Flexible Expandable Phacoemulsification Tip for Lens Fragment Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phacoemulsification devices face challenges in efficiently aspirating larger lens fragments and harder denser pieces of the nucleus, which can cause occlusions and prolong the removal process, potentially leading to surgery complications and damage to ocular structures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and expandable phacoemulsification aspiration tip with a woven structure that can shorten and radially expand, facilitating the aspiration of lens fragments and reducing occlusions by conforming around blockages and increasing the distal radius to enhance aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow aspiration channel is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but larger lens fragments and harder denser pieces of the nucleus become difficult to aspirate, prolonging the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration tip incorporates a flexible distal end that can dynamically change its configuration. When occlusion is detected or during aspiration of larger fragments, the flexible distal end expands radially to increase the opening size, allowing larger lens fragments to be aspirated efficiently. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both a simple narrow channel structure during normal operation and an expanded opening when larger fragments are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the aspiration tip by making the distal end flexible and capable of radial expansion. This allows the opening size to change from a small normal configuration to a larger expanded configuration when needed. The flexible material properties and expandable structure enable the tip to adapt its dimensions based on the size of lens fragments being aspirated, thereby maintaining high productivity without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If aspiration suction is increased to remove larger lens fragments faster, then productivity improves, but the risk of occlusion and vacuum surge increases, potentially causing damage to ocular structures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible distal end provides a dynamic safety mechanism that responds to changes in aspiration conditions. When larger fragments are encountered or occlusion occurs, the flexible material deforms and expands, naturally increasing the opening size to relieve the occlusion. This dynamic response prevents dangerous vacuum surges and protects ocular structures while maintaining efficient tissue removal, resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible distal end acts as an intermediary element between the aspiration channel and the lens fragments. It provides a compliant interface that can deform to accommodate varying fragment sizes and prevent hard occlusions. This intermediary structure absorbs the shock of occlusion events and prevents direct transmission of harmful vacuum forces to ocular structures, enabling safe high-speed aspiration.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid aspiration tip is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to conform around blockages and facilitate passage of lens fragments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible shell structure to the distal end of the aspiration tip. This flexible shell can deform and expand radially when occlusion occurs or when larger fragments are present, allowing the tip to conform around blockages and facilitate fragment passage. The flexible shell maintains sufficient structural integrity for manufacturing precision while providing the necessary compliance for ease of operation during the surgical procedure.
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 flexible and expandable tip design minimizes the time required for tissue removal, reduces interference with the surgeon's view, and enhances the efficient aspiration of lens fragments, thereby reducing the risk of surgery complications and ocular damage.
Implementation Method 1
it has been discovered that by utilizing a flexible/expandable tip, the principles of Poiseuille's Law can be utilized to increase the radius of the tip to facilitate aspiration of tissue fragments
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic device includes a needle like tip, which is inserted into an incision made near the outer edge of the cornea of the eye. Once inserted, the tip vibrates ultrasonically to fragment the lens for removal by aspiration.
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification cutting tip, including a rigid tubular portion and a flexible and expandable tip portion located distal to the rigid tubular portion. The flexible and expandable tip portion presents an axial length and an unexpanded radius and is formed such that the axial length shortens while the unexpanded radius increases when differential pressure due to an occlusion of an opening of the flexible tip portion exists.