Aspiration Line Solenoid Valve for Phaco Vacuum Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During phacoemulsification cataract surgery, vacuum surges can occur due to occlusions in the aspiration line, potentially causing traumatic damage to the eye, as existing techniques like aspiration bypasses may still lead to uncontrolled pressure drops and surges when occlusions clear.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve system with a plunger and shock absorbers is used to control fluid connectivity in the aspiration channel, quickly responding to fluid metrics like pressure or flow rate to isolate the eye from vacuum surges by selectively opening and closing the valve, thereby maintaining safe pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aspiration bypass is used to prevent vacuum surge, then vacuum surge prevention is improved, but traumatic aspiration surges occur when occlusions clear causing uncontrolled pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors aspiration line pressure and uses this feedback to control the solenoid valve. When pressure exceeds a threshold indicating occlusion clearance, the controller activates the solenoid valve to vent the bypass line, preventing traumatic pressure drops. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the bypass based on real-time pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve acts as an intermediary between the aspiration bypass line and the atmosphere. It controls the timing and extent of bypass venting, mediating between the need to prevent vacuum surge and the need to avoid traumatic pressure drops. The valve provides precise control over the bypass flow based on pressure sensor feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If a solenoid valve is used to control fluid connectivity in the aspiration channel, then control precision over pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electronically controlled solenoid valve. The valve provides precise pressure control through electromagnetic actuation, which is more controllable and easier to regulate than purely mechanical systems. The electronic control allows for rapid response and precise timing of bypass activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve changes the flow parameters in the aspiration bypass line by opening or closing the valve based on pressure thresholds. This parameter change (from closed to open state) precisely controls the fluid connectivity and pressure dynamics in the system, enabling rapid response to pressure changes without complex mechanical adjustments.
3Speed
If the solenoid valve opens quickly to vent the bypass line, then response speed to pressure changes is improved, but mechanical stress on the plunger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber provides beforehand cushioning for the plunger by absorbing mechanical energy during rapid valve opening and closing. This cushioning prevents excessive mechanical stress and damage to the plunger while allowing the valve to respond quickly to pressure changes. The shock absorber is positioned to engage during the high-speed plunger movement caused by solenoid actuation.
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
The system effectively reduces pressure differences during occlusion clearance, minimizing the risk of traumatic vacuum surges and maintaining stable intraocular pressure, thus protecting the eye during phacoemulsification procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil disposed in the valve body around the valve cavity, and a plunger including a permanent magnet, and configured to move back-and-forth along the direction of elongation between a first position and a second position in the valve cavity to selectively control the fluid connectivity between respective ones of the ports
Implementation Method 2
a plunger including a permanent magnet, and configured to move back-and-forth along the direction of elongation between a first position and a second position in the valve cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes (i) a solenoid valve, positioned between a handle of a probe, and an aspiration line coupled with the handle for aspirating fluids from the probe, the solenoid valve includes at least a solenoid coil and a plunger movable by the solenoid coil, (ii) a sensor, positioned between the handle and the aspiration line and configured to produce a signal indicative of a fluid metric in the aspiration line, and (iii) a controller, configured to identify, based on the signal, a vacuum surge in the aspiration line, and, in response to identifying the vacuum surge, to apply at least one current to the solenoid coil to selectively move the plunger between a first position and a second position, and to selectively maintain the plunger in the first position and the second position.