Modular Surgical Console for Fluidic Cassettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery fluid management systems lack flexibility and precision, as they often require switching between different types of cassettes for displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration, leading to inadequate control over fluid volume and pressure, and do not allow for modular, visually distinguishable, and automatically communicable components.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical console that interchangeably accepts multiple types of fluidic cassettes, enabling both displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration modes, with automatic communication between the console and cassettes to establish functionality, and visual indicators to identify cassette types, allowing for improved control over fluid management during eye surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of cassette is used by a console, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different aspiration modes (displacement-based and vacuum-based) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cassette design that can operate in both displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration modes. The cassette includes a holding tank with a bottom opening that can be selectively opened or closed, allowing the same physical cassette to function in either mode. The console detects the operating mode and automatically configures the pump system accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cassettes while maintaining full adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If different types of cassettes are used for displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration, then functionality is optimized, but ease of operation is reduced due to cassette selection and switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic mode detection and configuration. When a cassette is installed, the console automatically detects whether it is configured for displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration through functional indicators (such as presence of a holding tank or specific mechanical features). The console then automatically configures the appropriate pump system without requiring the surgeon to manually select or switch cassettes, making the system self-serve and simplifying operation.
3Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used for displacement-based aspiration, then flow volume control is improved, but pressure control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration modes depending on the surgical requirements. When precise flow volume control is needed, the system operates in displacement-based mode using peristaltic pumps. When precise pressure control is needed, the system switches to vacuum-based mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize both flow volume control and pressure control accuracy as needed during different phases of the procedure.
4Stress or pressure
If vacuum-based aspiration systems are used, then pressure control is improved, but fluid flow control deteriorates due to excessive flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between vacuum-based and displacement-based aspiration modes depending on the surgical requirements. When precise pressure control is needed, the system operates in vacuum-based mode. When precise flow volume control is needed, the system switches to displacement-based mode using peristaltic pumps. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize both pressure control and flow control as needed during different phases of the procedure.
5Ease of manufacture
If modular cassettes with common components are used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but visual identification of cassette types becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators on the modular cassettes to distinguish between different configurations. These indicators may include color-coded labels, symbols, or physical features (such as the presence or absence of a holding tank, or specific mechanical interfaces) that allow surgeons to quickly identify whether a cassette is configured for displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration. This maintains modular manufacturing efficiency while solving the identification problem.
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 solution provides enhanced control over fluid management during eye surgeries, enabling precise and adaptable fluid handling, reducing tissue damage risks, and simplifying cassette production and usage by allowing common components and visual identification, thus improving surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
peristaltic pumps (which use rotating rollers that press against a flexible tubing to induce flow)
Implementation Method 2
vacuum-based aspiration systems using a vacuum source, typically applied to the aspiration flow through an air-liquid interface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, devices, and systems for controlling surgical fluid flows, particularly during treatment of an eye. In many embodiments, the invention provides a console that interchangeably accepts multiple types of eye treatment cassettes. The cassettes enable one or both of displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration. The console and the cassette may communicate to establish the functionality of the installed cassette. The multiple types of cassettes may be produced using a common cassette frame and may include a visual indication of functionality.