Dual-Axis Footpedal Pump Control for Ocular Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification systems limit surgeons to operating either flow-based or vacuum-based pumps concurrently, leading to undesirable ocular chamber instability and inefficiencies during surgical procedures due to the need to switch between pump types, which can result in pressure loss and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis footpedal system that allows seamless switching between flow-based and vacuum-based pumps by processing signals from both axes, enabling independent control over each pump to maintain stable pressure and fluid management during ocular surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump system is used with traditional footpedal control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited as surgeons cannot operate both flow and vacuum based systems concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The footpedal device is designed with multiple independent channels (first channel for flow-based pump, second channel for vacuum-based pump) that can operate simultaneously or independently, allowing a single device to control multiple pump types with different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent channels where each channel can control a different pump type, allowing autonomous operation of flow-based and vacuum-based pumps without interference
2Ease of operation
If manual switching between pumps is performed, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous fluid management during pump transitions by allowing overlapping operation of both pumps, eliminating gaps in fluid delivery or aspiration that would occur during manual switching
Solution Approach 2:
The footpedal configuration allows the surgeon to prepare for pump transitions in advance by positioning the foot to activate the appropriate channel, enabling smoother and more anticipatory control during surgery
3Productivity
If pump switching is performed during surgery, then the productivity is improved through flexible pump selection, but the stability deteriorates due to ocular chamber instability during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides compensatory fluid management during pump transitions by allowing the second pump to compensate for pressure fluctuations caused by deactivating the first pump, cushioning against ocular chamber instability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling vacuum pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a multiple axis controller, such as a dual axis footpedal, and a processing apparatus, such as an instrument host running software, configured to receive multiple axis data from the multiple axis controller. The apparatus also includes a first pump configured to provide nonzero fluid pressure at a first nonzero fluid pressure level based on a first axis state of the multiple axis controller and a second pump configured to provide nonzero fluid pressure at a second nonzero fluid pressure level based on a second axis state of the multiple axis controller. The processing apparatus causes switching between the first pump and the second pump based on the first axis state and the second axis state of the multiple axis controller.