Ophthalmic Control Device for Dynamic Phacoemulsification Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phacoemulsification procedures for cataract treatment face challenges in balancing operation time with the risk of tissue damage due to heat generated by the oscillating needle, as increased energy input shortens procedure time but increases the risk of corneal overheating, while reduced energy input prolongs the procedure and may require frequent interruptions for cooling.
Innovation Solution
A control device for an ophthalmic surgical system that uses an optical system and image evaluation unit to determine evaluation variables based on lens particle properties, allowing for controlled ultrasonic energy input to the phaco handpiece, ensuring safe energy delivery based on particle size, distance, and optical characteristics, reducing the risk of tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the oscillating needle is operated with greater amplitude to shorten operating time, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the ultrasound energy amplitude in real-time based on detected lens particle properties. The system transitions from static amplitude settings to dynamic modulation, where the amplitude is continuously adapted according to the actual surgical conditions and particle characteristics detected by the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the optical system continuously detects lens particle properties, the control device processes this information, and adjusts the ultrasound energy amplitude accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that energy delivery is optimized while preventing excessive heat generation that could damage surrounding tissue.
2Temperature
If the oscillating needle is operated with small amplitude to reduce energy input, then temperature is reduced preventing tissue damage, but productivity decreases with longer operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The control device changes the ultrasound energy parameters (amplitude, power) based on detected lens particle properties. By adapting these parameters to the actual surgical conditions, the system achieves efficient emulsification when needed while maintaining safe temperature levels, thus improving productivity without compromising tissue safety.
3Productivity
If high energy input is applied to emulsify hard lens, then productivity is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase causing corneal burns
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies different ultrasound energy levels locally adapted to the specific lens particle properties detected. Hard particles receive higher energy input for effective emulsification, while softer particles or areas near the cornea receive reduced energy to prevent burns. This localized quality adjustment resolves the contradiction between emulsification efficiency and tissue safety.
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 safer and more efficient phacoemulsification by dynamically adjusting ultrasonic energy input in real-time, reducing the risk of tissue damage and shortening operation time without overheating, while maintaining control over energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system with which an image can be generated of an object area
Implementation Method 2
an optical system with which an image can be generated of an object area
Implementation Method 3
an image evaluation unit which is suitable for evaluating the generated image in such a way that at least one evaluation parameter is determined which depends on a property of a particle of the eye lens
Implementation Method 4
a needle is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated using ultrasound. The vibrating needle emulsifies the lens
Implementation Method 5
The vibrating needle emulsifies the lens in its immediate vicinity
Implementation Method 6
the particles and fluid are removed through an aspiration tube, which is typically located within the needle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (101; 201) for an ophthalmosurgical system (100; 200) for the phacoemulsification of an eyelens (1), comprising: - an optical system (3; 50) by which an image (20, 23, 24, 25, 26) of an object area (2) can be produced, wherein at least a part of the eyelens (1) that is to be emulsified and a part of a needle (13) of a phaco handpiece (12) can be arranged in the object area (2), - an image evaluation unit (7) which is suitable for evaluating the produced image (20, 23, 24, 25, 26) so that at least one evaluation variable (8) is determined that is dependent on a property of a particle (21, 31) of the eyelens (1), produced by phacoemulsification, or on a relation of the particle (21, 31) to its surroundings, - a control unit (9) by which a control variable (10) can be determined as a function of at least one supplied evaluation variable (8), wherein an amount of ultrasonic energy that is fed to the phaco handpiece (12) by means of an energy source (11) can be controlled by a control variable for the purpose of the phacoemulsification of the eyelens (1).