Gas Infusion Irrigation Control for Surgical Pressure Response

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling irrigation pressure in surgical systems, such as phacoemulsification, are limited by the need for expensive metal tubes and slow pressurization/depressurization, which are inefficient and dependent on gravity-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A gas infusion system with dual ports for controlling irrigation pressure, allowing for quick and precise adjustment of fluid pressure using gas infusion, eliminating the need for metal tubes and enhancing the responsiveness of the system to surgical conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal tube is used to control head pressure in the irrigation bottle or bag, then pressure control is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and pressurization/depressurization is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidpressurization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a gas infusion system where gas is introduced into the irrigation bottle or bag to create pressure control. This pneumatic approach replaces the mechanical metal tube system, enabling rapid pressurization and depressurization through controlled gas flow, thereby improving both response speed and system cost-effectiveness while maintaining reliable pressure control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If a metal tube is used to control head pressure, then pressure regulation is possible, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure regulationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the complex metal tube integration system with a simpler gas infusion mechanism. Gas is introduced through a port in the bottle or bag cap, utilizing the existing headspace air pocket to regulate pressure. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective pressure regulation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the disposable irrigation bottle or bag itself as the pressure control medium. The air pocket within the disposable container serves as the pressure regulation mechanism, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable metal tube components. This approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If gravity-based irrigation system is used, then simple pressure control is achieved, but the available pressure is limited by ceiling height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidirrigation pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the simple gravity-based irrigation system with a pneumatic gas infusion system. Gas is introduced into the irrigation bottle or bag to create additional pressure on the fluid, enabling pressure control independent of ceiling height. This hybrid approach maintains system simplicity while overcoming the pressure limitations of pure gravity-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 rapid and refined control of irrigation pressure, improving surgical outcomes by providing a closed-loop dynamic irrigation system that adapts to surgical factors in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

modifying a pressure above the irrigation fluid in a fluid reservoir to increase the flow rate through a surgical pack by iteratively controlling infusion of gas to the fluid reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4313191B1System of gas infusion to allow for pressure control of irrigation in a surgical system
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC
  • EP4313191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4313191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4313191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus, system and method of controlling the flow rate of an irrigation fluid. The apparatus, system and method include modifying a pressure gravitationally above the irrigation fluid in a fluid reservoir to increase the flow rate through a surgical pack by iteratively controlling infusion of gas to the fluid reservoir. The iteratively controlling comprises sensing an in-range response to said modifying, wherein the infusion of gas is enabled; and sensing an out-of-range response to said modifying. If, based on prior ones of said modifying: the out-of-range response poses no danger to a patient, the infusion of gas is enabled; the out-of-range response poses a substantial danger to the patient, the infusion of gas is disabled; or the out-of-range response poses no substantial danger to the patient, the iteratively controlling comprises applying a successive series of modifications to correct the out-of-range response.