Surgical Handpiece Suction Control for Rapid Tissue Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bimanual and coaxial handpieces lack intuitive control over suction force and do not provide quick responses for accidental aspiration of other tissues during surgical procedures like phacoemulsification.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece with an integrated operating element that allows direct control of suction force, featuring multiple operative modes including suction, no suction, and gradual progression, along with a shut-off valve and compressible segments to manage aspiration channel flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction force is controlled via an external controller (foot pedal), then the suction force source can be regulated, but the operation is not intuitive and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control function for suction force is merged with the handpiece itself by integrating an operating element directly into the handpiece structure. This allows the surgeon to control suction force intuitively at the point of operation without needing to reach for external controllers like foot pedals, thereby reducing response time and improving ease of operation during critical moments
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own control mechanism for suction force regulation. The operating element on the handpiece allows it to control its own suction function directly, eliminating the need for external control systems and enabling immediate response to surgical conditions
2Ease of operation
If the aspiration channel is closed to stop suction, then tissue aspiration is prevented, but the channel needs to be opened again to resume suction
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element provides dynamic control of the aspiration channel, allowing smooth transitions between open and closed states. The gradual progression mode enables the channel to be partially closed or opened incrementally, giving the surgeon precise control over suction force without abrupt changes, and allowing rapid resumption of suction when needed
3Strength
If a rigid aspiration channel is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility and ease of insertion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration channel is constructed as a flexible tube that can bend and conform to surgical pathways while maintaining its structural integrity. The flexible material allows the channel to be easily inserted and maneuvered through tight spaces, yet remains strong enough to withstand suction forces and maintain its lumen open for fluid flow
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 intuitive and controlled operation, allowing for immediate reaction to accidental tissue aspiration and reducing contamination risks, while simplifying design and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an aspiration opening for aspirating a surgery site, which aspiration opening is connected to an aspiration channel extending through the housing and which aspiration channel is configured to be connected to a suction force source such as a pump or underpressure system in order to generate a suction force in the aspiration opening
Implementation Method 2
the aspiration channel comprises a shut-off valve connected operatively to the operating element, which shut-off valve opens the aspiration channel in the first operative mode and closes the aspiration channel in the second operative mode
Implementation Method 3
a compressible segment, so that the internal volume is reduced, and can optionally also be closed off, by compressing the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A handpiece for use in a surgical procedure such as a phacoemulsification including a housing with a proximal and a distal outer end. The handpiece includes at the distal outer end an aspiration opening for aspirating a surgery site, which aspiration opening is connected to an aspiration channel extending through the housing and which aspiration channel is configured to be connected to a suction force source such as a pump or underpressure system in order to generate a suction force in the aspiration opening. The handpiece includes an operating element, wherein in a first operative mode of the operating element there is suction force in the aspiration opening and in a second operative mode of the operating element there is no suction force in the aspiration opening.