Ophthalmological cassette, ophthalmological console, and system consisting of an ophthalmological cassette and console

Abstract

The invention relates to an ophthalmological cassette (1) having a housing (3), the housing comprising a main body (4) and a cover (5), wherein at least one fluid channel (6a, 6b, 6c), preferably a plurality of fluid channels (6a, 6b, 6c) for conveying a fluid and at least one receiving basin (9a–9e) fluidically connected to the fluid channel (6a, 6b, 6c) are formed in the main body (4), the receiving basin (9a–9e) having at least one support (10) for a sealing element (2a–2e), at least one sealing element (2a–2e) being provided between the receiving basin (9a–9e) and the cover (5), and the sealing element (2a–2e) being lenticular.

Description

[0001] OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CASSETTE, OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CONSOLE AND SYSTEM OF OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CASSETTE AND CONSOLE

[0002] The invention relates to an ophthalmic cassette with a housing.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an ophthalmological console and an ophthalmological system.

[0004] Ophthalmic procedures often require the administration of fluid to the eye (irrigation) and the removal or aspiration of fluid from the eye. The irrigation and aspiration fluids are typically supplied via a console connected to the appropriate surgical instruments, for example, via tubing. During phacoemulsification, for instance, irrigation fluid is administered while the clouded lens is fragmented using ultrasound, and the lens fragments are aspirated from the eye along with the irrigation fluid. To ensure sterile technique, the fluid is conveyed through an ophthalmic cassette that fits into the console and is discarded after each procedure.

[0005] During ophthalmic surgery, it is necessary to control irrigation and aspiration. Therefore, it is common practice to include valves in the cassette that allow the fluid channel to be opened or closed, thus influencing the fluid flow within the cassette.

[0006] For example, an ophthalmic cassette is known from DE 10 2021 201 040 A1. This cassette comprises a base body in which fluid channels are formed, as well as receiving basins in fluidic communication with the fluid channels. A lid is placed on the base body and welded to it. The base body and the lid together form a housing that is hermetically sealed by the welding process. A sealing mat is inserted between the base body and the lid, sealing the fluid channels and the receiving basins. Openings in the lid allow access to parts of the sealing mat from the outside, with the accessible parts being positioned directly above the receiving basins.

[0007] When the cassette is inserted into an ophthalmic console, the accessible areas of the sealing mat can be pressed in using plungers, thus releasing the sealing effect of the mat in the area of ​​the receiving basins. In this way, the sealing mat acts as a valve that can close and / or open a fluid channel within the receiving basins.

[0008] This design requires a large sealing mat, almost as large as the cassette itself. The sealing mat is wedged between the base and the lid, thus creating the seal. However, variations in the thickness of the sealing mat mean that some sections may not be wedged tightly enough, potentially reducing the overall seal. Furthermore, a significant amount of sealing material is required.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and further developing an ophthalmic cassette of the type mentioned above in such a way that a reliably high sealing effect can be achieved. A further objective is to provide a sealing system with a low requirement for sealing material. A further objective of the present invention is to provide an alternative ophthalmic cassette that can be easily integrated into existing ophthalmic systems.

[0010] According to the invention, the foregoing problem is solved by the features of claim 1. This provides an ophthalmic cassette with a housing, wherein the housing comprises a base body and a lid, wherein at least one fluid channel, preferably several fluid channels, for conveying a fluid and at least one receiving basin in fluidic communication with the fluid channel are formed in the base body, wherein the receiving basin has at least one support for a sealing element, wherein at least one sealing element is provided between the receiving basin and the lid, wherein the sealing element is lens-shaped.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention solves at least one of the preceding problems by the features of claim 13. According to this, an ophthalmological console is provided with a movable plunger for pressing in a sealing element of an ophthalmological cassette according to one of claims 1 to 12.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention solves at least one of the preceding problems by means of the features of claim 14. According to this claim, an ophthalmological system is provided comprising an ophthalmological cassette according to one of claims 1 to 12 and an ophthalmological console, in particular an ophthalmological console according to claim 13.

[0013] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that some of the underlying problems can be solved in a surprisingly simple manner by replacing the sealing mat with individual sealing elements. The special lens shape of the sealing elements allows the receiving basins to be sealed directly, thereby improving the sealing effect. Furthermore, less sealing material is required.

[0014] The term "lens-shaped" is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in the description, preferably in the claims, refers to a sealing element that is essentially disc-shaped, in particular circular. In particular, the sealing element may have a circular cross-section in a top view. Preferably, the sealing element comprises a central region and a radially outer region, wherein the radially outer region is offset relative to the central region, in particular arranged lower, so that a dome shape results. The central region may be a flat plane and / or curved. The term "receiving basin" is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in the description, preferably in the claims, refers to a cavity in which fluid can be received. The receiving basin may have a fluid path that can be in fluidic communication with the fluid channels of the cassette.The receiving basin can be operatively connected to a plunger of a console when the cassette is inserted into the console. This allows a fluid path through and / or into the receiving basin to be opened and / or closed. It is also conceivable that the receiving basin is operatively connected to a pressure sensor, enabling the pressure within the receiving basin to be measured. In particular, a handpiece of a console can be attached to the receiving basin, allowing fluids from the fluid channels to be directed through the receiving basin into the handpiece, and / or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the receiving basins merely provide the valve control, with the fluid being supplied via connections in the cassette.The receiving basin is formed within the base body, and the receiving basin may be permanently connected to the base body and / or detachably arranged from the base body. In particular, the receiving basin may be part of the base body.

[0015] The term "support" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers in the description, preferably in the claims, to a surface of the receiving basin which is suitable for receiving a sealing element, in particular such that the sealing element can close a fluid path within the receiving basin.

[0016] The term "base body" is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in the description, preferably in the claims, refers to a part of the ophthalmic cassette in which at least one functional element, for example a fluid channel and / or a receiving basin of the cassette, is arranged. It is conceivable that the cassette has several base bodies, each arranged on a common lid. In other words, it is conceivable that the ophthalmic cassette comprises one and / or more base bodies as well as a lid.

[0017] The cassette comprises at least one fluid channel, preferably several fluid channels. These fluid channels can be closed, for example, by welding them together. It is also conceivable that the cover has a complementary structure to the fluid channels, such that placing the cover on the base body closes the fluid channels.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sealing element has a circumferential, annular collar for placement on the support of the receiving basin. The annular collar can be arranged on an underside of the sealing element and extend circumferentially around the sealing element. In particular, the collar can be arranged at a radially outer end region of the sealing element. The collar ensures a reliable seal of the receiving basin. Specifically, the collar can be compressed when the cover is placed on the base element to further enhance the sealing effect.

[0019] Advantageously, the sealing element has a control surface, particularly one arranged centrally, which is preferably configured as a valve control surface and / or a pressure sensor control surface. The control surface can be accessible such that a plunger of a console can contact, preferably press into, the control surface. This press-in action lifts the circumferential collar, thereby releasing the fluid path within the receiving basin. In particular, this allows the collar of the sealing element to be removed from the support of the receiving basin. In this way, the sealing element can be used as a valve that can be opened and closed by pressing in the control surface. In this case, the control surface is a valve control surface.It is also conceivable that the control surface is a pressure sensor diaphragm, allowing the pressure of a fluid in the receiving basin to be measured via the control surface. In this case, the control surface is a pressure sensor control surface, specifically a pressure sensor diaphragm. If multiple sealing elements are provided, at least one sealing element can be a valve control surface, and at least one other sealing element can be a pressure sensor control surface. An advantage of this is that the valve action and / or pressure measurement function can be provided in a simple manner.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if this control surface is raised above the collar. In other words, the collar is partially and / or completely positioned below the control surface. One advantage of this is that the control surface is more easily accessible from the outside.

[0021] The sealing element is advantageously made of a rubber, especially silicone. This allows for a good sealing effect as well as good deformability of the sealing element. In particular, the sealing element can be elastically deformable, so that it can return to its original shape after being compressed.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the support is formed in the form of an annular groove in the receiving basin. The collar of the sealing element can correspond to this groove, allowing the sealing element to be at least partially recessed in the receiving basin. An advantage of this is that the height of the cassette can be reduced. A further advantage is that the sealing effect can be increased.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least two, preferably at least three, and especially at least four receiving basins are provided, with a lens-shaped sealing element arranged on each of the receiving basins. The sealing elements are, in particular, independent of one another, meaning that the sealing elements are not connected to each other. An advantage of this is that the sealing elements can be manufactured in a simple manner.

[0024] The receiving basin can have an annular projection, the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the collar. The projection can, in particular, have the form of a ring with an opening, the opening being in fluidic communication with the fluid path of the receiving basin. The projection can, in particular, be arranged adjacent to the groove of the receiving basin. When the sealing element is positioned on the receiving basin, the collar of the sealing element can thus abut the groove, while the control surface abuts the projection. An advantage of this is that the fluid path can be opened more easily by applying pressure to the control surface from the outside.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing has at least one circular opening, wherein an inner diameter of the opening corresponds to an outer diameter of the control surface. In particular, the circular opening is provided in the lid, with a separate opening advantageously being provided for each receiving basin. An advantage of this is that the control surface of the sealing elements is easily accessible and / or actuated from the outside.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, a curved contact surface for receiving a roller pump is provided on the base body, wherein the curved contact surface has at least one step. The step can, for example, be in the form of a ledge. In particular, the step is an interruption of the contact surface, with an edge provided between each end region of the step and the remaining contact surface. The step allows for a linear widening of the diameter of the contact surface, so that the roller pump generates lower pulsations in the fluid. It is conceivable that two contact surfaces are provided, each having a step, with the steps being of different sizes.

[0027] Advantageously, the receiving basin can be detachably arranged in the base body, in particular by locking it in place. Preferably, the receiving basin is detachably arranged in the base body and, in particular, locked in place therein. An advantage of this is that the ophthalmic cassette is easier to manufacture.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one receiving basin is equipped with a baffle wall designed to deflect a fluid flowing into the receiving basin. The baffle wall can, in particular, be curved such that the incoming fluid is deflected along a circumferential direction of the receiving basin. An advantage of this is that it results in lower pressure fluctuations in the receiving basin, especially when using a roller pump.

[0029] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an ophthalmic cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a receiving basin of the cassette according to Figure 1 without inserted sealing elements.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a section of the cassette according to Figure 1 with the sealing elements inserted.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows another ophthalmic cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows an underside of the cassette according to Figure 4.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an ophthalmic cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ophthalmic cassette 1 comprises sealing elements 2a-2e and a housing 3, which includes a base body 4 and a cover 5. The base body 4 includes fluid channels 6a, 6b, 6c through which a fluid can flow. These fluid channels 6a-6c are connected to ports 7a, 7b, through which fluid can be directed to and / or from a console (not shown). Additionally, two ports 16a, 16b of the receiving basins 9a-9e are provided, through which a handpiece of a console (not shown) or the console itself can be connected to the receiving basins 6a-6e. The cover 5 can be welded to the base body 4 to provide a fluid-tight housing 3.

[0036] The five sealing elements 2a-2e are arranged between the cover 5 and the base body 4. These sealing elements 2a-2e are lenticular and / or disc-shaped. Specifically, they have a circular control surface 20 under which a circumferential collar 21 is arranged. The circumferential collar 21 can be, in particular, annular, so that the interior of the collar 21 is hollow. Additionally, the sealing elements 2b, 2d can have a disc-shaped piston attachment 22 centrally located on the control surface 20. The sealing elements 2a-2e are, in particular, separate from one another and not connected to each other.

[0037] Five receiving basins 9a-9e are arranged in the base body 4. These receiving basins 9a-e are fluidically connected to the fluid channels 6a-6c, so that fluid can flow from the fluid channels 6a-6c into the receiving basins 9a-9e and / or fluid can flow from the receiving basins 9a-9e into the fluid channels 6a-6c.

[0038] A receiving basin 9a is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 2. It comprises a support 10 in the form of a circumferential groove 11, on which a sealing element 2a-2e can be arranged (in Figure 2, the receiving basin 9a is shown without a sealing element). Adjacent to the groove 11 is an annular projection 12 with an opening 13. Additionally, a fluid line 14 is arranged at one end region of the receiving basin 9a. When a sealing element 2a-e is arranged on the receiving basin 9a (see Figure 3), the sealing element fills the groove 11 and thus closes the fluidic connection between the opening 13 and the fluid line 14. Conversely, when the sealing element 2a-2e is actuated by pressing on the control surface 20, the sealing element 2a-2e is pressed into the interior 15 of the groove 11. This causes the collar 21 to lift, thus opening the fluid path between the fluid line 14 and the opening 13.As soon as the pressure on the control surface 20 is removed, the sealing element 2a-2e bends back into its original position due to its elasticity and closes the fluid path between the fluid line 14 and the opening 13.

[0039] The collar 21 of the sealing elements 2a-2e is designed such that it fits into the groove 11 of the receiving basin 9a. Simultaneously, the control surface 20 can be pressed against the projection 12 to achieve a fluidically tight connection.

[0040] In particular, a sealing element 2a-2e is provided for each of the receiving basins 9a-9e. It is conceivable that two receiving basins 9a, 9b are fluidically connected to each other, such that only one of the two receiving basins 9a, 9b is directly connected to the fluid channel 6c.

[0041] The cover 5 has openings 8a-8e, each arranged above the receiving basins 9a-9e. Thus, for example, a plunger from a console (not shown) can be used to press through the openings 8a-8e onto the sealing elements 2a-2e of the receiving basins 9a-9e. The openings 8a-8e have a larger inner diameter than the outer diameters of the control surfaces 20 and / or the plunger attachments 22, so that the control surfaces 20 and / or the plunger attachments 22 project at least partially into the openings 8a-8e. In this way, the sealing elements 2a-2e can be manipulated, for example, to open a fluid path like a valve or to measure a pressure in the receiving elements 9a-9e.

[0042] Additionally, a recess 17 is provided on one end face of the cassette 1, into which a roller pump, also called a peristaltic pump, can be inserted. Thus, a fluid can be pumped within the fluid channel 6a by the roller pump. Figures 4 and 5 show an exploded view of an ophthalmic cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figures 4 and 5 show an ophthalmic cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein Figure 4 shows a top side and Figure 5 shows a bottom side of the cassette.

[0044] The cassette 1 according to Figure 4 comprises a lid 5 and a base body 4 arranged on the lid 5. In contrast to the cassette 1 according to Figure 1, the receiving basins 9a, 9b of the cassette 1 according to Figure 4 are detachably designed from the base body 4 and are not permanently connected to it. Locking lugs 23a, 23b are provided in the base body 4 by means of which the receiving basins 9a, 9b can be locked into the cassette 1. The receiving basins 9a, 9b can be inserted into corresponding openings 26a, 26 in the base body.

[0045] A receiving basin 9a is connected to a fluid channel 6a, in particular an irrigation line, and a receiving basin 9a is connected to a fluid channel 6b, in particular an aspiration line. Furthermore, two recesses 17a, 17b are provided in the base body for receiving a roller pump, the recesses 17a, 17b each being arranged on a contact surface 24a, 24. The contact surfaces 24a, 24b each have a shoulder 25a, 25b, the first shoulder 25a being smaller than the second shoulder 25b. Fluid lines can also be arranged on the contact surfaces 24a, 24b, which can be actuated by the roller pump to pump fluid through the fluid lines. The fluid lines can be connected to the fluid channels 6a, 6b. In particular, the fluid lines can be arranged parallel to each other, so that the aspiration and irrigation lines are parallel to each other.

[0046] A lens-shaped sealing element 2a, 2b is arranged between each of the receiving basins 9a, 9b and the cover 5. The sealing elements 2a, 2b each have a collar 21 by which they are attached to the cover 5 and a control surface 20 that is freely accessible and not covered by the cover 5. The control surface 20 is located on the side of the sealing elements 2a, 2b facing away from the receiving basins 9a, 9b. In particular, at least two sealing elements 2a, 2b are provided.

[0047] The sealing elements 2a, 2b are circular and flat, each with a diameter between 70% and 120% of the diameter of the support 10 of the receiving basins 9a, 9b. In particular, the diameter of the sealing elements 2a, 2b is smaller than the diameter of the openings 26a, 26b. For assembly, the base body 4 can be provided and the sealing elements 2a, 2b inserted into the openings 26a, 26b. Subsequently, the receiving basins 9a, 9b are inserted into the openings 26a, 26b and secured there.

[0048] The cover 5 has openings 8a, 8b located below the openings 26a, 26b. The receiving basins 9a, 9b press the sealing elements 2a, 2b into the openings 26a, 26b, thus sealing the fluid path through the cover 5 and, in particular, through the openings 8a, 8b. When installed, a plunger (not shown) can be pressed onto the control surfaces 20 by pushing it from below through the openings 8a, 8b onto the sealing elements 2a, 2b. By measuring the resistance of the control surfaces 20 to being pressed by the plunger, the pressure in the receiving basins 9a, 9b can be measured, for example.

[0049] The receiving basin 9a, which is located in particular on an irrigation line, has a baffle wall 27 through which an inflowing fluid is first deflected in a circumferential direction.

[0050] It is conceivable that the receiving basins 9a, 9b are considered a base body 4, each comprising the receiving basins 9a, 9b. That is, the inserts of the cassette 1 are considered a base body 4 that is inserted into the lid 5. Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims to avoid repetition.

[0051] Finally, it should be expressly noted that the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above serve only to illustrate the claimed teaching and do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals list

[0052] 1 cassette

[0053] 2a-e Sealing elements

[0054] 3 cases

[0055] 4 Basic element

[0056] 5 lids

[0057] a, 6b, 6c Fluid channels

[0058] 7a, 7b connections

[0059] 8a-8e breakthroughs

[0060] 9a-9e receiving basins

[0061] 10 supports

[0062] 11 Nut

[0063] 12 lead

[0064] 13 Opening

[0065] 14 Fluid line

[0066] 15 Interior

[0067] 16a, 16b Connection of the receiving basin

[0068] 17 recess

[0069] 20 Control area

[0070] 21 collars

[0071] 22 Stamp attachment

[0072] 23a, 23b Rastnase

[0073] 24a, 24b Plant area

[0074] 25a, 25b paragraph

[0075] 26a, 26b Openings

[0076] 27 Impact wall

Claims

Claims 1. Ophthalmic cassette (1) with a housing (3), wherein the housing (3) comprises a base body (4) and a lid (5), wherein at least one fluid channel (6a, 6b, 6c), preferably several fluid channels (6a, 6b, 6c), for conveying a fluid, and at least one receiving basin (9a-9e) in fluidic communication with the fluid channel (6a, 6b, 6c) are formed in the base body (4), wherein the receiving basin (9a-9e) has at least one support (10) for a sealing element (2a-2e), wherein at least one sealing element (2a-2e) is provided between the receiving basin (9a-9e) and the lid (5), wherein the sealing element (2a-2e) is lens-shaped.

2. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element (2a-2e) has a circumferential, annular collar (21) for arrangement on the support (10) of the receiving basin (9a-9e).

3. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing element (2a-2e) has a control surface (20), in particular arranged centrally, wherein the control surface is in particular designed as a valve control surface and / or as a pressure sensor control surface.

4. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control surface (20) is raised above the collar (21).

5. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing element (2a-2e) is made of a rubber, in particular of silicone.

6. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support (10) is formed in the form of an annular groove (11) in the receiving basin (9a-9e).

7. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, receiving basins (9a-9e) are provided, wherein a lens-shaped sealing element (2a-2e) is arranged on each of the receiving basins (9a-9e).

8. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the receiving basin (9a-9e) has an annular projection (12) wherein an outer diameter of the projection (12) corresponds to an inner diameter of the collar (21).

9. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that housing (3) has at least one circular opening (8a-8e) wherein an inner diameter of the opening (8a-8e) corresponds to an outer diameter of the control surface (20).

10. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a curved contact surface (24a, 24b) for receiving a roller pump is provided on the base body (4), wherein the curved contact surface (24a, 24b) has at least one shoulder (25a, 25b).

11. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving basin (9a-9e) can be detachably arranged in the base body (4), in particular can be locked into place.

12. Ophthalmic cassette (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a baffle wall (27) is provided in at least one receiving basin (9a-9e) which is designed to deflect a fluid flowing into the receiving basin (9a-9e).

13. Ophthalmic console with a movable plunger for pressing a sealing element (2a-2e) of an ophthalmic cassette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Ophthalmic system with an ophthalmic cassette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an ophthalmic console, in particular an ophthalmic console according to claim 13.

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