Flexible Impeller Pump for Phacoemulsification Handpiece

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Phacoemulsification procedures face complications due to occlusion surges caused by blockages in the aspiration needle, leading to potential eye collapse and lens capsule tears, as larger tissue fragments get clogged and result in rapid fluid aspiration.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a flexible impeller pump with the phacoemulsification handpiece, featuring a non-concentrically disposed flexible impeller with radially extending vanes and a bulbous tip, which can deform to accommodate debris without jamming, and is self-priming and reversible to manage occlusions and maintain consistent fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional rigid impeller pump is used, then the pump structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pump jams when encountering larger tissue fragments, causing occlusion surges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump operation continuityVSAvoidimpeller structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller is designed with flexible vanes that can dynamically change their configuration. When tissue fragments are encountered, the vanes flexibly deform to accommodate the debris and then return to their original position, preventing jamming and ensuring continuous pump operation without requiring complex bypass mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The impeller vanes are constructed from flexible material that allows them to bend and deform elastically. This flexibility enables the vanes to pass through or around larger tissue fragments without jamming, while maintaining the pumping action, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If aspiration flow rate is increased to clear occlusions faster, then productivity improves, but the risk of eye collapse and lens capsule tears increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion clearance speedVSAvoideye collapse risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor aspiration flow and provide feedback to the control system. When an occlusion is detected, the system automatically adjusts the aspiration flow rate to clear the occlusion safely, then reduces the flow rate to prevent eye collapse, optimizing both productivity and safety through real-time feedback control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-flow modes for occlusion clearance and low-flow modes for safe aspiration. This periodic action allows the system to clear occlusions efficiently while providing rest periods that prevent excessive pressure buildup and eye collapse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If a non-self-priming pump is used, then the pump structure is simpler, but pre-surgical preparation time increases due to priming requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-surgical preparation timeVSAvoidpump system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is designed with self-priming capability through its flexible impeller configuration and chamber geometry. The flexible vanes create pumping action that draws fluid into the chamber automatically without requiring external priming operations, eliminating pre-surgical preparation time while maintaining relatively simple pump structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 impeller pump minimizes occlusion surges by accommodating tissue fragments, reducing the risk of eye collapse and lens capsule tears, while providing efficient and consistent aspiration, extending pump life and reducing pre-surgical preparation needs.

Implementation Method 1

An impeller pump may be carried by the hand-graspable body and may be configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

A typical surgical handpiece used for phacoemulsification procedures includes of an ultrasonically driven cutting needle. The phacoemulsification needle may be arranged to ultrasonically vibrate to treat an ocular condition.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3474793B1Phacoemulsification handpiece with flexible impeller pump

Publication Date: 2022.10.26 ALCON INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A phacoemulsification system that includes a hand-graspable body and a phacoemulsification needle extending from a distal portion of the body is disclosed herein. The phacoemulsification system may also include an impeller pump carried by the hand-graspable body and configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The impeller pump may include an aspiration motor and a flexible impeller coupled to and rotatably driven by the aspiration motor. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.