Apparatus for improved medical device pump configuration

Abstract

A system and apparatus for a handpiece of a pressurized fluid system having a pump and pump cartridge mechanism. The system may have a console, a pump and pump cartridge, and a handpiece, the pump and pump cartridge being configured to deliver high-speed fluid to the handpiece. The pump may comprise a pump cartridge, at least one actuator, and means for driving at least one actuator. The means for driving at least one actuator drives fluid into the pump cartridge from an inlet and pushes the fluid out of the pump cartridge to the handpiece through an outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Claiming Priority This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 462,241, filed Apr. 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pump cartridge system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a pump cartridge system configured to produce high-speed fluid.

Background Art

[0003] Due to technological advancements, medical innovation has also advanced, leading to significant improvements in patient care and outcomes over time.

[0004] One such medical innovation has been the use of pressurized fluid during surgery. A pressurized fluid system enables a surgeon to deliver high-pressure fluid as a means of, among other uses, excising diseased tissue. The fluid system can use a handpiece that utilizes the Venturi effect to minimally invasively simultaneously excise and evacuate material. Further, the simultaneous excision and evacuation of debris enables a surgeon to reduce the potential harm associated with thermal damage to surrounding tissue as a result of conventional surgical techniques.

[0005] The handpieces of current pressurized fluid systems have changed the medical field by enabling surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Currently, the handpieces of pressurized fluid systems are disposable and use a pump cartridge that functions as a sterile barrier to other components of the pressurized fluid system. After a single use, the handpiece and pump cartridge are discarded.

[0006] While modern pressurized fluid system handpieces have dramatically improved medical care, they have limitations and are currently not cost-effective. Furthermore, the components of the handpiece and associated pumps are susceptible to degradation and wear resulting from the enormous amount of friction between the components. In addition to the limited operating time and rapid degradation of the components, current pressurized fluid system handpieces are prohibitively expensive due to the high cost associated with the disposable pump cartridges incorporated into the handpiece.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a cost-effective handpiece for pressurized fluid systems. It is also desirable to provide an improved pump and / or pump cartridge mechanism. Furthermore, it is desirable to increase the cost-effectiveness of the handpiece for pressurized fluid systems while simultaneously improving the uptime and reliability of the handpiece. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This specification discloses apparatus for improved medical device pump configurations. More specifically, apparatus relating to pumps and pump cartridge mechanisms configured to deliver high-speed fluids to a handpiece.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pump and pump cartridge mechanism may be integrated with or otherwise coupled to a pressurized fluid system. The pressurized fluid system may, for example, comprise a console, a pump and pump cartridge, and a handpiece. Of course, other configurations of the fluid system are also possible. For example, in one embodiment, the pressurized fluid system may further include a hose between the pump cartridge and the handpiece.

[0010] The pump may comprise a pump cartridge, at least one actuator, and means for driving at least one actuator. The actuator may be any actuator that a person skilled in the art could desire, including, for example, a syringe, a screw, a piston, or a ramming mechanism.

[0011] Similarly, the means for driving at least one actuator may be any desired means, such as mechanical or electrical means. In some embodiments, mechanical means may provide reciprocating or rotational motion to one or more actuators to drive a fluid in the system. In other embodiments, electrical means may be electrical induction that can provide motion to one or more actuators to drive a fluid in the system.

[0012] The inventions of this disclosure can be configured, for example, to mitigate overheating and operating time limitations through robust power supply solutions. Furthermore, the inventions of this disclosure can prevent rapid wear of components due to friction, for example, by minimizing interfacial wear components. Problems associated with pressure and / or velocity vibrations can be solved by facilitating smooth fluid delivery, as described herein. In addition, the high costs associated with disposable pump cartridges (i.e., more than 30% of the equipment) can be mitigated by supplying low-cost sterile fluid pathways. Thus, the improved pump and / or pump cartridge mechanisms provided herein can be efficient, intuitive, easily controlled, configured for suction during the suction stroke and injection during the discharge stroke, and / or adapted to maintain a fluid "vacuum" when purged (i.e., without air ingress).

[0013] As a non-limiting example, treatment may require more power and higher reliability than conventional systems can provide. Furthermore, improved pump and / or pump cartridge mechanisms can contribute to reducing the cost and waste of disposable stainless steel pump cartridges.

[0014] The incorporated drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of herein, illustrate aspects of this disclosure and, together with the descriptions, explain and illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows one embodiment of a pressurized fluid system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing one embodiment of a pressurized fluid system. [Figure 3] This figure shows one embodiment of the components of a pump cartridge. [Figure 4] This figure shows one embodiment of the components of a pump cartridge. [Figure 5] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 6] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 7A] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 7B] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 8A] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 8B] This figure shows an embodiment of the pump cartridge. [Figure 9] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 10] This figure shows one embodiment of a pressurized fluid system. [Figure 11] This figure shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge. [Figure 12] This figure shows one embodiment of a fluid damper for use with a pressurized fluid system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like functional elements are designated by like reference numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, specific embodiments and implementations consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and other implementations may be utilized and various structural changes and / or substitutions of elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0017] Note that the descriptions in this specification are not intended as an extensive overview, and thus concepts may be simplified for clarity and brevity.

[0018] All documents referred to in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order, and any step within the process may be omitted. The process may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

[0019] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the pumps and pump cartridge mechanisms described herein may be implemented in combination with, supplement, and / or replace the components of the conventional base system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The base system 100 includes a console 110, a handpiece 120, a fluid reservoir 130, a waste container 140, and a controller 150. Of course, in some embodiments, the system may be configured in any manner desired by those skilled in the art. Further, in some embodiments, the system may omit or combine any of the aforementioned components according to the needs and desires of those skilled in the art.

[0021] Therefore, in the systems and methods described herein, the pump mechanism may be removed from the handpiece 120 of the base system 100. The base system 100 may be adapted to deliver a high-speed flow of fluid, such as sterile saline, to allow the Venturi suction effect to minimally invasively cut and remove tissue. In such embodiments, the high-speed saline creates a suction force to remove material and fluid through the handpiece 120 into the waste container 140 while simultaneously cutting and dissecting the tissue. The pumps and pump cartridges discussed herein are thought to be able to cut tissue semi-selectively by adjusting the system pressure, and thus may not cause thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The base system 100 may be configured with multiple styles of handpieces 120 for various treatments, including tendonectomy, discectomy and fusion, and allografting.

[0022] The base system 100 may include a pump cartridge integrated into a disposable component. For example, the disposable component may be configured as a handpiece 120, or it may include a pump cartridge. This conventional pump cartridge may be a single-stroke piston type mechanism consisting of precision-machined stainless steel and a complexly shaped valve and seal. In one embodiment, this cartridge may be used in each disposable component to provide an interface to a console and may function as a sterile barrier to the console. This disposable component, including the pump cartridge, may be discarded after each use.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a high-pressure system 300 according to the present disclosure. The system 300 comprises a console 310, a pump cartridge 320, a hose 330, and a handpiece 340. Throughout the description, we refer to use with the handpiece 340, but catheters or other accessories may be used. In one embodiment, the console 310 may include a user interface 350. The user interface 350 may be any user interface that a person skilled in the art could desire. For example, the user interface 350 may be configured as a foot pedal, a graphical user interface, buttons, or any other interface that may be desired.

[0024] Returning to the embodiment in Figure 2, the pump cartridge 320 may include a pump input end connected to the console 310 and a pump output end connected to the hose 330 and handpiece 340. In some embodiments, additional components may be positioned within the system.

[0025] The pump may comprise a pump cartridge 320 mechanism, at least one actuator, and means for driving at least one actuator. For the purposes of this disclosure, the pump and / or pump cartridge 320 mechanism may be configured to deliver a high-speed fluid to the handpiece 340 to facilitate a wide conceptual generation workspace. Therefore, the end-use of the pump and / or pump cartridge 320 mechanism or the suitability of the handpiece 340 should not be considered limiting.

[0026] Either the pump or the pump cartridge 320 mechanism may be fitted to a hose 330 configured as a high-pressure supply line enabling operation from a non-sterile area to a sterile area in an operating room. For example, in one embodiment, the length of the high-pressure supply line may be about 10 feet (about 3 meters). However, the pump may be fitted to a high-pressure supply line of any suitable length. Furthermore, in one embodiment, either the pump or the pump cartridge 320 mechanism may be fitted to a pump outlet pressure of about 15,000 psi and a flow rate of about 225 ml / min. However, in other embodiments, the pump may be fitted to any pump outlet pressure. In one embodiment, the pump and / or the pump cartridge 320 mechanism may be fitted to a catheter about 5 feet (about 1.5 meters) long, which operates as a handpiece 340 in vascular applications, for example. Furthermore, the system described herein may be adapted to prevent overheating and / or undesirable shutdowns and may be configured for continuous use operating times ranging from 5 to 60 minutes, including potential continuous use with unburdened downtime in between. In further embodiments, the system may be configured for short operating times of a few seconds and long operating times of about 90 minutes. However, the system may be configured for any appropriate operating time.

[0027] Each embodiment of the pump and pump cartridge 320 mechanism described herein may include embodiment-specific characteristics, but functional aspects exist that span multiple embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the system 300 may utilize at least one actuator configured as a reciprocating single-stroke piston incorporated into the handpiece 340. In such an embodiment, at least one actuator draws fluid in the return stroke and pressurizes the system in the forward stroke by using unidirectional valve action. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the system 300 incorporates a unique coupling system into the console 310 that can engage with at least one actuator and identify the handpiece 340 to configure a treatment mode within the console. In one embodiment, the console 310 provides power to reciprocate the piston within the cartridge body. Figures 3 and 4 show one embodiment of the piston 410 and body 420 of a disassembled pump cartridge, respectively.

[0028] In one embodiment, the piston motion of the base system includes reciprocating motion within the actuator body, which can generate a high-pressure output of fluid drawn from a fluid reservoir into a pump cartridge. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir may be a fitted, unpressurized saline bag. However, any fluid reservoir that a person skilled in the art could desire is conceivable.

[0029] In various embodiments, the outlet pressure is specified as a maximum of 15,000 psi. However, other suitable maximum outlet pressures are also possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the outlet pressure, the current shape of the handpiece, and the measured flow rate, other important calculations such as fluid velocity, head pressure, and work performed by the system can be estimated. In one embodiment, the pump and pump cartridge 320 mechanism is configured to perform the "work" of accelerating the fluid as close to the patient as possible and maintaining the largest possible pipe diameter throughout the system. In one embodiment, either the pump or the pump cartridge 320 may have a chamfered section between either the hose or the handpiece. The chamfered section is thought to reduce pressure loss between components. Thus, the pump and pump cartridge mechanism may be configured to provide high-speed fluid and reduce the cost / complexity / waste of base system disposable parts.

[0030] Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of a pump cartridge mechanism, called a pump cartridge syringe 500, is shown. The pump cartridge syringe 500 comprises an inlet 502 and an outlet 504, at least one actuator configured as a syringe 510, and a housing 512. As illustrated, the syringe 510 may be configured as a plunger, but any syringe that a person skilled in the art might desire is conceivable. Returning to the embodiment in Figure 5, the syringe 510 is associated with the housing 420 and can operate to drive fluid in the system. From a functional standpoint, the pump cartridge syringe 500 can operate by retracting the syringe 510 to draw fluid into the housing 512, and then pushing the fluid out under high pressure. In various embodiments, the stroke and bore geometry of the syringe 510 can be sized to produce a desirable downstream velocity. In further embodiments, the shape of the pump cartridge may include a chamfer designed to reduce pressure loss at the outlet of the pump cartridge, and thus reduce pressure loss of the high-pressure fluid.

[0031] The pump cartridge syringe 500 may be retrofitted and / or may utilize the operating method of an existing console. In one embodiment, the stroke and bore diameter of the embodiment of the pump cartridge syringe 500 may be larger at slower rotational speeds (RPM) to generate a larger pressure gradient. The embodiment of the pump cartridge syringe 500 may include a sleeve or clamshell, which may be configured to contain pressure. In one embodiment, the sleeve or clamshell may be a metal sleeve or clamshell. However, any suitable material may be used, and the above is provided as a non-limiting example. One or more components of the pump cartridge syringe 500 may be replaceable, and may appear, for example, as a modular cartridge. Thus, in some embodiments, fluid paths may be separated to maintain sanitary conditions, for example, between two or more fluids and / or between two or more pump cartridge components. However, in another embodiment, the pump cartridge syringe 500 may be a single cartridge.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pump cartridge syringe 500 may be configured to receive a sealed container, which can keep the injected fluid sterile and, importantly, can generate pressurization. In one embodiment, the sealed container may be a saline pouch that isolates the sterile fluid from the reusable environment. In such embodiments, the sealed container may be flexible. In some embodiments, the sealed container may accept pressure and allow pressurization and propulsion of the contained fluid while maintaining the sterility of the separation and the entire pump cartridge device. Thus, the pump cartridge syringe 500 allows the container to be placed inside the pump cartridge so as not to rupture. While embodiments in which the container is a bag of saline are referenced, any suitable container may be available.

[0033] In one embodiment, the pump cartridge syringe 500 may be used in conjunction with the pump of the base system, where the pump is the means for driving the fluid in the system. The syringe 510 may contain any desired material, such as low-cost polycarbonate, composite materials, or similar plastics.

[0034] The syringe 510 may be placed inside a housing 512 configured to reduce the radial stress load from the resulting pressure. In a non-limiting example, the syringe 510 may function as a sterile barrier within an existing pump. In this case, the housing may shift the load on the syringe from the radial tensile stress of the pressure vessel to a compressive "crushing" force that the stiffest plastics can handle. In one embodiment, the housing 512 may be a metal housing, but any material may be used.

[0035] The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is thought to allow the handpiece and / or catheter to be replaced during a procedure without resetting the console. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, if an unexpected event occurs on the console side, the catheter and / or handpiece may be disconnected, and the procedure can be maintained while a new cartridge is set up.

[0036] In one embodiment, a portion of the following pump cartridge mechanism may be disposable. In various embodiments, the durable piston or ram rod portion may be exposed to a disinfectant (i.e., ChloraPrep) and / or sterilized by other means, and / or may be integrated with a replaceable seal to maintain a fluid barrier.

[0037] Therefore, a pump cartridge like the one shown in Figure 5 can integrate the syringe 510 into the console itself, creating a robust and durable component. For example, the syringe 510 may include any actuator known in the art, including, but not limited to, a plunger or a piston. Thus, a configuration like the one shown in Figure 5 can reduce the cost of disposable parts, which may be important depending on the size requirements of the syringe 510.

[0038] In some embodiments, the means for driving the actuator 520 may be mechanical means. For example, a console or other means may influence mechanical motion, such as reciprocating motion, on the actuator to drive a fluid in the system.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, an embodiment of a pump cartridge mechanism 700 is shown, comprising a variable pitch screw 710, a housing 720, an inlet 702, and an outlet 704. Such a variable pitch screw 710 can function similarly to an extruder mechanism, compressing and / or accelerating a fluid contained within the housing 720 by changing its pitch. In one embodiment, the variable pitch screw 710 and / or its components may be made of injection-molded parts. In further embodiments, the variable pitch screw 710 may be configurable in forward or reverse to cause different suction modes, for example. In various embodiments, the pump cartridge mechanism may include any appropriate number of variable pitch screws 710, e.g., one screw, two screws, or more screws.

[0040] In one embodiment, the variable-pitch screw 710 is enclosed within a housing 720 and delivers the fluid to the outlet 704. For example, in one embodiment, the variable-pitch screw 710 may be housed in a cylindrical housing 720. Naturally, other housing 720 configurations that those skilled in the art may desire are also conceivable. In yet another embodiment, the fluid can be moved within the system by utilizing gravity. Furthermore, multiple variable-pitch screws 710 may be used to increase the acceleration of the fluid.

[0041] Naturally, other embodiments of the pump cartridge mechanism may utilize various screws. In one embodiment, the pump cartridge mechanism may be equipped with an Archimedes screw. In another embodiment, the pump cartridge mechanism may be equipped with a lead screw. In yet another embodiment, the pump cartridge mechanism may be equipped with two screws. In yet another embodiment, the pump cartridge mechanism may be equipped with a translation screw.

[0042] In another embodiment, an auxiliary peristaltic pump is used to move fluid within the system. Any peristaltic pump that a person skilled in the art could desire may be used. For example, the peristaltic pump may be a trilobed peristaltic pump, a multilobed peristaltic pump, a peristaltic pump with a series amplifier, an electromagnetic multistage peristaltic pump, or a finger trap peristaltic pump.

[0043] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, one embodiment of a pump cartridge mechanism 600a, b that utilizes magnetic induction to drive actuators, for example, at high power and / or high speed is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuators may be pistons 620a, b. Such an embodiment can reduce the number of moving parts required. Thus, such an embodiment can provide reliable circulation and functionality.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, magnetic induction can be used to reciprocate a piston. Such embodiments can reduce the electrical work and vibration of the mechanical interface used to operate the cartridge. In another embodiment not shown, the pump cartridge syringe 500 shown in Figure 5 may be retrofitted with ferromagnetic material. For example, in one embodiment, syringe 510 may have a plug containing ferromagnetic material. In such an embodiment, the magnetic induction 604 shown in Figure 7A can drive actuators such as the plug and piston 620a back and forth as a reciprocating motion within the syringe.

[0045] In another embodiment, a group of smaller actuators operating like a multi-piston "engine" may consist of a valved manifold to provide the appropriate power.

[0046] Figures 8A and 8B show an embodiment of a pump cartridge 800 comprising an actuator for moving a fluid, an inlet 802, an outlet 804, and at least one valve 806a, b. In one embodiment, the pump cartridge may include a transducer 810 configured as an actuator capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical displacement. In one embodiment, the transducer 810 is a piezoelectric actuator. However, the transducer 810 that achieves the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical displacement may include any suitable transducer substitute.

[0047] Returning to the embodiments shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the transducer 810 can oscillate linearly from the state shown in Figure 8A to the state shown in Figure 8B. As illustrated, the oscillation of the transducer 810 can open and close at least one valve 806a, b to control the flow of fluid. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator oscillates at more than 1 million cycles per second, moving the fluid through the microchannel. However, in another embodiment, the transducer 810 may oscillate at 100,000 to 300,000 cycles per second. In various embodiments, the transducer may oscillate at less than 100,000 cycles per second, more than 300,000 cycles per second, or at any appropriate speed.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system may heat the fluid during use. In one embodiment, the system may boil the fluid by energy transfer at the molecular level, causing it to move through microchannels and generating a speed sufficient to move the fluid through the system. Boiling the fluid can cause it to become a gaseous state, such as a gas or vapor. Thus, in such embodiments, the gas may be utilized during the pressurization phase, and the gas may condense before being delivered to the patient. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the gas may be utilized during the pressurization phase.

[0049] Figure 9 shows one embodiment of a pump cartridge 900 that utilizes rotational motion to move a fluid. The pump cartridge 900 may include an actuator configured as a rotational motion mechanism 910 for moving the fluid from an inlet 902 to an outlet 904. In one embodiment, the rotational motion mechanism 910 is an impeller. In a further embodiment, the rotational motion mechanism 910 is a turbine.

[0050] As a non-limiting example, means for driving at least one actuator may have energy used to rotate a drive component on the console side of the system, and may be attached to a corresponding disposable impeller that draws fluid from the inlet 902 and rapidly accelerates the fluid through the outlet 904 and a disposable tube and / or subsystem fixed to the outlet 904. The rotary motion mechanism 910 may be sealably mounted to the console, and such mounting may be achieved by magnetic coupling. However, in other embodiments, mounting may be achieved by any means that a person skilled in the art could desire. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the rotary motion mechanism 910 may be disposable. In some embodiments, the pump cartridge 900 may utilize multiple rotary motion mechanisms as means for driving the fluid. Means for driving at least one actuator may be able to increase the speed at which the fluid moves.

[0051] Furthermore, the rotational motion mechanism 910 can be actuated by means for driving at least one actuator. In one embodiment, the means for driving at least one actuator is electrically controlled. In another embodiment, the means for driving at least one actuator is pneumatically controlled. In yet another embodiment, the means for driving at least one actuator operates by utilizing fluid power.

[0052] In one embodiment, the rotational motion mechanism 910 may include an accelerating means configured to accelerate a fluid. In some embodiments, the rotational motion mechanism 910 may be a paddle wheel, each paddle capable of pushing any of the fluids. In one embodiment, the rotational motion mechanism 910 may be a centrifugal mechanism having an orifice configured to push a fluid. In further embodiments, the rotational motion mechanism may be configured as a particle accelerator configured to drive a fluid.

[0053] In one embodiment, the pump cartridge may include a flywheel as a means for moving a fluid. In one embodiment, the flywheel can store a fluid, which rotates in a container that stores energy in the form of momentum and / or inertia. In another embodiment, electrical energy is stored over time using a mechanical flywheel, which engages with the system to rotate other components at high speed and / or high torque.

[0054] In one embodiment shown in Figure 10, the system 1000 may comprise a console 1010, a hose 1030, a power line 1032, a handpiece 1040, and a pump configured as at least one turbine 1050 that operates to increase the fluid velocity in the system. In one embodiment, multiple at least one turbines 1050 may be arranged in series or in "stages" to produce an additive increase in velocity. Such embodiments may include iterative deployment of gearing and staging. Such a system 1000 may provide operating energy at use as energy that can be transmitted to the handpiece 1040 via the power line 1032 to remotely operate the turbines 1050. The power line 1032 may be an electrical line, an air line, or a power line of a fluid line. The hose 1030 may be any hose that a person skilled in the art might desire, including, for example, a low-pressure hose, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In one embodiment, any of the mechanical linkage mechanisms can be separated from the console 1010. In such an embodiment, the console 1010 may include a user interface 1012 outside the sterile area, where fluid and handpiece energy are transmitted to the patient's working handpiece unit 1040. In one embodiment, the fluid may be low-pressure sterile saline, but any fluid that a person skilled in the art could desire is conceivable. Furthermore, this design is thought to eliminate the need to overcome the pressure loss in conventional high-pressure hoses.

[0056] In one embodiment, the turbine 1050 may be configured as a pump. However, in another embodiment not illustrated, the system may further include a pump. In such an embodiment, the pump may be located along hoses and / or power lines between the console and the turbine, between the turbine and the handpiece, or even within the handpiece. However, the above-described configurations are provided only as non-limiting examples and should not be considered limiting.

[0057] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the pump cartridge 1200, which utilizes pelletized fluid to assist in fluid movement. In one embodiment, the pelletized fluid is configured as consumable water packets 1210 supplied individually to the system. The consumable water packets 1210 are configured in any desired manner, for example, as pellets, beads, or other water packets. In another embodiment, an actuator configured as a high-speed ramming mechanism 1220 presses the consumable water packets 1210 against a pressure outlet 1204, forcibly breaking the consumable water packets 1210 and accelerating the fluid toward the outlet 1204. In yet another embodiment, empty consumable water packets 1210 are driven out of the system, and the drive may be performed at a very high speed to ensure a continuous flow of fluid.

[0058] Although the embodiments described above describe a single actuator, it is conceivable that any number of actuators could be used. For example, in one embodiment, the actuators may be two or more actuators positioned in series. It is conceivable that positioning the pistons in series can reduce the forces within the system.

[0059] In another embodiment, the actuators may be two or more actuators in parallel, for example, in a crankshaft or camshaft configuration or a V2 engine configuration. The parallel arrangement of the actuators is thought to reduce vibrations within the system, for example, at the tip of the handpiece.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the actuator may be a single actuator configured to move between multiple chambers. For example, a dual-path reciprocating piston, such as that used in an artificial heart, may be utilized.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pump cartridge may include a flexible container for driving a fluid. For example, the flexible container may be a flexible membrane. In one embodiment, the flexible container may drive the fluid by applying a non-sterile oscillating motion that compresses the flexible container. The flexible container may be compressed by an actuator such as a piston that is in direct contact with the flexible membrane. However, in another embodiment, the flexible container may be compressed by a working fluid. In such embodiments, the pump cartridge may include a permanent membrane that is in contact with the flexible membrane and applies force to the flexible membrane to drive the fluid into the system.

[0062] In one embodiment, the pump, pump cartridge, or other components of the system may be equipped with a purification mechanism. In one embodiment, the purification mechanism may utilize physical sterilization such as heat, radiation, or filtration. For example, physical sterilization including heat may involve heating the components of the system to a temperature known to kill contaminants by drying or wetting means. In another embodiment, the purification mechanism may utilize chemical sterilization such as gas sterilization or liquid sterilization. For example, chemical sterilization may include gas sterilization such as formaldehyde or ethylene oxide, or liquid sterilization such as alcohol, halogen, phenol, or aldehyde. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sterilization mechanisms described above are provided only as examples, and any sterilization mechanism may be utilized.

[0063] In one embodiment, a purge step may be performed at the start of a procedure to sterilize the system using chemical sterilization. In one embodiment, the purge step may include pumping a chemical sterilization solution through the entire system to clean the system before use. The chemical sterilization solution may be any solution that a person skilled in the art may desire, but is not limited to, for example, alcohol, chlorine, and peroxide type solutions. In one embodiment, a dye may be implemented to ensure that a visual signal is easily understood by the end user during sterilization. Thus, this step may ensure that any durable components that may have traces and / or residual contamination are thoroughly sterilized.

[0064] Similarly, embodiments that utilize metal components to house other disposable items may include heating elements. In non-limiting examples, between cases, these heating elements can bake out residual moisture and kill any microbial contamination that may be present within the interface components. In various embodiments, other sterilization mechanisms such as steam, UV light, or ethylene oxide injection may be utilized.

[0065] In one embodiment, a pump cartridge may utilize the Venturi effect to introduce fluid into a system. The Venturi effect is thought to eliminate the complexities, such as electrical and mechanical complexities, required to draw fluid into the system. In one embodiment, a similar Venturi effect may occur within a handpiece.

[0066] In one embodiment, a non-pressurized fluid and pressurized air are delivered to the patient, and the fluid acceleration due to the Venturi effect can be directly generated at the point of use. For example, such a concept may utilize the functionality of the impeller / turbine shown in Figure 9. Since the Venturi tube can be constructed without moving parts, such a concept can limit mechanical complexity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the system can utilize pressure wave attenuation. In one embodiment shown in Figure 12, a fluid attenuator 1300 comprising a tank 1302 is positioned before the fluid outlet 1304 to attenuate any pulsating waves generated by the pump 1310. Once the system is fully purged and ready for operation, the pressurized fluid can enter the tank 1302, where vibrations can be attenuated by the bolus of fluid contained within. However, since the fluid is incompressible, for every volume unit entering the tank 1302, an equal amount must exit. Thus, a constant pressure and flow can be maintained, along with the advantage of eliminating vibrations generated by the pump 1310. It may be preferable to reduce pulsating vibrations by adding vibration countermeasures to the base system and / or other pump embodiments described above by adding to the high-pressure pipe near the pump 1310 and the pump cartridge.

[0068] Therefore, the attenuator and related components may be incorporated into any one of the pump embodiments described above.

[0069] The pump configurations disclosed herein offer a variety of applications across various medical devices. These pump designs can be seamlessly integrated into any part of a medical device, providing a reliable mechanism for the management and delivery of pressurized fluids or gases. Furthermore, the flexibility of these configurations allows them to be used in combination with other components within the medical device, thereby enhancing the functionality and adaptability of the device. Moreover, the disclosed pump designs can be easily modified to suit the specific requirements and purposes of different medical devices while remaining consistent with the fundamental principles underlying each medical device. Thus, these pump configurations are useful in a wide range of medical devices and instruments, whether for facilitating the controlled discharge of fluids or gases through the patient side of the instrument or enabling the precise operation of desired movements or effects within the patient side of various medical devices, where such movements or effects are facilitated by fluids or gases. The pump and pump cartridge designs described herein may be used in handheld devices, medical device consoles, or within any suitable sub-component of a medical device system.

[0070] Finally, by considering this specification and implementing the disclosures disclosed herein, other forms of implementation of the disclosures will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This specification and examples are illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosures are intended to be shown by the appended claims.

[0071] Various elements described herein in the context of one or more embodiments may be provided separately or in any suitable partial combination. Furthermore, the processes described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment described herein. For example, the processes described herein are not limited to any particular processing order described herein; rather, process blocks may be rearranged, combined, removed, or performed in parallel or in series as necessary to achieve the results described herein.

[0072] It will be further understood that various modifications to the details, materials, and arrangement of the components described and illustrated herein can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the following claims.

[0073] All references, patents, patent applications, and publications cited or referenced in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, by considering this specification and implementing the disclosures disclosed herein, other forms of implementation of the disclosures will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This specification and examples are illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are intended to be shown by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Console and, Handpiece and A pump comprising a pump cartridge mechanism, at least one actuator, and means for driving the at least one actuator, wherein the pump has an inlet communicating with the console and an outlet communicating with the handpiece. A pressurized fluid system equipped with the following features.

2. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the pump cartridge is configured as a syringe comprising a syringe body and a plunger, the fluid is drawn into the syringe body by pulling back the plunger, and the fluid is pushed out from the outlet at high pressure by pushing the plunger.

3. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured as at least one screw configured to drive a fluid in the system.

4. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured as a rotational motion mechanism.

5. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the pump cartridge uses pelletized fluid to assist in the movement of the fluid.

6. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the pump cartridge utilizes the Venturi effect to draw fluid into the system.

7. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the means for driving the at least one actuator is a mechanical means.

8. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the means for driving the at least one actuator is an electrical means.

9. A console with a user interface, Handpiece and A hose and A pump cartridge mechanism comprising an inlet communicating with the console and an outlet communicating with the handpiece via the hose, At least one actuator, means for driving the at least one actuator and A pressurized fluid system comprising a pump cartridge that serves as a sterile barrier within the system.

10. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the pump cartridge is configured as a syringe comprising a syringe body and a plunger, and by pulling back the plunger, fluid is drawn into the syringe body, and by pushing the plunger, the fluid is pushed out from the outlet at high pressure.

11. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the actuator is configured as at least one screw configured to drive a fluid in the system.

12. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the actuator is configured as a rotational motion mechanism.

13. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the pump cartridge uses pelletized fluid to assist in the movement of the fluid.

14. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the pump cartridge utilizes the Venturi effect to draw fluid into the system.

15. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the means for driving the at least one actuator is a mechanical means.

16. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the means for driving the at least one actuator is an electrical means.

17. The pressurized fluid system according to claim 9, wherein the hose is a high-pressure supply line and the pump cartridge is adapted to a pump outlet pressure of about 15,000 psi and a flow rate of about 225 ml / min.

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