Curved Phacoemulsification Probe Tip with Angled Infusion Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification probes with straight tips and coaxial infusion sleeves risk damaging sensitive eye structures due to linear motion and competitive fluid infusion direction during cataract surgery, and are prone to 'coring' issues where the probe tip becomes plugged with emulsified material.
Innovation Solution
A curved phacoemulsification probe tip with a second axis at a predetermined angle to the main axis, combined with a fluid sleeve that infuses fluid in a non-competitive vector to the aspiration direction, minimizing damage to eye structures and preventing coring by creating a cyclonic fluid motion that directs emulsified particles towards the aspiration opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 it causes damage to sensitive eye structures due to linear motion and competitive fluid infusion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The probe tip is designed with a curved geometry where the infusion sleeve is angled relative to the aspiration axis. This curvature allows the infusion fluid to enter the capsular sac at an angle rather than directly opposing the aspiration flow, eliminating the competitive force vectors that cause tissue damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a straight probe tip with coaxial infusion sleeve is used, then the device design is simple, but it causes coring where the probe tip becomes plugged with emulsified material
Solution Approach 1:
The angled configuration of the infusion sleeve relative to the aspiration axis creates a non-linear flow path. This curvature in the fluid delivery system prevents emulsified material from directly obstructing the aspiration opening, thereby preventing coring while maintaining a simple device design without additional moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion sleeve is positioned at an angle to the aspiration axis, introducing a spatial dimension difference between the fluid infusion path and the material aspiration path. This dimensional separation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, preventing plugging while keeping the device structurally simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a curved probe tip with angled infusion sleeve is used, then damage to eye structures is minimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the probe tip with angled infusion sleeve is achieved through a single integrated design element rather than multiple separate components. This curvature simultaneously optimizes the fluid dynamics to protect eye structures while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, avoiding the need for complex multi-part assemblies.
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, minimizes complications like endothelial trauma and corneal damage, and effectively prevents coring, facilitating safer and more efficient removal of cataracts and lens materials.
Implementation Method 1
creating a cyclonic fluid motion that directs emulsified particles towards the aspiration opening
Implementation Method 2
high frequency ultrasound generated movements of a metal probe tip
Implementation Method 3
The material within the eye may be emulsified using ultrasonic processes in order to break down material within the eye
Implementation Method 4
subtle aspiration or suction functions to remove emulsified lens material within the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification probe for use with eye surgery comprises a connector for interconnecting the probe with a phacoemulsification machine. A probe tip has a first end with a first central axis running therethrough connected with the connector and a second end with a second axis running therethrough. The second axis is at a predetermined angle to the first central axis. The probe tip further includes a body defining a channel therein for aspirating material from a surgical region within an eye through an opening in the second end along a first vector. The body includes a straight portion around the central axis connected to the first end and a curved portion connecting the straight portion to the second end. A fluid sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the probe tip and has a first end and a second end. The fluid sleeve has a first portion at the first end having a first diameter that prevents a fluid from flowing between the fluid sleeve and the body of the probe tip. The fluid sleeve further has a second portion having a second diameter that defines a channel between an inner surface of the fluid sleeve and an outer surface of the body of the probe tip for injecting a fluid into the surgical region within the eye. The fluid sleeve defines at least one opening for injecting the fluid from the channel into the surgical region of the eye along at least one second vector.