Phacoemulsification Needle Trajectory Switching to Prevent Particle Sticking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During phacoemulsification surgery, emulsified particles can stick to the phacoemulsification needle, causing a 'lollipop' effect and potential eye trauma when the needle is removed.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled method that toggles the ultrasonic vibration trajectory of the needle between different trajectories, such as longitudinal and elliptical, to dislodge stuck particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the needle vibrates in a single trajectory (longitudinal) to efficiently emulsify the lens, then emulsification efficiency is improved, but particles stick to the needle wall causing the lollipop effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching the needle's vibration trajectory from a static longitudinal mode to a dynamic elliptical mode when particle sticking is detected. The processor monitors vacuum level changes and automatically changes the vibration pattern, making the system adaptive and dynamic rather than fixed, thereby preventing particles from adhering to the needle wall while maintaining efficient emulsification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between longitudinal vibration (for efficient emulsification) and elliptical vibration (for particle removal). The processor detects vacuum level drops indicating particle accumulation and periodically switches trajectories, creating a cyclic pattern of emulsification followed by particle dislodgment, preventing the lollipop effect while maintaining productivity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the needle trajectory is changed frequently to prevent particle sticking, then particle adhesion is reduced, but surgical time increases due to trajectory switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the vacuum level in the aspiration line. When the vacuum level drops by a preset amount, indicating particle accumulation on the needle, the processor automatically triggers a trajectory change. This closed-loop feedback system ensures trajectory switching occurs only when necessary, minimizing unnecessary switches and surgical time while effectively preventing particle adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting particle accumulation through vacuum level monitoring and autonomously switching trajectories without requiring surgeon intervention. The processor manages the entire process, including detection, decision-making, and execution of trajectory changes, reducing surgical complexity and time loss while effectively preventing the lollipop effect.
3Productivity
If the vacuum level is increased to improve aspiration of emulsified particles, then aspiration efficiency is improved, but more particles stick to the needle wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by coupling vacuum level monitoring with trajectory control. When high vacuum causes particle sticking (detected by vacuum drop), the system dynamically switches to elliptical vibration to dislodge particles. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain high vacuum for efficient aspiration while automatically preventing particle adhesion through trajectory changes when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by altering the vibration trajectory parameter in response to vacuum level changes. When the vacuum level drops indicating particle accumulation, the system changes the vibration mode from longitudinal to elliptical, modifying the physical parameters of needle motion to prevent sticking while maintaining efficient aspiration through the original high vacuum setting.
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
Prevents particle sticking on the needle, reducing the risk of eye trauma by automatically adjusting the needle's vibration pattern to dislodge adhering particles.
Implementation Method 1
The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to sculpt and emulsify the cataract
Implementation Method 2
The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to sculpt and emulsify the cataract
Implementation Method 3
a pump aspirates particles and fluid from the eye through the tip
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that includes inserting a needle of a phacoemulsification handpiece into an eye of a patient and vibrating the needle in a first trajectory. Matter from the eye is aspirated via an aspiration line while the needle is vibrated in the first trajectory. An indication is received, of a vacuum level in the aspiration line. Determined is, that the vacuum level has changed by at least a preset vacuum level change, and in response vibrating the needle is switched to a second trajectory, different from the first trajectory.