021 201 040 A1

[0002] EP 3 318 290 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Ophthalmological cassette (1) for insertion or insertion into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system, comprising a housing (2) with a plurality of connections (4) for connecting external hose / line systems (5) to internal fluid channels, for example to an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel, wherein the connections (4) are formed on an outer end face (3) which are freely accessible when the cassette (1) is inserted, characterized by an adapter (6) which can be plugged onto the connections (4) and has corresponding adapter connections (7), which are preferably firmly connected to the hose / line systems (5) and any devices, equipment or the like connected thereto. [2] Cassette (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the adapter (6) is designed according to a coding of the connections (4). [3] Cassette (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the adapter (6) preferably comprises optionally activatable or deactivatable or open or closable adapter connections (7) in the sense of blind connections. [4] Cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the adapter (6) is dimensioned such that, when plugged in, it essentially covers or covers the outer end face (3) of the cassette (1). [5] Cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that a secure connection between adapter (6) and cassette (1) is realized mechanically or by means of magnetic force. [6] Cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the adapter (6) has bolts, webs or locking means on the side facing the cassette (1) for releasably locking into the cassette (1). [7] Cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat disinfection mechanisms are provided on the cassette (1) and / or the adapter (6), preferably opposite the other component, preferably by irradiation using UV light, wherein areas to be irradiated are surrounded by transparent plastic areas. [8] Cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the adapter (6) with the respective adapter connections (7) is preferably made in one piece from plastic.

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