AC Impedance Measurement for Ophthalmic Material Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for practitioners to identify the type of material being aspirated during ophthalmic procedures in real time, as existing methods lack effective differentiation between materials such as vitreous, balanced salt solution, and fragmented lens material.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a circuit with a first and second electrode positioned to allow aspirated material to flow between them, coupled with an AC impedance measuring component that supplies alternating current at frequencies from 200 kHz to 5 MHz, enabling the identification of aspirated materials based on measured impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used to identify aspirated material, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the identification accuracy is insufficient to differentiate between similar materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/optical system) with electrical impedance measurement (electrical system). The AC impedance measuring component measures the electrical impedance of aspirated material between two electrodes, providing objective quantitative data that accurately differentiates between vitreous, BSS, and lens material based on their distinct impedance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to identify material type. Instead of directly observing material properties, the system measures electrical impedance which serves as a mediator that reflects the electrical properties of different materials, enabling indirect but accurate material identification.
2Loss of information
If no material identification system is used, then the procedure is fast and simple, but the practitioner cannot know what type of material is being aspirated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the AC impedance measuring component continuously measures material impedance during aspiration and provides real-time information about material type. This feedback loop allows the practitioner to immediately know what material is being aspirated and adjust the procedure accordingly, preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the lack of information (no identification system) with an electrical measurement system that provides continuous material type data through impedance measurement, enabling informed decision-making during the procedure.
3Reliability
If manual visual identification is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the reliability of material identification is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual identification with objective electrical impedance measurement. The AC impedance measuring component provides reliable, quantifiable data about material type based on electrical properties, eliminating human error and subjectivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from visual appearance (subjective, unreliable) to electrical impedance (objective, reliable). By measuring electrical impedance at frequencies from 200 kHz to 5 MHz, the system obtains consistent and reliable material identification that is not affected by observer variability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time identification of aspirated materials, improving the accuracy and efficiency of ophthalmic procedures by distinguishing between different materials, such as vitreous, balanced salt solution, and fragmented lens material, thereby facilitating better procedural outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The AC impedance measuring component measures the impedance of the aspirated material between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
The AC impedance measuring component may be configured to supply alternating current through the electrodes at a frequency from approximately 200 kHz to approximately 5 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying material aspirated during an ophthalmic procedure. Example systems comprise a first electrode and a second electrode positioned such that aspirated material flows between the first electrode and the second electrode and an alternating current impedance measuring component connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The alternating current impedance measuring component measures the impedance of the aspirated material between the first electrode and the second electrode, and, based upon the measured impedance, the aspirated material can be identified.