Multi-Layer Infusion Sleeve for Phacoemulsification Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phacoemulsification surgical devices face issues with heat build-up in the cutting tip due to frictional contact with the infusion sleeve, leading to potential corneal or scleral burns, especially when higher frequency vibrations are used, and existing solutions like Mackool tips require a separate inner rigid sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece infusion sleeve with multiple layers of distinct materials, where the outer layer minimizes heat and motion transfer and the inner layer has low friction features such as mechanical elements and coatings to reduce frictional heat and maintain fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-material infusion sleeve is used, then the device structure is simple, but heat build-up occurs due to frictional contact between the cutting tip and sleeve walls
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion sleeve is constructed with multiple material layers including a PTFE (Teflon) layer and a Dacron layer, each providing different functional properties. The PTFE layer provides low friction coefficient to reduce heat generation, while the Dacron layer provides porosity for fluid flow. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by reducing frictional heat without complicating the overall single-piece sleeve design.
2Productivity
If higher frequency vibrations are used to increase cutting energy, then productivity improves, but heat build-up and frictional contact increase causing potential burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the infusion sleeve by incorporating materials with specific friction coefficients and thermal properties. The PTFE layer reduces the coefficient of friction between the cutting tip and sleeve, while the multi-layer construction modifies heat conduction characteristics. This allows higher frequency vibrations to be used productively while maintaining safe operating temperatures through material parameter optimization.
3Productivity
If viscoelastic material is injected into the anterior ocular chamber, then surgical procedure progresses, but fluid flow out of the sleeve and aspiration flow into the cutting tip bore are occluded causing sudden overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The Dacron layer in the infusion sleeve provides porosity that allows fluid to pass through even when viscoelastic material is present in the anterior chamber. This porous structure maintains continuous fluid flow paths for both irrigation out of the sleeve and aspiration into the cutting tip, preventing occlusion by viscoelastic material while allowing the surgical procedure to progress.
4Temperature
If textured inner sleeve wall is used to reduce friction, then heat generation decreases, but fluid flow may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material structure where the PTFE layer provides the low-friction textured surface to reduce heat generation, while the Dacron layer provides porosity to ensure uninterrupted fluid flow. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by separating the friction-reduction function from the fluid-flow function into different material layers, each optimized for its specific purpose.
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 multi-layer infusion sleeve effectively reduces heat transfer and friction, minimizing the risk of burns and mechanical trauma during phacoemulsification procedures without the need for a separate inner rigid sleeve, ensuring continuous lubrication and improved fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
the outer layer minimizes heat and motion transfer
Implementation Method 2
the inner layer has low friction features such as mechanical elements and coatings to reduce frictional heat
Implementation Method 3
maintain fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A phacoemulsification system is disclosed. The system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece and selectively detachable infusion sleeve. The infusion sleeve may include a single body portion defined by a first open end and a second open end and having a hollow interior portion therein. The body portion may include multiple layers with at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, such that the layers are constructed of separate and distinct materials.