Dual Pump Aspiration System for Ocular Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery systems face challenges in maintaining accurate control over fluid volume and pressure during procedures, particularly when switching between displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration flows, which can lead to inefficient tissue fragmentation and potential tissue damage due to pressure surges or sluggish operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically switches between low and high flow-rate aspiration modes using a combination of volumetric and vacuum-based pumps, allowing for continuous operation without interrupting the procedure, and includes a processor to manage the switching based on occlusion detection and ultrasonic energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump system is used for aspiration, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot provide both accurate volumetric control and high vacuum capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different pump systems (volumetric pump and vacuum pump) into a single integrated aspiration system. The volumetric pump provides accurate flow control while the vacuum pump provides high vacuum capability, and both are merged to work together through a common aspiration pathway to achieve versatile aspiration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pump system is designed to provide multiple functions: the volumetric pump handles normal aspiration and irrigation balance, while the vacuum pump provides enhanced vacuum capability for specific surgical needs. The system can switch between different aspiration modes (volumetric-only, vacuum-only, or combined) to adapt to various surgical requirements.
2Productivity
If aspiration flow is increased to improve tissue removal efficiency, then productivity increases, but pressure surges may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system monitors aspiration flow and vacuum levels, activating the vacuum pump only when additional vacuum capability is needed to maintain optimal aspiration flow, thereby avoiding continuous high-pressure surges that could damage tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that monitor aspiration flow rate and vacuum pressure levels. This feedback is used to automatically control the vacuum pump activation and modulation, ensuring that vacuum is applied only when needed and at appropriate levels, preventing pressure surges while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between displacement pump and venturi pump is implemented, then adaptability of aspiration modes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automated control logic that monitors surgical conditions and automatically switches between volumetric pump-only mode, vacuum pump-only mode, and combined mode based on real-time feedback from flow and pressure sensors. This self-service switching reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies operation despite the dual pump configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the two pump systems and the surgical console. This intermediary manages the complexity of coordinating two different pump types, handling switching decisions, flow balancing, and vacuum modulation, thereby shielding the surgeon from the underlying system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If vacuum-based aspiration is used to improve fluid pressure control, then measurement precision is improved, but the system responds sluggishly to occlusion events
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a baseline level of vacuum readiness through the vacuum pump system, so that when occlusion is detected, the vacuum capability is already prepared and can be immediately activated or increased, reducing the response time while maintaining precise pressure control capability.
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
Enables precise control over fluid flow and pressure, improving tissue fragmentation and reducing the risk of tissue damage by allowing seamless switching between aspiration modes, enhancing surgical efficiency and operator control.
Implementation Method 1
peristaltic pumps (which use rotating rollers that press against a flexible tubing to induce flow)
Implementation Method 2
vacuum-based aspiration systems using a vacuum source, typically applied to the aspiration flow through an air-liquid interface
Implementation Method 3
Phacoemulsification systems often use ultrasound energy to fragment the lens
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automatically pulsing different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level, and applied to the probe in a pulsed manner.