Ophthalmic surgery system and method of operating an ophthalmic surgery system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical system and a method of operating the ophthalmic surgical system, the system including a first fluid pump having a first pump chamber, a first elastic partition element, and a first drive chamber; a second fluid pump having a second pump chamber, a second elastic partition element, and a second drive chamber; an irrigation fluid line and an aspiration fluid line; a first drive fluid line for directing a first drive fluid to the first drive chamber; a second drive fluid line for directing a second drive fluid to the second drive chamber; a first position sensor for detecting a first deflection position of the first elastic partition element; a second position sensor for detecting a first pressure in the first drive fluid line; a first pressure sensor for detecting a first pressure in the first drive fluid line; a second pressure sensor for detecting a second pressure at the outlet of the first pump chamber and / or a third pressure sensor for detecting a third pressure at the inlet of the second pump chamber; a fourth pressure sensor for detecting a fourth pressure in the second drive fluid line; a direct connection line configured to connect the irrigation fluid line to the aspiration fluid line; and a processing unit configured to process the first pressure, the second pressure, and / or the third pressure and the fourth pressure according to the first deflection position and the second deflection position, respectively.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical system and a method of operating the same. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various surgical techniques for treating clouding of the lens, known in medicine as cataracts. The most widely used technique is ultrasonic phacoemulsification, in which a thin, hollow needle is introduced into the lens and generates ultrasonic vibrations. The vibrating hollow needle emulsifies the lens in the area immediately surrounding it, allowing the resulting lens fragments to be aspirated through a line by a pump. During this process, irrigation fluid is delivered, and lens fragments and fluid are aspirated through an aspiration fluid line. Once the lens is completely emulsified and removed, a new artificial lens can be inserted into the empty lens capsule, restoring good vision to patients treated with this method.

[0003] Fluid pumps such as those used in the ophthalmic surgical system of DE 102016201297 B3 can be used to achieve both communication of a desired amount of irrigation fluid with the lens at a desired pressure and aspiration of a desired amount of aspiration fluid at a desired pressure. Multiple fluid pumps are used in this process. Because there are multiple fluid pumps interacting with each other and it is fundamentally impossible to manufacture one fluid pump to be exactly the same as another, these fluid pumps may not be able to deliver the fluid they are intended to deliver with the desired precision. Small differences in precision among the components used in the fluid pumps can lead to undesirable differences in the fluid they deliver, making surgical procedures difficult.

[0004] DE 102021111178 A1 relates to a method for operating a fluid pump and an ophthalmic surgical system comprising a fluid pump. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem addressed by the present invention is that of developing an ophthalmic surgical system by which the irrigation fluid delivered and the aspiration fluid removed can be easily and precisely controlled. Another problem addressed is that of developing a method for easily controlling such an ophthalmic surgical system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] Ophthalmic surgery systems include: - a first fluid pump including a first pump chamber having a first volume and a first drive chamber separated therefrom by a first elastic partition element and having a second volume; a second fluid pump including a second drive chamber having a fourth volume and separated therefrom by a second elastic partition element from a second pump chamber having a third volume; - an irrigation fluid line for conducting irrigation fluid to an inlet of a first pump chamber, through said pump chamber, to an outlet of the first pump chamber, and from there to a first connector configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument; - an aspiration fluid line for conducting aspiration fluid from a second connector configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument to an inlet of the second pump chamber, through the second pump chamber, and to an outlet of the second pump chamber; a first drive fluid line for guiding a first drive fluid into the first drive chamber, whereby deformation of the first elastic partition element can increase the second volume and simultaneously reduce the first volume; a second drive fluid line for guiding a second drive fluid into the second drive chamber, whereby deformation of the second elastic partition element can cause the fourth volume to decrease and the third volume to increase at the same time; a first position sensor for detecting a first deflection position of the first elastic separation element; a second position sensor for detecting a second deflection position of the second elastic separation element; a first pressure sensor for detecting a first pressure in the first drive fluid line; - a second pressure sensor for detecting a second pressure at the outlet of the first pump chamber and / or a third pressure sensor for detecting a third pressure at the inlet of the second pump chamber; a fourth pressure sensor for detecting a fourth pressure in the second drive fluid line; - a connecting line configured to directly connect the irrigation fluid line to the aspiration fluid line; a processing unit configured to process the first pressure, the second pressure, and / or the third pressure, the fourth pressure in response to the first deflection position and the second deflection position, respectively; Includes.

[0008] The acquisition and processing of three or four pressure values ​​and the use of connecting wires directly interconnecting the irrigation and aspiration fluid lines allow for easy and accurate assessment of the actual pressure settings at the first fluid pump positioned in the irrigation fluid line and at the second fluid pump positioned in the aspiration fluid line. This eliminates the need for the first and second fluid pumps to have nearly identical characteristics, thereby reducing manufacturing requirements for the fluid pumps and their associated components. The connecting wires allow for accurate information regarding the fluid conditions within an ophthalmic surgical system to be obtained without interference from the surgical instruments or the patient's eye.

[0009] Preferably, the system includes a control unit that receives signals from the processing unit and is coupled to a first actuator in a first drive fluid line to control the first drive fluid and a second actuator in a second drive fluid line to control the second drive fluid. The first actuator allows for precise delivery of the first drive fluid to the first drive chamber, thereby allowing precise control of delivery of perfusion fluid from the first pump chamber. This also applies to the second actuator, second drive fluid, second drive chamber, and second pump chamber.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to process the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure as a function of the first deflection position, and knowledge of such deflection position dependent pressure difference allows for precise setting of a desired pressure in the perfusion fluid line.

[0011] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to process the difference between the fourth pressure and the third pressure as a function of the second deflection position, such that knowledge of the deflection position dependent pressure difference allows for precise setting of a desired pressure in the second fluid line.

[0012] More preferably, the processing unit is configured to process the difference between the second and third pressures as a function of the flow resistance of at least some of the irrigation fluid lines, the connecting lines, and at least some of the aspiration fluid lines. The absolute value of this pressure difference is divided by the absolute value of the flow resistance in said lines, resulting in an absolute value of the flow rate through the irrigation fluid lines, the connecting lines, and the aspiration fluid lines. Simultaneous knowledge of the flow rates in the irrigation and aspiration fluid lines is advantageous for identifying and replenishing the amount of fluid needed in case of leakage onto the eye during, for example, a surgical procedure.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment, the processing unit is configured to process a time derivative of the flow rate and the first deflection position, the time derivative of the first deflection position corresponding to the speed of movement of the first elastic partition element. When the flow rate and the associated speed of the first elastic partition element are processed, this allows for accurate control of the amount of perfusion fluid to be delivered by the first fluid pump and the pressure of the perfusion fluid to be applied during a surgical procedure where sudden changes in flow rate or pressure occur within the perfusion fluid line.

[0014] The processing unit may also be configured to process the time derivative of the flow rate and the second deflection position. Once the flow rate and its associated speed of the second resilient partition element are processed, this allows for precise control of the amount of aspiration fluid to be removed and the pressure of aspiration fluid to be applied by the second fluid pump during a surgical procedure where sudden changes in flow rate or pressure occur in the aspiration fluid line.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a method for controlling the above-described ophthalmic surgical system comprises: - closing the outlet valve of the first pump chamber and the inlet valve of the second pump chamber; - filling a first pump chamber with perfusion fluid; - emptying the first drive chamber of a first drive fluid; - emptying the second pump chamber of suction fluid; - filling the second drive chamber with a second drive fluid; - closing the inlet valve of the first pump chamber and the outlet valve of the second pump chamber; - supplying a first drive fluid to a first drive chamber; - connecting the irrigation fluid line to the aspiration fluid line by a connecting line; - opening an outlet valve of the first pump chamber and an inlet valve of the second pump chamber; - removing a second drive fluid from the second drive chamber; - draining perfusion fluid from a first pump chamber and filling a second pump chamber with said perfusion fluid; - obtaining measurements of a first deflection position of a first position sensor, a second deflection position of a second position sensor, a first pressure, a second pressure, and / or a third pressure, a fourth pressure; - providing the measurements to a processing unit; Includes.

[0016] Preferably, the value determined by the processing unit is transferred to a control unit coupled to a first actuator in the first drive fluid line for controlling the first drive fluid and a second actuator in the second drive fluid line for controlling the second drive fluid.

[0017] Further advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from and will be described with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an ophthalmic surgical system with connectable components. [Figure 2] 1 shows a first schematic diagram illustrating a signal profile of a first differential pressure as a function of measurements from a first position sensor. [Figure 3] 10 shows a second schematic diagram illustrating a signal profile of a second differential pressure as a function of measurements from a second position sensor. [Figure 4] 10 shows a third schematic diagram illustrating a signal profile of a third differential pressure as a function of measurements from the first position sensor. [Figure 5] 10 shows a fourth schematic diagram illustrating a signal profile of a third differential pressure as a function of measurements from a second position sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an ophthalmic surgical system 1. The system 1 includes a first fluid pump 2, which includes a first pump chamber 3 of a first volume and a second drive chamber 5 of a second volume. The first pump chamber 3 and the first drive chamber 5 are separated from each other by a first elastic partition element 4, which prevents fluid exchange from the first pump chamber 3 to the first drive chamber 5 or vice versa.

[0020] In the first fluid pump 2, the first elastic partition element 4 is permanently attached at its edge region. When the volume of the first pump chamber 3 is equal to the volume of the first drive chamber 5, the first elastic partition element 4 is in a horizontal position. When the first volume is greater than the second volume, the first elastic partition element 4 is in an extended position and may, for example, be substantially convex, see FIG. 1 . The first elastic partition element 4 may have any desired geometric shape and may also assume different positions in the event of a difference between the volumes of the first pump chamber 3 and the first drive chamber 5. The example in FIG. 1 is drawn only diagrammatically and is not to scale.

[0021] The first elastic separating element 4 may comprise, in its central region, a first element suitable for contactless detection by a first position sensor 6. The first position sensor 6 may be an inductive or capacitive position sensor. The first position sensor 6 may be arranged on the edge of the fluid pump 2.

[0022] The first drive chamber 5 is connected to a first drive fluid line 7. A first drive fluid 8 can be supplied to the first drive chamber 5 from a first drive fluid reservoir 9 in response to a first actuator 10. This process is reversible, whereby drive fluid from the first drive chamber 5 can be returned along the drive fluid line 7 to the first drive fluid reservoir 9. The fluid pressure in the drive fluid line 7 can be detected as a first pressure p1 by a first pressure sensor 11, which is preferably coupled to a connector on the drive fluid line 7.

[0023] The first pump chamber 3 can be supplied with perfusion fluid 21 at its inlet 24. The perfusion fluid 21 is contained in a perfusion fluid container 20, which can be connected to the system 1 via a third connector by a perfusion fluid line 22. The perfusion fluid line 22 is then connected to the inlet 24 of the first fluid pump 2. The supply of perfusion fluid 21 to the third fluid pump 2 can be enabled or blocked by a first inlet valve 23, which belongs to the first pump chamber 3 but does not necessarily have to be directly connected to it. To fill the first pump chamber 3 with perfusion fluid 21, a first outlet valve 26, arranged downstream of the first outlet 25, must be closed, which belongs to the first pump chamber 3 but does not necessarily have to be connected to it.

[0024] When first inlet valve 23 is closed and first outlet valve 26 is open, the inflow of first drive fluid 3 into first drive chamber 5 can push irrigation fluid 21 out of first pump chamber 8, where it can flow to first outlet 25, into irrigation fluid line 22, and to first connector 27. Immediately downstream of first outlet 25 of first fluid pump 2, ophthalmic surgical system 1 includes a connector on irrigation fluid line 22 for second pressure sensor 28, such that a second pressure p2 in second irrigation fluid line 22 can be detected using second pressure sensor 28. First connector 27 is configured to be coupled to a line of surgical instrument 29, such that, when coupled, irrigation fluid can flow to surgical instrument 29 and be used for surgical treatment.

[0025] The surgical instrument 29 may include a needle 30 from which an irrigation fluid may flow. The irrigation fluid 21 may be used for phacoemulsification of the lens 32 of the eye 31.

[0026] Once lens fragments are removed from the eye during phacoemulsification, they can be aspirated through the needle 30 along the aspiration fluid line 41. To this end, the aspiration fluid line 41 is connected to the ophthalmic surgical system 1 by a second connector, allowing the aspiration fluid to reach a second inlet 44 of a second pump chamber 53 of a second fluid pump 52 after passing through an open second inlet valve 42 disposed in the aspiration fluid line 41. The second inlet valve 42 is an inlet valve that belongs to the second pump chamber 53 but need not be directly connected to the second pump chamber 53. A third pressure p3 in the aspiration fluid line 41, immediately downstream of the second inlet 44 of the second pump chamber 53, can be detected by a third pressure sensor 43, which is connected to a connector on the aspiration fluid line 41 immediately upstream of the second inlet 44.

[0027] The second fluid pump 52 is configured similarly to the first fluid pump 2. The second fluid pump 52 includes a second pump chamber 53 and an adjacently arranged second drive chamber 55, which are separated from each other by a second elastic partition element 54. The second elastic partition element 54 is firmly connected to the second fluid chamber 52 at its edge region. The position of the second elastic partition element 54 can be detected by a second position sensor 56, which is, for example, arranged at or in contact with the edge of the second pump chamber 52. The second pump chamber 53 has a third volume, and the second drive chamber 55 has a fourth volume.

[0028] The second drive chamber 55 can be emptied or filled with a second drive fluid 58 from a second drive fluid container 59 along a second drive fluid line 57. The flow rate of the drive fluid is controlled by a second actuator 60. A fourth pressure p4 can be detected by a fourth pressure sensor 61 connected to the drive fluid line 57 by a connector.

[0029] When the drive fluid is transported from the second drive chamber 55 toward the drive fluid container 59, the suction fluid can flow into the second pump chamber 53 due to pressure equalization. When the second outlet valve 46, located in the suction fluid line 41 downstream of the second outlet 45 of the second fluid pump 52, is closed, the third volume of the second pump chamber 53 increases as the suction fluid flows in, and simultaneously the fourth volume of the second drive chamber decreases. The second outlet valve belongs to the second pump chamber 53, but does not need to be directly connected to it. The second elastic partition element 54 deforms during the process. When the second inlet valve 42 is closed and the second outlet valve 46 is open, the suction fluid in the second pump chamber 53 can flow into the suction fluid line 41 and then into the drive fluid collection container 47 by filling the second drive chamber 55 with drive fluid 58.

[0030] Ophthalmic surgical system 1 further includes a connecting line 48 configured to directly connect irrigation fluid line 22 to aspiration fluid line 41. A first end 481 of connecting line 48 may be connected to first connector 27 and a second end 482 of connecting line 48 may be connected to second connector 40, with system 1 then configured to prevent any fluid flow to surgical instrument 29. Alternatively, first end 481 of connecting line 48 may be positioned between the connector for first pressure sensor 28 on irrigation fluid line 22 and first connector 27, and second end 482 of connecting line 48 may be positioned between second connector 40 and the connector for third pressure sensor 43 on aspiration fluid line 41, with system 1 then similarly configured to prevent any fluid flow to surgical instrument 29. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, a first end 481 of the connecting line 48 is connected to the irrigation fluid line 22 upstream of the first inlet 24 when viewed in the flow direction 90, and the other end 482 of the connecting line 48 to the suction fluid line 41 is positioned downstream of the second outlet 45 when viewed in the flow direction 91. In this case, it must be ensured that no fluid flows downstream of the first outlet 25 in the flow direction 90, and that no fluid flows toward the second inlet 44 in the flow direction 91. This can be achieved by closing the first outlet valve 26 and the second inlet valve 42.

[0031] The connection line 48 is thus configured to connect the irrigation fluid line 22 to the aspiration fluid line 41 while at the same time the system 1 is configured not to be in fluid communication with the surgical instrument 29 .

[0032] Connection line 48 functions as a direct connection, or "short circuit." System 1 is therefore configured such that there is no other direct connection between irrigation fluid line 22 and aspiration fluid line 41 along which fluid can "bypass," i.e., along a line extending parallel to it.

[0033] During ophthalmic surgery, irrigation fluid can flow into the connected surgical instrument 29 and out of the instrument 29 again as aspiration fluid. In this case, the system 1 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing through the connecting line 48. The system 1 is configured so that fluid flow through the connecting line 48 is only possible before and after the surgery, but not during the surgery.

[0034] The perfusion fluid line 22 should be understood as the fluid line through which fluid flows from the perfusion fluid container 20 to the third connector 19, from there to the first fluid pump 2, then through the first pump chamber 3, from the first outlet 25 through the first outlet valve 26 to the first connector 27. When a surgical instrument 29 is connected, the control fluid line 22 also includes the line to the surgical instrument 29 and to the outlet of the surgical instrument 29.

[0035] The suction fluid line should be understood as a fluid line through which fluid from a surgical instrument 29, possibly connected to the second connector 40, can flow to the second connector 40, from there to the second inlet valve 42 and the second inlet of the second pump chamber 53, through the second pump chamber 53 to the second outlet 45 to the second outlet valve 46, and from there to the suction fluid collection container 47.

[0036] The surgical system 1 further includes a processing unit 70. The processing unit 70 is configured to receive and process signals from the first pressure sensor 11 via a first signal line 71 and from the second pressure sensor 28 via a second signal line 72. In addition, the processing unit 70 is configured to receive and process signals from the third pressure sensor 43 via a third signal line 73 and from the fourth pressure sensor 61 via a fourth signal line 74. The processing unit 70 is further configured to receive and process signals from the first position sensor 56 via a fifth signal line 75 and from the second position sensor 56 via a sixth signal line 76. The processing unit 70 is connected to a control unit 80 of the ophthalmic surgical system 1, and therefore, the results of processing the signals from the pressure and position sensors can be used to control the first actuator 10 via a seventh signal line 81 and the second actuator 61 via an eighth signal line 82.

[0037] 1 , irrigation fluid container 20 containing irrigation fluid 21 and a portion of irrigation fluid line 22 are not connected to third connector 19. Furthermore, aspiration fluid collection container 47, along with a portion of aspiration fluid line 41, is not connected to fourth connector 49. Surgical handpiece 29 is not connected to first connector 27 or second connector 40. However, connecting line 48 is connected at its first end 481 to irrigation fluid line 22, and a second end 482 of connecting line 48 is connected to aspiration fluid line 49.

[0038] If a surgical procedure, such as phacoemulsification, is to be performed, irrigation fluid container 20 containing irrigation fluid 21 and a portion of irrigation fluid line 22 are connected to third connector 19. Similarly, aspiration fluid collection container 47, along with a portion of aspiration fluid line 41, is connected to fourth connector 49. Additionally, surgical handpiece 29 is connected to first connector 27 and second connector 40. However, in that case, first end 481 of connector line 48 is not connected to irrigation fluid line 22 and / or second end 482 thereof is not connected to aspiration fluid line 41.

[0039] The processing of signals from the pressure and position sensors is described below with reference to Figures 2-5. The graphs shown in these figures were taken with connecting line 48 interconnecting irrigation fluid line 22 and aspiration fluid line 41, and no fluid was able to flow to surgical instrument 29. The graphs represent a calibration curve, which may be recorded prior to surgical treatment as a preferred point.

[0040] When connecting line 48 connects irrigation fluid line 22 directly to aspiration fluid line 41 and the surgical handle is not in use, neither fragmented particles of emulsified lens 32 nor any other fluid from the patient's eye 31 flows into the aspiration fluid line. Instead, irrigation fluid 21 from irrigation fluid line 22 flows into aspiration fluid line 41.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a first diagram including a first graph 101 under the following conditions: The first inlet valve 23 is closed. The first pump chamber 3 is filled with perfusion fluid 21 . the first drive chamber 5 does not contain drive fluid 8; The first outlet valve 26 is open. A connection line 48 connects the irrigation fluid line 22 to the aspiration fluid line 41 . - Fluids cannot flow to surgical instruments. The second inlet valve 42 is open. - the second pump chamber 53 is empty. The first drive chamber 55 is filled with drive fluid 58 . The second outlet valve 46 is closed. A first drive fluid 8 can flow from a first drive fluid container 9 to the first drive fluid line 7 . From the second drive chamber 55, the drive fluid 58 can flow into a second drive fluid reservoir 59.

[0042] The first elastic partition element 4 and the second elastic partition element 54 are in corresponding positions, for example both partition elements 4 and 54 are initially convex, as shown in Figure 1. Thus, in Figures 2 to 5, the respective partition elements are symbolically depicted as convex on the left side of the diagram, in the respective central parts they are depicted in a relaxed horizontal position, and on the respective right sides they are depicted in a concave position.

[0043] In the diagram 100, the difference Δp1 between the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2 is plotted on the ordinate. The displacement x1 detected by the first position sensor 6 is plotted on the abscissa. The left region 102 of the graph 101 shows difference values ​​less than zero. This can be explained as follows: the first elastic partition element 4 and the second elastic partition element 54 are in a very strongly deformed convex position and have a high restoring force toward the relaxed position. Only a relatively small amount of the first driving fluid 8 is required to push the perfusion fluid from the first pump chamber 3 toward the first outlet valve 26. Therefore, the first pressure p1 is slightly lower than the second pressure p2, and therefore the difference Δp1 = p1 - p2 is negative.

[0044] In the central region 103 of the graph 101, the elastic partition elements 4 and 54 are in a substantially horizontal position, are only slightly or not at all deformed, and are therefore relatively relaxed. In this case, the first pressure p1 of the first driving fluid 8 is approximately the same as or comparable to the second pressure p2 of the perfusion fluid. Therefore, in the central region 103 of the graph 101, the difference Δp1 is effectively zero or equal to zero.

[0045] In the right region 104 of the first graph 101, the value is positive. The first driving fluid 8 must exert a relatively large pressure on the first elastic partition element 4 to force the partition element 4 into a relatively strongly deformed concave position. In this situation, the perfusion fluid 21 exits the first outlet 25 at a lower pressure. Therefore, the difference Δp1=p1-p2 is positive.

[0046] Multiplying the pressure difference Δp1 by the projected cross-sectional area of ​​the first pump chamber 3 gives the compression force. The force-displacement characteristic curve for the first elastic partition element 4 can therefore be determined by the first graph 101. It is meaningful to record the force-displacement characteristic curve for the entire movement of the elastic partition element 4. This corresponds to the situation where the pump chamber 3 is initially full with perfusion fluid 21 and is completely empty at the end of the movement of the partition element 4.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a second diagram 200 including a second graph 201 under the same conditions as those described above with reference to FIG. 2. On the ordinate, the difference Δp2 between the fourth pressure p4 and the third pressure p3 is plotted. The displacement x2 detected by the second position sensor 56 is plotted on the abscissa. The left region 202 of the second graph 201 shows difference values ​​less than zero. The second elastic partition element 54 is strongly convexly deformed and has a high restoring force toward the relaxed position. Therefore, a relatively low pressure can be applied in the second driving fluid line 57. Therefore, the fourth pressure p4 is lower in absolute value than the third pressure p3 of the fluid flowing into the second pump chamber 53 at the second inlet 44. Therefore, Δp2 = p4 - p3 is negative, see the left region 202 of the graph 201.

[0048] In the central region 203 of the second graph 201, the second elastic separation element 54 is in a slightly deformed or not deformed position, so that the fourth pressure p4 is substantially equal to or equal to the third pressure p3 and the difference Δp2 is substantially zero or equal to zero.

[0049] The values ​​are positive in the right region 204 of the second graph 201. To force the second elastic partition element 54 into a concave shape, a relatively strong negative pressure must be applied in the second driving fluid line 57. Since the third pressure p3 is also negative, Δp2=p4-p3 is therefore positive.

[0050] The second pressure difference multiplied by the projected cross-sectional area of ​​the second pump chamber 53 gives the compression force, and therefore makes it possible to ascertain the force-displacement toxicity curve of the second elastic pressure element 54.

[0051] The first elastic partition element 4 and the second elastic partition element 54 are two different components. Although they can be manufactured with high precision, they are not the same. This also applies to the first drive fluid line 7 and the second drive fluid line 57. Similarly, the first pressure sensor 11 and the fourth pressure sensor 43 are also two different components and do not provide the same measurements. Therefore, to be precise, it should be expected that the first graph 101 will not be exactly the same as the second graph 201.

[0052] 4 shows a third diagram 300 including a third graph 301. In diagram 300, the difference Δp3 between the second pressure p2 and the third pressure p3 is plotted on the ordinate, i.e., Δp3=p2-p3. The displacement x2 detected by the first position sensor 6 is plotted on the abscissa.

[0053] The second pressure p2 is the pressure in the perfusion fluid line 22 immediately downstream of the first outlet 25 of the first pump chamber 3, and the third pressure p3 is the pressure in the aspiration fluid line 41 immediately upstream of the second inlet 44 of the second pump chamber 53. The lengths of the lines from the connector of the second pressure sensor 28 to the first end 481 of the connecting line 48, from the connecting line 48 to the second end 482 of the connecting line 48, and from there to the connector of the third pressure sensor 43 have flow resistances greater than zero. This causes the third pressure p3 to be slightly lower than the second pressure p2. This applies throughout the entire movement of the first elastic partition element 4, and therefore the third graph 302 shows a positive pressure difference Δp3 along the entire path x1. Dividing the pressure difference Δp3 by the flow resistance R corresponds to the fluid flow rate through the designated section.

[0054] 5 shows a fourth diagram 400 including a fourth graph 401. In this diagram 400, the difference Δp3 between the second pressure p2 and the third pressure p3 is plotted on the ordinate, i.e., Δp3 = p2 - p3. The displacement x2 detected by the second position sensor 56 is plotted on the abscissa. The only difference from FIG. 4 is that the pressure difference is shown according to the second position sensor 56 rather than the first position sensor 6. This pressure difference, when divided by the flow resistance of the length from the connector of the second pressure sensor 28 to the third position sensor 43, corresponds to the flow rate of the fluid through this length.

[0055] The flow resistance R of the length of the connecting line 48 from the second pressure sensor 28 to the first end 481 of the connecting line 48, to the second end 482 of the connecting line 48, and from there to the connector of the third pressure sensor 43 can be known, and the fluid flow rate Q along this length can also be known. In that case, either the second pressure sensor 28 or the third pressure sensor 43 can be omitted. If the second pressure sensor 28 is present and the second pressure p2 is available, but the third pressure sensor 43 is not present or the third pressure p3 is unknown, the third pressure can be calculated as p3 = p2 - Q * R. In that case, the third pressure p3 is available as a calculated value rather than a measured value, which can be confirmed by the processing unit 70. Conversely, if the third pressure sensor 43 and the corresponding third pressure p are known, but the second pressure sensor 28 is not available or the second pressure p2 is not available, then the second pressure is calculated as p2 = p3 + Q * This second pressure, calculated as R, can be ascertained by the processing unit 70.

[0056] Using system 1, therefore, it is possible to determine the spring characteristic curve of first elastic partition element 4 and the associated flow rate through irrigation fluid line 22 for calibration purposes from a single movement of first elastic partition element 4 from a full first pump chamber 3 to an empty first pump chamber 3. This also applies to second elastic partition element 54. Because this calibration for first elastic partition element 4 and second elastic partition element 54 can be performed simultaneously, four characteristic curves can be determined from a single movement sequence from a full first pump chamber 3 to an empty first pump chamber 3 or from an empty second pump chamber 53 to a full second pump chamber 53. This represents a significant time savings compared to conventional calibration procedures in which each pump chamber must be calibrated individually and sequentially. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Ophthalmic surgery system 2. First fluid pump 3 First pump chamber 4. First elastic partition element 5 First drive chamber 6 First Position Sensor 7 First driving fluid line 8. First Driving Fluid 9. First driving fluid container 10 First Actuator 11 First pressure sensor 19 Third Connector 20 Irrigation fluid container 21 Irrigation fluid 22 Perfusion fluid line 23 First pump chamber first inlet valve 24 first inlet of first pump chamber 25 first outlet of first pump chamber 26 First pump chamber first outlet valve 27 First Connector 28 Second pressure sensor 29 Surgical instruments 30 hollow needle 31 eyes 32 crystalline lens 40 Second Connector 41 Suction fluid line 42 second inlet valve of second pump chamber 43 Third pressure sensor 44 second inlet of second pump chamber 45 second outlet of second pump chamber 46 second outlet valve of second pump chamber 47 Suction fluid collection container 48 connecting wires 481 First end of connecting line 482 Second end of connecting line 49 Fourth Connector 52 Second fluid pump 53 Second pump chamber 54 Second elastic partition element 55 Second drive chamber 56 Second position sensor 57 Second driving fluid line 58 Second Driving Fluid 59 Second driving fluid container 60 Second Actuator 61 Fourth Pressure Sensor 70 processing units 71 First signal line 72 Second signal line 73 Third Signal Line 74 Fourth Signal Line 75 Fifth Signal Line 76 Sixth Signal Line 80 Control Unit 81 Seventh Signal Line 82 Eighth Signal Line 90 Flow direction 91 Flow direction 100 First Chart 101 First Graph 102 Left region of the first graph 103 Central region of the first graph 104 Right region of the first graph 200 Second Chart 201 Second Graph 202 Left region of the second graph 203 Central region of the second graph 204 Right region of the second graph 300 Third Chart 301 Third Graph 400 Fourth Chart 401 Fourth Graph p1 First pressure p2 Second pressure p3 The third pressure p4 The Fourth Pressure Δp1 First differential pressure Δp2 Second differential pressure Δp3 Third differential pressure Q Fluid flow rate R flow resistance

Claims

1. An ophthalmic surgery system (1), comprising: a first fluid pump (2) comprising a first pump chamber (3) having a first volume and a first drive chamber (5) separated therefrom by a first elastic partition element (4) and having a second volume; a second fluid pump (52) comprising a second pump chamber (53) having a third volume and a second drive chamber (55) separated therefrom by a second elastic partition element (54) and having a fourth volume; - a perfusion fluid line (22) for conducting a perfusion fluid (21) to the inlet (24) of said first pump chamber (3) and through said pump chamber (3) to the outlet (25) of said first pump chamber (3) and from there to a first connector (27) adapted to be connected to a surgical instrument (29); an aspiration fluid line (41) for conducting aspiration fluid from a second connector (40) adapted to be connected to said surgical instrument (29) to the inlet (44) of said second pump chamber (53) and through said second pump chamber (53) to the outlet (45) of said second pump chamber (53); a first drive fluid line (7) for guiding a first drive fluid (8) into said first drive chamber (5), so that the deformation of said first elastic partition element (4) can increase said second volume and at the same time reduce said first volume; a second drive fluid line (57) for guiding a second drive fluid (58) into said second drive chamber (59), so that the deformation of said second elastic partition element (54) can reduce said fourth volume and at the same time increase said third volume; a first position sensor (6) for detecting a first deflection position (x1) of said first elastic separation element (4); a second position sensor (56) for detecting a second deflection position (x2) of said second elastic separation element (54); a first pressure sensor (11) for detecting a first pressure (p1) in said first driving fluid line (7); a second pressure sensor (28) for detecting a second pressure (p2) at the outlet of the first pump chamber (3) and / or a third pressure sensor (43) for detecting a third pressure (p3) at the inlet of the second pump chamber (53); a fourth pressure sensor (61) for detecting a fourth pressure (p4) in said second driving fluid line (57); a connecting line (48) adapted to connect said irrigation fluid line (22) directly to said aspiration fluid line (41); a processing unit (70) configured to process the first pressure (p1), the second pressure (p2), and / or the third pressure (p3), the fourth pressure (p4), respectively, depending on the first deflection position (x1) and the second deflection position (x2); An ophthalmic surgery system (1) comprising:

2. 2. The ophthalmic surgery system (1) of claim 1, further comprising a control unit (80) that receives a signal from the processing unit (70), is coupled to a first actuator in the first driving fluid line (7) to control the first driving fluid (8), and is coupled to a second actuator (60) in the second driving fluid line (57) to control the second driving fluid (58).

3. 3. The ophthalmic surgery system (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit (70) is configured to process the difference between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2) depending on the first deflection position.

4. The ophthalmic surgery system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit (70) is configured to process the difference between the fourth pressure (p4) and the third pressure (p3) depending on the second deflection position.

5. An ophthalmic surgery system (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit (70) is configured to process the difference between the second pressure (p2) and the third pressure (p3) according to the flow resistance of at least a portion of the irrigation fluid line (22), the connecting line (48), and at least a portion of the aspiration fluid line (41).

6. The ophthalmic surgery system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit (70) is configured to jointly process the flow rate and the time derivative of the first deflection position (x1).

7. 7. The ophthalmic surgery system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the processing unit (70) is configured to jointly process the flow rate and the time derivative of the second deflection position (x2).

8. A method for controlling the ophthalmic surgery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - closing the outlet valve (26) of said first pump chamber (3) and the inlet valve (42) of said second pump chamber (53); - filling said first pump chamber (3) with perfusion fluid (21); - emptying said first drive chamber (5) of said first drive fluid (8); - emptying said second pump chamber (53) of said suction fluid; - filling said second drive chamber (55) with said second drive fluid (58); - closing the inlet valve (23) of said first pump chamber (3) and the outlet valve (46) of said second pump chamber (53); - supplying said first drive fluid (8) to said first drive chamber (5); - connecting said irrigation fluid line (22) to said aspiration fluid line (41) by means of said connecting line (48); - opening the outlet valve (26) of the first pump chamber (3) and the inlet valve (42) of the second pump chamber (53); - removing said second drive fluid (58) from said second drive chamber (55); - discharging the perfusion fluid (22) from said first pump chamber (3) and filling said second pump chamber (53) with said perfusion fluid (22); - obtaining measurements of the first deflection position (x1) of the first position sensor (6), the second deflection position (x2) of the second position sensor (56), the first pressure (p1), the second pressure (p2), and / or the third pressure (p3), the fourth pressure (p4); - providing said measurements to said processing unit (70); A method comprising:

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