Ophthalmic Hollow Needle with Active Element for Lens Fragmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic surgical hollow needles for in-vivo lens fragmentation using ultrasound often experience blockages in the suction channel due to larger lens debris, leading to increased intervention duration and tissue damage from excessive negative pressure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an active element within or at the suction channel of the hollow needle, which can move and enhance both ultrasonic wave emission and mechanical fragmentation of lens fragments, preventing blockages and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the suction channel opening is enlarged to prevent blockages, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and focusing capability of the ultrasonic field is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidsuction channel blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction channel opening is segmented into multiple smaller sub-openings distributed across the active surface, allowing debris to be removed through multiple paths while maintaining the overall structural integrity and ultrasonic field focusing capability of the needle tip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction openings are distributed across the two-dimensional active surface rather than being concentrated in a single circular opening, effectively increasing the total suction area while maintaining the geometric precision needed for ultrasonic focusing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the intervention duration is extended to ensure complete lens fragmentation, then fragmentation completeness is improved, but tissue damage from prolonged exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens fragmentation completenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The active element performs preliminary mechanical crushing of the lens material before ultrasonic emulsification, pre-fragmenting the lens into smaller particles that are easier to emulsify and remove, thereby reducing the total intervention time and associated tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The active element rotates continuously during the procedure, maintaining constant mechanical contact with the lens material to ensure continuous fragmentation and emulsification, maximizing the efficiency of tissue breakdown per unit time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Force

If the active element is positioned deeper in the suction channel, then mechanical crushing effectiveness is improved, but the suction channel passage is reduced increasing blockage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical crushing effectivenessVSAvoidsuction channel passage restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The active element is designed to rotate during operation, dynamically adjusting its position and contact points with the lens material, allowing effective crushing without requiring a large static footprint in the suction channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational speed and depth of the active element are optimized to achieve maximum crushing effectiveness while maintaining sufficient clearance for debris passage, balancing mechanical force application with flow dynamics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design significantly reduces blockages and enhances the efficiency of lens fragmentation, allowing for shorter and safer ophthalmic surgical procedures by effectively managing debris and tissue interaction.

Implementation Method 1

Ultrasonic waves are radiated from the ring-shaped front end to emulsify the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

By moving the hollow needle, the active element can, for example, be set in rotation or another type of movement. This increases the mechanical shattering of the lens body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical shattering: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

Separated lens parts or lens fragments are removed through the hollow needle together with a rinsing liquid supplied to the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2582336B1Hollow needle for an ophthalmological instrument

Publication Date: 2015.02.11 GEUDER AG

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a hollow needle for an ophthalmological instrument for in-vivo fragmentation of organic lenses using ultrasound, comprising a connection zone to be coupled to the instrument, and an operating zone (2) which is designed at the free end (1) and has an effective surface (3) for emitting ultrasonic waves. An aspiration duct (4) for aspirating lens fragments is open in the operating zone (2) and extends through the hollow needle. The opening (5) of said aspiration duct (4) is formed or delimited by the effective surface (3). The disclosed hollow needle is characterized in that at least one effective element (6) which at least slightly extends into the aspiration duct (4) is provided in the operating zone (2).