Ophthalmic Surgical Control Device for Phacoemulsification Occlusion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical systems for phacoemulsification struggle to quickly and reliably detect occlusions in the aspiration line during cataract surgery, leading to a risk of eye injury due to delayed reaction times caused by pressure sensor lag.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an optical system that generates images of the eye lens and phaco handpiece, using image evaluation units to determine kinematic, geometrical, or optical variables of particles, allowing for rapid detection of occlusions and their breakdown, thereby controlling system parameters like ultrasonic energy and suction power to minimize risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is used to detect occlusion in the aspiration line, then occlusion detection is possible, but the detection response time is delayed due to pressure sensor lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensing system with an optical imaging system. The optical system captures images of the aspiration line and needle tip, allowing direct visual detection of occlusions through image evaluation. This substitution eliminates the lag inherent in pressure sensor response, enabling real-time detection of occlusion events and their resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system between the aspiration line and the detection mechanism. Instead of directly measuring pressure changes, the system uses optical images as an intermediary to visualize and detect occlusion conditions. This intermediary approach provides immediate visual information about the state of the aspiration line and needle tip.
2Productivity
If high suction power is applied to break occlusion, then particle removal is accelerated, but the risk of capsular bag puncture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the aspiration line state through optical imaging. When an occlusion is detected, the system evaluates the situation and provides feedback control signals to adjust suction power and ultrasonic energy. This feedback mechanism allows the system to break occlusions effectively while preventing excessive suction that could cause capsular bag puncture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of suction power and ultrasonic energy based on real-time imaging feedback. Rather than using constant high suction power, the system dynamically modulates these parameters according to the detected occlusion state, particle size, and risk assessment, optimizing particle removal while minimizing harmful effects.
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
Enables faster detection and management of occlusions, reducing the risk of eye injury by allowing quicker control of system parameters, such as reducing ultrasonic energy and suction power, to prevent capsular bag puncture.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system (3) with which an image can be generated from an object area, wherein at least part of the eye lens (1) to be emulsified and part of a needle (13) of a phaco handpiece (12) with an aspiration line (16) can be arranged in the object area (2)
Implementation Method 2
phacoemulsification, in which a thin needle is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated using ultrasound. The vibrating needle emulsifies the lens in its immediate vicinity
Implementation Method 3
the resulting lens particles can be sucked off through a pipe using a pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (101; 201) for an ophthalmic surgical system (100; 200) for phacoemulsification of an eye lens (1), having: - an optical system (3; 90) with which an image of an object area (2) can be generated, wherein at least a part of the eye lens (1) to be emulsified and a part of a needle (13) of a phacoemulsification handpiece (12) with an aspiration line (16) can be arranged in the object area (2), - an image evaluation unit (7) which is able to evaluate the generated image (20; 22) in such a way that at least one evaluation parameter (8) dependent on an occlusion of the aspiration line (16) is determined, said evaluation parameter (8) being a kinematic measurement variable and/or a geometric measurement variable and/or an optical measurement variable of a particle (21, 31) that has been generated by emulsification of the eye lens (1) to be treated, - a control unit (9) with which a control variable (10) can be determined depending on the at least one delivered evaluation parameter (8), wherein a quantity of a parameter of the ophthalmic surgical system (100; 200) can be controlled by means of the control variable (10).