Ophthalmic Surgical Control Device for Rapid Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical systems for phacoemulsification face challenges in quickly and reliably detecting occlusions in the phacoemulsification needle, which can lead to increased suction pressure and risk of eye injury during cataract surgery, especially since pressure waves propagate slowly through elastic hoses, delaying occlusion detection.
Innovation Solution
A control device using pulsed infrared radiation with a wavelength greater than 750 nanometers is coupled into the aspiration line to rapidly detect occlusions, allowing for quick control adjustments, such as altering ultrasonic energy or suction power, to minimize eye damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure waves are used to detect occlusion in the aspiration line, then occlusion detection can be achieved, but the detection time is delayed due to slow propagation speed through elastic hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure wave detection system with an optical detection system using electromagnetic radiation. The transmitter emits electromagnetic radiation through the aspiration line, and the receiver detects changes in radiation transmission when occlusion occurs, eliminating the slow mechanical pressure wave propagation and achieving near-instantaneous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary medium to detect occlusion. Instead of relying on pressure waves traveling through the elastic hose, the system uses electromagnetic radiation that can propagate rapidly through the fluid in the aspiration line, with the occlusion state detected by measuring radiation transmission changes.
2Speed
If electromagnetic radiation is used to detect occlusion, then detection speed is improved, but energy levels must be controlled to avoid retinal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using infrared electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength greater than 750 nanometers and controlling the irradiance to at most 0.1 W/cm². These parameter changes enable rapid occlusion detection while maintaining safety by selecting a wavelength that does not harm the retina and limiting the energy intensity to non-damaging levels.
3Reliability
If quick occlusion detection and response is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but system complexity increases with additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the receiver continuously monitors electromagnetic radiation transmission through the aspiration line, and the control unit automatically adjusts ultrasonic energy or suction power based on detected occlusion states. This automated feedback loop enables rapid safety responses while managing system complexity through integrated control.
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 control device significantly reduces occlusion detection time from milliseconds to less than 0.1 milliseconds, enabling more timely intervention and reducing the risk of eye injury by using electromagnetic radiation's fast propagation speed and low energy levels that do not harm the retina.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (10) suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation (11), a coupling device (26) with which at least a part of the emitted electromagnetic radiation (11) can be directed to a distal end (27) of the coupling device (26) in such a way that the at least part of the electromagnetic radiation (11) can be coupled into the aspiration line (5)... wherein the electromagnetic radiation (11) has a wavelength greater than 750 nanometers and is pulsed infrared radiation with an irradiance of at most 0.1 W/cm2
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (101; 201; 301; 401) for an ophthalmic surgical system (100; 200; 300; 400) for phacoemulsification of an eye lens (2), having: a transmitter (10) which is suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation (11), a coupling device (26) by which at least a part of the emitted electromagnetic radiation (11) can be relayed to a distal end (27) of the coupling device (26) in such a way that the at least one part of the electromagnetic radiation (11) can be coupled into an aspiration line (5) of the ophthalmic surgical system (100; 200; 300; 400), wherein the distal end (27) of the coupling device (26) is disposed outside the aspiration line (5), a receiver which is suitable for receiving at least a part of the electromagnetic radiation (13; 25), and a control unit (16) by means of which, depending on the amount of received radiation (13; 25), an amount of a parameter of the ophthalmic surgical system (100; 200) can be controlled.