Curved Phacoemulsification Probe Tip with Flexible Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phacoemulsification probes with straight tips and coaxial infusion sleeves risk damaging eye structures due to linear motion and competitive fluid infusion, leading to potential damage to the zonules and iris, and are prone to 'coring' where the probe tip becomes plugged with emulsified materials.

Innovation Solution

A curved phacoemulsification probe tip with a flexible sleeve that aspirates materials along a first vector and infuses fluid along a second non-competitive vector, minimizing direct force on sensitive structures and preventing clogging by using a larger channel diameter for fluid infusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a straight probe tip with coaxial infusion sleeve is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the linear motion and competitive fluid infusion cause damage to eye structures such as zonules and iris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddamage to eye structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probe tip is designed with a curved geometry instead of a straight configuration. This curvature allows the ultrasonic emissions and aspiration to occur along a curved path that bypasses sensitive eye structures such as the zonules and iris, thereby reducing mechanical damage while maintaining effective cataract emulsification and removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The infusion sleeve is positioned and oriented to provide fluid infusion along a different spatial dimension or trajectory than the aspiration vector. This non-coaxial, non-competitive infusion approach creates a more favorable fluid dynamic environment that reduces turbulence and prevents damage to eye structures while maintaining effective material removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a straight probe tip with coaxial infusion sleeve is used, then the device structure is simple, but the probe tip becomes plugged with emulsified materials causing 'coring'

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved probe tip design prevents emulsified lens materials from accumulating and plugging the aspiration opening. The curved geometry creates more favorable flow patterns that facilitate continuous material removal along the curved path, preventing the stagnation and clogging that occurs with straight tip designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe tip incorporates a larger channel diameter for fluid infusion compared to the aspiration opening. This parameter change in the channel dimensions creates a more favorable pressure gradient and flow dynamics that prevent emulsified materials from backing up and plugging the tip, thereby maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If linear motion with coaxial fluid infusion is used, then the device is simple to operate, but turbulent flow causes endothelial damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidturbulent flow damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion sleeve is configured to deliver fluid along a trajectory that is non-competitive with the aspiration vector. This spatial reconfiguration of fluid infusion creates more laminar flow patterns and reduces turbulent mixing that would otherwise occur with coaxial infusion, thereby protecting the corneal endothelium from mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 curved design reduces stress on eye structures, prevents coring, and facilitates safer and more efficient aspiration of cataract material with reduced risk of endothelial damage and turbulence, improving surgical outcomes by directing fluid and aspiration vectors to minimize interference.

Implementation Method 1

high frequency ultrasound generated movements of a metal probe tip combined with the infusion of fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

infusion of fluids to maintain and pressurize the human eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid infusion:

Implementation Method 3

subtle aspiration or suction functions to remove emulsified lens material within the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAspiration: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12186511B2Probe tip and infusion sleeve for use in ophthalmological surgery

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 HERMAN WESLEY K

AI summary

A phacoemulsification probe for use with eye surgery comprises a probe tip defining a channel there in the probe tip defining an opening having a first diameter for aspirating material from a surgical area long a first vector. The probe tip further defining a channel therein the channel having a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the opening. A flexible sleeve surrounding a body of the probe tip. A first end of the flexible sleeve forming a seal between the probe tip and the flexible sleeve. A remainder of the flexible sleeve defines a second channel between the body of the probe tip and the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve further defines an opening for injecting a fluid from the second channel into the surgical area along a second vector.