Flared-Tip Phacoemulsification Needle with Ribbed Sleeve for Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification needles are difficult to manufacture cost-effectively and efficiently, particularly those with off-axis tip configurations, and there is a need for improved designs that minimize thermal energy transmission and enhance emulsification efficiency while being compatible with both longitudinal and torsional handpieces.
Innovation Solution
A phacoemulsification needle with a flared or enlarged tip and a pentagonal cross-sectional configuration, featuring varying wall thicknesses and convex corners, designed for torsional and longitudinal movements, along with an infusion sleeve that includes internal ribs for enhanced sealing and reduced thermal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If off-axis tip configuration is used to improve emulsification efficiency, then emulsification efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the tip off-axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle body. This asymmetric configuration creates an eccentric motion pattern during torsional vibration that improves emulsification efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through conventional machining techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates rounded convex corners at the tip instead of sharp edges. This curvature modification improves emulsification by creating more effective contact with lens material while simplifying manufacturing through standard rounding operations during tip formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional needle design is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but thermal energy transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the wall thickness of the needle body. The walls are thinner at certain locations and thicker at others, creating localized thermal barriers that reduce heat transmission to sensitive eye tissues while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through conventional extrusion or machining processes.
3Ease of operation
If straight tip design is used for longitudinal handpieces, then ease of operation is improved, but emulsification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a needle that maintains the straight tip configuration preferred by surgeons for ease of operation, while incorporating an off-axis tip position and rounded corners that enable effective emulsification with both longitudinal and torsional handpiece types, making it versatile across different surgical systems.
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 design improves emulsification efficiency, minimizes thermal energy transmission, and reduces manufacturing complexity, while maintaining compatibility with various handpieces, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the infusion sleeve restricts flow of an irrigating fluid from the distal end thereof
Implementation Method 2
Phacoemulsification is the use of ultrasonic energy to emulsify the damaged lens
Implementation Method 3
aspirate the resulting lens particles from the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification needle includes a needle shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and having an internal aspiration passage. The needle includes a flaring emulsification tip at a distal end of the needle shaft portion and extending radially outwardly beyond the needle shaft portion. The emulsification tip includes an anti-glare surface treatment. An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification needle includes a hollow flexible tubular body for receiving the phacoemulsification needle and includes open proximal and distal ends, and an internal passage through which irrigating fluid passes to a surgical site when the infusion sleeve is mounted around the needle. The infusion sleeve includes at least one pair of adjacent, internal ribs within the internal passage positioned to engage the phacoemulsification needle to minimize thermal damage during a surgical procedure.