Cataract Surgery Data Management via Networked Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cataract surgery systems lack efficient data recording and retrieval processes, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming manual procedures for tracking surgical data, settings, and consumables, resulting in inconsistent results and inefficient operation management.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based cataract surgery support system that includes a mobile application interfacing with operating room devices via a data communication network, allowing for centralized storage and retrieval of surgical data, settings, and consumables tracking, with features for automatic data presentation, video recording integration, and inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data recording and retrieval processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data communication network as an intermediary between surgical devices and the operating room environment. This network enables automated data transfer and retrieval, improving productivity without requiring direct complex integration between all system components. The network acts as a mediator that simplifies data management while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection processes with electronic data retrieval systems. Instead of manually recording and retrieving data, the system uses computer-based interfaces and network communications to automatically access and display surgical data, thereby improving measurement precision and productivity while reducing manual labor complexity.

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

2Loss of time

If manual data retrieval processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval timeVSAvoiddata management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having surgical devices automatically log and store data during the procedure itself, rather than requiring post-procedure manual retrieval. The system continuously captures and stores surgical parameters, making data immediately available for review without time-consuming manual collection processes after the surgery concludes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The data communication network serves as an intermediary that enables rapid electronic retrieval of surgical data without requiring manual intervention. This network infrastructure allows any authorized user to access procedure data instantly through electronic queries, dramatically reducing data retrieval time compared to manual file searching and copying processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual data recording is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidautomated system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system automatically verifies and validates surgical data upon retrieval and display. The system provides feedback to users about data accuracy and completeness, enabling real-time verification of recorded information. This feedback loop ensures data reliability by catching errors before they affect surgical outcomes or documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data recording with automated electronic data capture systems that consistently apply standardized protocols for data collection. This electronic substitution eliminates human error in data entry and ensures uniform, reliable recording of surgical parameters across all procedures, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual verification processes.

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

4Productivity

If manual inventory tracking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinventory management efficiencyVSAvoidinventory system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service inventory tracking where surgical devices automatically monitor and report their own consumable usage. The system autonomously tracks inventory levels, monitors supply consumption during procedures, and generates replenishment alerts without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach dramatically improves inventory management productivity by eliminating manual counting and tracking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inventory system incorporates continuous feedback loops that automatically monitor stock levels and trigger replenishment actions when thresholds are reached. The system provides real-time feedback to users about inventory status and automatically initiates ordering processes, ensuring continuous availability of surgical supplies without requiring manual inventory checks or purchases, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10885151B2System and methods for a graphical user interface for conducting ophthalmic surgery
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 ABBOTT MEDICAL OPTICS INC
  • US10885151B2 patent drawing
  • US10885151B2 patent drawing
  • US10885151B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-based surgery support system and method for obtaining information of surgical procedures from networked equipment in an operating room, storing the retrieved information in a database, receiving a request for the stored information from a user terminal, and providing the stored information in accordance with the received request. The networked equipment may be configured for use in cataract surgical procedures, such as a phacoemulsion system.