Dual Pump Aspiration System for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical aspiration systems face challenges in monitoring pressure and detecting occlusions near the working tip, particularly due to ergonomic constraints and the need for pressure sensors within the handpiece, which complicates occlusion detection and can lead to vacuum surges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second aspiration pump and a pressure sensor located between the first aspiration pump in the handpiece and the second aspiration pump in the console, allowing for occlusion detection upstream of the handpiece pump without requiring a pressure sensor in the handpiece, and maintaining a constant or low vacuum level through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is located in the handpiece to monitor pressure near the working tip, then occlusion detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ergonomic constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is extracted from the handpiece and relocated to the console. The system uses a second pump in the console to create a reference pressure point, allowing occlusion detection to be performed at the console level rather than requiring a sensor in the handpiece. This reduces handpiece complexity while maintaining occlusion detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A second pump is introduced as an intermediary component in the console to create a controlled pressure reference point. This intermediary pump allows the system to monitor pressure differentials and detect occlusions indirectly through pressure comparisons, eliminating the need for a pressure sensor in the handpiece.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is located in the handpiece to monitor pressure near the working tip, then real-time pressure monitoring is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to ergonomic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure monitoring functionality is extracted from the handpiece and implemented at the console level. By removing the pressure sensor from the handpiece, the ergonomic constraints on the handpiece are reduced, making it easier to operate while maintaining real-time pressure monitoring capability through the console-based sensor and dual-pump system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pumps are used in the system, then occlusion detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The second pump in the console serves multiple functions: it creates a reference pressure point for occlusion detection, maintains consistent flow conditions, and enables the pressure sensor to accurately measure occlusions. By making the second pump multi-functional, the system achieves high occlusion detection accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This configuration enables effective monitoring and detection of occlusions at the working tip, improving ergonomics and reducing system complexity and costs by eliminating the need for pressure sensors in the handpiece, thus enhancing chamber stability and procedural control.
Implementation Method 1
The console houses a pump, such as a peristaltic pump, which produces a suction through the flexible conduit
Implementation Method 2
If an occlusion occurs, the pressure sensor detects a buildup of vacuum in the aspiration line
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring for an occlusion in an aspiration line during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. An ophthalmic surgical system may include a first aspiration pump located in a handpiece, a second aspiration pump located away from the handpiece such as in a console, and a pressure sensor located between the first aspiration pump and the second aspiration pump. The pressure sensor is adapted to monitor for an occlusion in the aspiration line upstream of the first aspiration pump. The second aspiration pump may be operated at the same flow rate as the first aspiration pump and/or to maintain a constant pressure between the second aspiration pump and the first aspiration pump. Systems and methods as disclosed allow for a handpiece pump located close to the working tip while providing reliable occlusion detection with a pressure sensor located away from the handpiece.