Ocular Probe Aspiration Pump Switching for Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery systems face challenges in maintaining accurate control over fluid volume and pressure during procedures, particularly when switching between displacement-based and vacuum-based aspiration flows, leading to potential tissue damage and loss of procedural control due to pressure surges and sluggish performance.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes multiple pumps, including a base vacuum pump and a volumetric pump, to provide a base and additive flow rate, with a processor detecting occlusions and automatically switching between pump modes to maintain consistent aspiration and irrigation flow rates without interrupting the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used for aspiration flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain accurate control over fluid volume and pressure during procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration flow system is segmented into multiple independent pumps (first pump and second pump), each capable of operating at different flow rates. This segmentation allows the system to switch between pumps or operate them simultaneously to maintain accurate control over fluid volume and pressure during ocular procedures, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and control reliability.
2Measurement precision
If displacement-based aspiration pump is used, then flow volume control is accurate, but response speed and vacuum rise time are slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between displacement-based pump (for accurate flow volume control) and vacuum-based pump (for fast response and high vacuum rise time) based on procedural requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between flow control accuracy and response speed during different phases of the surgical procedure.
3Speed
If vacuum-based aspiration pump is used, then response speed is fast, but flow volume control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between displacement-based pump (for accurate flow volume control) and vacuum-based pump (for fast response and high vacuum rise time) based on procedural requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between flow control accuracy and response speed during different phases of the surgical procedure.
4Device complexity
If manual switching between pump modes is required, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and procedural efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control logic that monitors procedural conditions and autonomously switches between pump modes without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains procedural efficiency and productivity while the system automatically adapts to changing surgical requirements, resolving the contradiction between automation complexity and procedural efficiency.
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
This solution enables precise control over fluid flow and pressure, reducing tissue damage risks and enhancing procedural efficiency by allowing seamless switching between aspiration modes without manual intervention, thus improving surgical outcomes.
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
Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.