Modular Irrigation Aspiration Handpiece for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for irrigation and aspiration in procedures like phacoemulsification lack a seamless integration of irrigation and aspiration functions, often requiring separate devices and complicating single-handed operation during ophthalmic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical hand piece that combines irrigation and aspiration functions, allowing for a single instrument to be configured between assembled and separated states, with a fluid-tight seal and interchangeable components for efficient fluid management during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate irrigation and aspiration devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgical procedure requires multiple devices and complicates single-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate irrigation and aspiration devices into a single integrated handpiece. The irrigation portion and aspiration portion are merged into one unified device with common housing, control mechanisms, and fluid management systems, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously or independently from a single instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated handpiece is designed to perform multiple functions - both irrigation and aspiration - within a single device. The universal design allows the instrument to adapt between different operational modes (coaxial or bimanual configuration) while maintaining optimized performance for each specific function through shared components and control systems.
2Ease of operation
If a single integrated handpiece is used, then the number of devices is reduced and single-handed operation is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated handpiece is segmented into distinct functional modules - an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion - that can be independently configured. These segments are connected through a common housing and fluid management system, allowing modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining the benefits of integration. The segmentation enables flexible configuration (coaxial or bimanual) without requiring a completely separate device for each function.
3Device complexity
If irrigation and aspiration portions are permanently integrated, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to adapt between different surgical configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece incorporates dynamic, movable connections between the irrigation and aspiration portions. The portions can be repositioned relative to each other and selectively coupled or decoupled, allowing the device to transition between different configurations (coaxial or bimanual) during the surgical procedure. This dynamic design maintains structural simplicity while providing adaptability through controlled mobility and reconfigurability.
4Reliability
If separate irrigation and aspiration devices are used, then each device can be independently optimized, but fluid management becomes more complex and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management systems for irrigation and aspiration are merged into a unified control architecture within the integrated handpiece. Shared components include fluid reservoirs, flow control mechanisms, and sealing systems that manage both fluid pathways simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity of fluid management while maintaining independent optimization of each function through dedicated fluid channels and control elements within the unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand piece having an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion that are releasably coupled is disclosed. In an assembled configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are coupled such that the hand piece may be manipulable by a user as a single unit. In a separated configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be utilized separate from each other. The irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be freely moved between the assembled configuration and the separated configuration.