Surgical Cassette Pressure Sensing for Switch-Free Type Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical systems lack efficient methods to monitor and maintain optimal fluid levels during ophthalmic procedures, leading to potential tissue damage and complications due to fluid depletion or excessive pressure, and fail to accurately identify cassette types without mechanical switches.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses vacuum and irrigation pressure sensors to monitor fluid levels and identify cassette types by measuring running aspiration vacuum during a prime sequence, optimizing system parameters based on cassette type without mechanical switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vacuum and irrigation pressure sensors are used to monitor fluid levels, then fluid management accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid level monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical console integrates multiple functions into a single system: vacuum generation for aspiration, irrigation fluid delivery, cassette identification through pressure sensing, and fluid level monitoring. The pressure sensors serve dual purposes by both identifying cassette type and monitoring fluid levels, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies cassette type and adjusts operating parameters without manual intervention. The vacuum and irrigation systems self-regulate based on sensor feedback, automatically maintaining optimal fluid levels and pressure conditions during surgery without requiring constant manual adjustment by the surgeon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If cassette type is identified by mechanical switches, then identification accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecassette identification accuracyVSAvoidcassette installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switch-based cassette identification with a pressure sensing system. During the prime sequence, the system measures running aspiration vacuum levels to automatically determine cassette type, eliminating the need for mechanical switches and manual cassette configuration by the surgeon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cassette identification process occurs automatically during the prime sequence without requiring surgeon intervention. The system self-determines cassette type based on pressure measurements and automatically configures operating parameters, making the process as easy as simply installing the cassette.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fluid volume is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid monitoring system complexityVSAvoidtissue damage from fluid depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors fluid levels and vacuum pressure during surgery, using this feedback to automatically adjust irrigation and aspiration rates. When fluid levels drop or pressure becomes excessive, the system automatically adjusts parameters to prevent tissue damage, maintaining safe operating conditions throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively prevents harmful conditions by continuously monitoring fluid levels and making preemptive adjustments before dangerous situations occur. The pressure sensors detect early signs of fluid depletion or excessive pressure, allowing the system to adjust parameters before tissue damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures accurate fluid management and prevents tissue damage by maintaining optimal pressure, while enabling efficient cassette identification and program optimization.

Implementation Method 1

A system that uses vacuum and irrigation pressure sensors to monitor fluid levels and identify cassette types by measuring running aspiration vacuum during a prime sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum measurement: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

accurate control over the volume of fluid within the eye is highly beneficial... excessive pressure within the eye may strain and injure tissues of the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure monitoring: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4037628B1Systems for identifying cassette type in a surgical system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC
  • EP4037628B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4037628B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4037628B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A system for managing phacoemulsification surgery having a cassette with at least one pressure sensor and at least one fluid channel, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid channel. The surgical console also having a controller and a cassette receiving area, for engaging with the cassette, wherein the controller is configured to compare at least one pressure measurement from the at least one pressure sensor to at least one predetermined value indicative of an identifiable cassette type.