Ophthalmological cassette

Abstract

The invention relates to an ophthalmological cassette (1) for sliding into or being inserted into an ophthalmic console of an ophthalmic system, the ophthalmological cassette comprising a housing (2) having a plurality of connectors (4) for connecting external tube / line systems (5) to internal fluid channels, for example to an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel, wherein the connectors are formed on an external end face (3) and are freely accessible when the cassette (1) is inserted. The ophthalmological cassette is characterised by an adapter (6) which can be mounted on the connectors (4) and has corresponding adapter connectors (7) which are preferably rigidly connected to the tube / line systems (5) and optionally devices, equipment, or the like connected thereto.

Description

[0001] OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CASSETTE

[0002] 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-Z 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, which are freely accessible when the cassette is inserted.

[0003] Ophthalmic cassettes of this 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 connectors for connecting external tubing systems to internal fluid channels, which can be an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel.

[0004] 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 passed through an ophthalmic cassette that can be inserted into the console. Until now, the cassette has been disposed of after each procedure. During the procedure on the eye, it is necessary to control the irrigation and aspiration in this way.Therefore, it is known in practice to provide valves in the cassette which allow the fluid channel to be interrupted or released in order to influence the flow of the 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 a sterile, germ-free cassette is always used. While such constant replacement of the cassette provides sterile handling, it is questionable from an ecological perspective. Thus, the constant replacement of the cassette, each time after a single use, leads to 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 low material usage. The cassette according to the invention should be easy to handle and differentiate itself from competitive products. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1, namely by an adapter that can be plugged onto the connections and has corresponding adapter connections, which are preferably permanently connected to the hose-Z-line systems and any associated devices, equipment, or the like.

[0008] 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 system need to be replaced. The cassette itself can be used multiple times and, thanks to the inventive measure, becomes a "daily cassette."

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adapter is dimensioned such that, when plugged in, it essentially covers or overlaps 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 obstructive protrusion.

[0012] A secure connection between the adapter and the cassette can be achieved mechanically or by magnetic force. This ensures a secure connection between the cassette and the adapter. On the side facing the cassette, the adapter can have bolts, webs, locking devices, or similar features for precise positioning and releasable engagement in the cassette, further ensuring safe operation. Disconnection is easily achieved by manual / mechanical means.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous manner, 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.

[0014] The adapter, including the respective adapter connectors, is preferably made of a single piece of plastic. Injection molding is advantageous.

[0015] 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:

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an ophthalmic cassette with adapter and various connections and functional parts,

[0017] Fig. 2 in a schematic view, enlarged, the cassette according to the invention with adapter and hoses connected thereto,

[0018] 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, at a different angle than in Fig. 3, the cassette with adapter and

[0019] Fig. 5 and 6 show the adapter with the integrated connections from the connection side and from the back for plugging onto the cassette.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a conventional ophthalmological cassette 1 which is used to be inserted or plugged into an ophthalmological console of an ophthalmic system, not shown in the figure.

[0021] 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-Z line systems 5.

[0022] In a departure from the prior art, according to which the hose-Z-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.

[0023] 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 tubing systems 5 and the connected equipment can be considered disposable. Contaminated parts of the device can thus be disposed of while continuing to use the cassette 1 or replaced for the next procedure.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows the tubing / line system 5 connected to the adapter 6, with a fluid-absorbing bag 8 and an ophthalmic handset 9, which can also be a disposable item (not necessarily). Fig. 2 shows the cassette 1 with the connectors 4, the adapter 6, the adapter connectors 7 located there, and the tubing / line system 5 in an enlarged view. The adapter 6 is placed or pressed onto the front side of the ophthalmic cassette, so that the connectors 4 located there act as a receptacle.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement from Fig. 2 in a slightly different representation, without the hose-Z-line system 5.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement from Figures 2 and 3 in a different view, showing the adapter 6 from the underside or connection side. There, guide and locking means 10 can be seen, which promote the secure connection between the adapter 6 and the cassette 1.

[0027] Figures 5 and 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 side with insertion openings 11 for the connections 4 and with two guide-Z-locking means 10 to facilitate the secure positioning of the adapter 6.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described embodiment of the cassette according to the invention serves only to explain the claimed teaching, but does not limit it to the embodiment.

[0030] 1 ophthalmic cassette

[0031] 2 housings

[0032] 3 Front side (of the cassette)

[0033] 4 Connection (on the cassette)

[0034] 5 Hose-Z line system

[0035] 6 adapters

[0036] 7 adapter connections

[0037] 8 bags

[0038] 9 Ophthalmic device

[0039] 10 guide locking devices (on the adapter)

[0040] 11 Slot opening (on the back of the adapter)

Claims

Claims 1. An 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-Zline systems (5) to internal fluid channels, for example to an internal aspiration channel and / or an internal irrigation channel, the connections (4) being 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-Zline systems (5) and any devices, equipment or the like connected thereto.

2. Cassette (1) according to, characterized in that the adapter (6) is designed according to a coding of the connections (4).

3. Cassette (1) according to claim, characterized in that 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, characterized in that the adapter (6) is dimensioned such that, in the plugged-on state, it essentially covers or covers the outer end face (3) of the cassette (1).

5. Cassette (1) according to, characterized in that the secure connection between adapter (6) and cassette (1) is realized mechanically or by means of magnetic force.

6. Cassette (1) according to, characterized in 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, characterized in that 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, characterized in that the adapter (6) with the respective adapter connections (7) is preferably made in one piece from plastic.

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