Real-Time Intraocular Pressure Control in Phacoemulsification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic surgical systems lack the ability to effectively manage and predict intraoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) during phacoemulsification surgery, leading to uncontrolled changes in anterior chamber stability and increased risk of eye damage due to post occlusion surge events.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a surgical console with pressure sensors and a control module that calculates and regulates aspiration and irrigation pressures in real-time, using algorithms to determine static and dynamic IOP, and adjust system parameters to maintain stable anterior chamber pressure, including detection and mitigation of post occlusion surges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-time pressure sensing and control algorithms are implemented, then intraocular pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintraocular pressure control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously measuring aspiration pressure via sensors, comparing it to target pressure values, and dynamically adjusting aspiration pump operation to maintain desired intraocular pressure during phacoemulsification surgery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure control with automated electronic control systems that use pressure sensors, microprocessors, and control algorithms to regulate intraocular pressure, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through software-based solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple pressure sensors are deployed in the aspiration line, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aspiration line is segmented into multiple measurement zones with pressure sensors positioned at different locations (e.g., proximal and distal to the handpiece), allowing independent measurement of pressure gradients and more accurate determination of intraocular pressure through differential sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pressure sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure intraocular pressure by sensing pressure in the aspiration line, which is coupled to the anterior chamber through the handpiece, providing safe non-intrusive measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If dynamic IOP calculation and real-time adjustment are implemented, then anterior chamber stability is improved, but loss of time in system response increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanterior chamber stabilityVSAvoidsystem response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation of pressure sensing, IOP calculation, and aspiration pump adjustment throughout the surgical procedure, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring and control that responds immediately to pressure changes without periodic interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system pre-calculates target aspiration pressure values based on desired IOP ranges and surgical parameters before they are needed, and maintains ready-state pump control to enable immediate response when pressure deviations are detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides precise control over intraocular pressure, enhancing anterior chamber stability and reducing the risk of eye damage during surgery by accurately predicting and managing IOP fluctuations and occlusion events.

Implementation Method 1

The system may include a Venturi vacuum source in communication with the aspiration line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3691585B1Systems for measuring fluid flow in a venturi based system
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC
  • EP3691585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3691585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3691585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Variables of a surgical system are detected or received via one or more sensors to predict an intraocular pressure (IOP) and/or determine an IOP in real time during a surgical procedure. A notification to a surgeon or a target IOP is set and maintained as determined by Static IOP, dynamic IOP, and/or a total IOP combining both static and dynamic IOP of the anterior chamber of a patient's eye. Information collected about various components of the system are displayed on a user interface. The system uses the collected information to calculate the static IOP and/or dynamic IOP of the system, and the total IOP may be function of the static IOP and/or dynamic IOP measurements.