IOP Management System for Phacoemulsification Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical systems lack the ability to effectively manage and predict intraocular pressure (IOP) during phacoemulsification surgery, particularly in managing post occlusion surge events, which can lead to uncontrolled changes in anterior chamber stability and increased risk of eye collapse.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a surgical console with sensors and a mechanical device that temporarily engages the irrigation line to stabilize line pressure, including a vacuum system, irrigation, and aspiration lines, allowing for real-time measurement and control of IOP through a graphical user interface, enabling precise fluidics control and occlusion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ophthalmic surgical systems are used without real-time IOP monitoring and control mechanisms, then the surgical procedure can proceed with standard irrigation and aspiration, but the intraocular pressure cannot be effectively managed during post occlusion surge events, leading to uncontrolled changes in anterior chamber stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using sensors to continuously monitor IOP and providing real-time data to a control system. The control system adjusts irrigation flow and aspiration vacuum based on the monitored IOP values, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains stable IOP during surgery. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable IOP management through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting occlusion events and predicting post occlusion surge before they cause damage. The control system proactively adjusts irrigation flow and aspiration parameters in anticipation of pressure changes, preventing anterior chamber collapse before it occurs. This preliminary action approach enables reliable IOP management without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If real-time IOP monitoring and control mechanisms are implemented, then stable intraocular pressure management is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors, control systems, and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into a single unified system. The control system simultaneously monitors IOP, detects occlusion events, predicts post occlusion surge, and coordinates both irrigation and aspiration functions. This universal approach maintains anterior chamber stability while reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the monitoring, control, and coordination functions into an integrated IOP management system. The sensors, control algorithms, and fluid delivery mechanisms are combined in a unified architecture that works together seamlessly. This merging approach achieves stable anterior chamber pressure control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional systems without occlusion detection are used, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but post occlusion surge events cannot be detected, increasing the risk of eye collapse and surgical complications
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors to detect occlusion events by monitoring changes in IOP patterns. The control system analyzes real-time pressure data to identify characteristics of occlusion and post occlusion surge, enabling early detection before surgical complications occur. This feedback-based detection improves surgical safety without requiring complex specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical occlusion detection mechanisms with electronic sensing and computational analysis. Instead of using mechanical flow restrictors or complex mechanical sensors, the system uses pressure sensors and algorithms to detect occlusion events through software-based pattern recognition. This substitution improves detection accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity.
4Stress or pressure
If mechanical devices are used to temporarily engage the irrigation line for pressure stabilization, then line pressure stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure stabilization devices with electronic control systems. Instead of using mechanical flow restrictors, valves, or pressure regulators, the system uses electronic sensors to monitor pressure and electronic controls to adjust irrigation flow and aspiration vacuum. This substitution stabilizes line pressure while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves pressure stabilization by dynamically changing operational parameters rather than using fixed mechanical devices. The control system adjusts irrigation flow rate, aspiration vacuum level, and other parameters in real-time based on monitored IOP and line pressure. This parameter-based approach provides stable line pressure without requiring complex mechanical pressure control components.
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 system provides stable intraocular pressure management, reducing the risk of anterior chamber collapse and improving surgical outcomes by enabling precise control of fluid flow and occlusion detection during phacoemulsification surgery.
Implementation Method 1
an aspiration pump... The handpiece further includes an aspiration port at the distal tip that is coupled to the aspiration pump via an aspiration output line
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation source... The handpiece includes one or more irrigation ports proximal to the distal tip and coupled to the irrigation source via an irrigation input line
Data Source
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.