Microscope-Mounted Lubrication Assembly for Consistent Eye Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual application of lubricant during ophthalmic procedures can obstruct the surgeon's view, lead to inefficient use of lubricant, and result in inconsistent lubrication, increasing procedure cost and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A lubrication assembly integrated with a surgical microscope that automatically dispenses lubricant onto the patient's eye, featuring a dispenser, fluid line, and actuators for controlled lubricant delivery, allowing for precise and continuous lubrication without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual lubricant application is used, then the surgeon can control lubricant application, but the surgeon's view is obstructed and the procedure is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant application controlVSAvoidsurgical procedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service lubricant delivery where the automated dispenser performs the lubrication function without requiring manual intervention from the surgical team, allowing continuous operation without interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical action of applying lubricant with a dropper or syringe is replaced by an automated mechanical dispenser system integrated with the surgical microscope, eliminating the need for manual lubricant application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual lubricant application is used, then the assistant can apply lubricant, but the lubricant use is inefficient and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant application simplicityVSAvoidlubrication consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position of the lubricant dispenser is continuously monitored relative to the patient's eye, and the system adjusts accordingly to maintain consistent lubrication delivery throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the lubricant delivery based on real-time position monitoring, transitioning from static manual application to dynamic automated control that adapts to changes in the surgical field and patient position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual lubricant application is used, then the assistant can dispense lubricant, but the surgeon's view is blocked and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant dispensing capabilityVSAvoidprocedure interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant dispenser is pre-positioned and integrated with the surgical microscope before the procedure begins, with the lubricant source pre-loaded, eliminating the need for during-procedure setup and reducing interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous lubricant delivery throughout the surgical procedure without interruption, maintaining the useful action of lubrication without the need to stop for manual application, thereby eliminating time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250275867A1Lubrication assembly and method for use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ALCON INC

AI summary

A system and method for assisting a surgeon performing an ophthalmic procedure on an eye of a patient, the system including a lubrication assembly. The lubrication assembly may include a mounting bracket, a dispenser, a lubricant source, a fluid line, and a first actuator. The dispenser is coupled to the mounting bracket which is configured to be coupled to a surgical microscope. The lubricant source is fluidly coupled to the dispenser by the fluid line for movement of a lubricant between the lubricant source and the dispenser. The first actuator dispenses the lubricant from the dispenser onto the eye of the patient.