Intraocular Surgery Venturi Pump Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraocular surgery systems using Venturi pumps face challenges in independently controlling aspiration pressure and flow rate, leading to clogging issues with nucleus fragments during cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a Venturi pump with a separation device that includes a main body with a discharge part connected to a second aspiration tube of smaller diameter and an aspiration part connected to a first aspiration tube of larger diameter, preventing nucleus fragments from entering the smaller tube, and an adjustment mechanism to control the inner diameter of the second aspiration tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the aspiration flow rate is reduced by decreasing the diameter of the aspiration tube, then the aspiration pressure can be maintained, but nucleus fragments may clog the aspiration tube
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aspiration path into two separate tubes: a first aspiration tube with larger diameter for nucleus fragments and a second aspiration tube with smaller diameter for perfusate. This segmentation allows each tube to be optimized for its specific function, preventing clogging while maintaining low flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device acts as an intermediary between the two aspiration tubes, separating nucleus fragments from perfusate and directing them through appropriate tubes. This mediator enables the system to achieve both low flow rate and clogging prevention.
2Ease of manufacture
If a Venturi pump is used instead of a peristaltic pump, then the system cost is reduced, but independent control of aspiration pressure and flow rate is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration function is segmented into two independent streams handled by separate tubes, allowing the Venturi pump to control overall aspiration while the separation device manages distribution. This maintains cost-effectiveness while achieving functional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles through the Venturi pump to generate aspiration pressure, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve cost-effective operation while the mechanical separation device provides functional control.
3Reliability
If the aspiration flow rate is set high to prevent clogging, then nucleus fragments can be aspirated reliably, but excessive perfusate is removed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the aspiration streams into separate tubes for nucleus fragments and perfusate, the system can aspirate nucleus fragments at higher flow rates without proportionally increasing perfusate removal, thus preventing clogging while reducing unnecessary fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The first aspiration tube is designed with larger diameter specifically for nucleus fragment transport, while the second tube has smaller diameter for perfusate. This local differentiation of tube properties optimizes each stream's characteristics independently.
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 configuration reduces the aspiration flow rate while preventing clogging due to nucleus fragments, allowing for efficient perfusate aspiration and safe handling of nucleus fragments during cataract surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi tube to which air is supplied from the air pumping means; a drainage tank that is connected to a narrowed part of the Venturi tube
Implementation Method 2
a fragmentation tip for fragmenting and emulsifying a crystalline lens is attached to a front end of the main body. The tube-shaped fragmentation tip is coupled to the horn, and is able to provide ultrasonic vibrations to the crystalline lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an intraocular surgery system using a Venturi pump and capable of preventing clogging due to nucleus fragments, despite a reduced aspiration flow rate. The intraocular surgery system includes: an air pumping means (21); a Venturi tube (22) to which air is supplied from the air pumping means; a drainage tank (28) that is connected to a narrowed part of the Venturi tube; an intraocular surgery device (1) configured to fragment a nucleus inside an eye using ultrasonic vibrations, and discharge the nucleus together with a perfusate; a first aspiration tube (31) through which the perfusate discharged from the intraocular surgery device passes; a separation device (4) to which the first aspiration tube is connected, and that is configured to separate the nucleus from the perfusate that has flown from the first aspiration tube; and a second aspiration tube (32) that has an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the first aspiration tube, and is configured to supply the drainage tank with the perfusate discharged from the separation device.