Modular Ocular Surgery Pump for Stable Intraocular Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ocular surgery methods for cataract treatment, particularly phacoemulsification, face challenges in maintaining chamber stability and efficiency due to the remote location of suction and irrigation sources, leading to potential complications like posterior capsule rupture and endothelial cell loss.

Innovation Solution

A modular hand-held system integrating a phacoemulsification unit with a pump unit, allowing for detachable coupling with irrigation-aspiration or vitrectomy units, providing localized suction and irrigation, thereby improving chamber stability and enabling versatile surgical operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a remote surgical console is used to supply irrigation fluid and aspiration suction, then the system can provide continuous fluid management, but chamber stability deteriorates and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber stabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld phacoemulsification unit with integrated pump, and a separate irrigation-aspiration unit. This segmentation allows the pump to be positioned close to the surgical site for stability while keeping the irrigation-aspiration function separate, reducing complications associated with remote console systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump unit is integrated into the handheld phacoemulsification unit, combining the functions of ultrasonic emulsification and localized suction in one device. This merging eliminates the need for remote console connection and improves chamber stability by placing the suction source adjacent to the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular hand-held system with detachable coupling is used, then versatility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical operation versatilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump unit is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple surgical units including phacoemulsification units, irrigation-aspiration units, and vitrectomy units. This multi-functionality allows a single pump unit to support various surgical procedures, improving versatility while maintaining a consistent basic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs detachable coupling mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of surgical units. The pump unit can be connected to or disconnected from different surgical units as needed, providing operational flexibility without permanent complex integrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If localized suction is provided by integrating the pump unit near the phacoemulsification unit, then chamber stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber stabilityVSAvoidsystem assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is manufactured as separate modular units (phacoemulsification unit with integrated pump, and irrigation-aspiration unit) that can be independently produced and then assembled through simple detachable coupling mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining localized suction functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized adapter or coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the pump unit and different surgical units. This intermediary component simplifies manufacturing by providing a universal interface that requires minimal custom integration work for each surgical unit type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 modular system enhances surgical efficiency by maintaining stable intraocular pressure, reducing complications, and allowing for multiple surgical operations with improved clinical outcomes by localizing the pump unit near the phacoemulsification unit.

Implementation Method 1

The pump unit may be adapted to provide suction for aspirating fluid and tissue through the phacoemulsification unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

an eye's lens is emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

Aspirated fluids are replaced with an irrigation of balanced salt solution, thus maintaining the anterior chamber, as well as cooling the handpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3415125B1Systems for ocular surgery
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ALCON INC
  • EP3415125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3415125B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3415125B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, systems and processes for ocular surgery may include a pumping portion adapted to be coupled to a drive portion of a pump unit, the pumping portion comprising an outer shell defining an interior channel, an elastomeric pump segment disposed within the outer shell, the elastomeric pump segment defining a cylindrical cavity and comprising integrated conduits in fluid communication with the interior channel, a cap disposed at a distal end of the cylindrical cavity, the cap comprising a recess adapted to receive a distal end of a rotor of the drive portion of the pump unit and a fluid port adapted to expel fluid drawn into the integrated conduits through the interior channel.