Optical Eye-Level Sensing for Accurate Intraocular Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical systems face challenges in accurately controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) due to difficulties in measuring the vertical distance between the patient eye level (PEL) and the system's point of reference, leading to discrepancies between specified and delivered infusion and aspiration pressures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a distance estimation device, such as a laser level or LIDAR, to measure the vertical distance between the PEL and the point of reference, allowing processors to adjust infusion and aspiration pressures accordingly to match user-specified levels, compensating for gravitational effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to determine vertical distance between PEL and point of reference, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to pressure control errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement systems (laser levels or LIDAR devices) to automatically determine the vertical distance between the patient eye level and the point of reference. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical fields resolves the contradiction by providing high measurement precision while reducing the need for complex manual measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement of the vertical distance using the distance estimation device without requiring external manual intervention. The surgical system automatically measures and compensates for the height difference, enabling self-service operation that improves measurement precision while simplifying the overall process.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure compensation for elevation differences is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates as delivered pressure deviates from specified pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the vertical distance using the distance estimation device and uses this information to calculate and apply the appropriate pressure compensation. This feedback loop ensures that the delivered pressure at the patient eye level matches the specified pressure setting, resolving the contradiction by achieving precise pressure delivery through automated compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameters based on the measured vertical distance. By changing the pressure setting in response to the elevation difference, the system compensates for gravitational effects and delivers the correct pressure to the patient eye level, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If automated distance estimation using light is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system integrates the distance estimation device (laser level or LIDAR) into its existing structure, allowing it to perform both surgical functions and distance measurement functions. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared hardware and 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
Accurate control of IOP is achieved by aligning laser light with the PEL, enabling precise adjustment of infusion and aspiration pressures to maintain desired settings despite variations in elevation.
Implementation Method 1
The distance estimation device is configured to estimate a vertical distance between a point of reference associated with the surgical system and a patient eye level (PEL) using light
Implementation Method 2
allowing processors to adjust infusion and aspiration pressures accordingly to match user-specified levels, compensating for gravitational effects
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes at least one of an infusion subsystem or an aspiration subsystem, a distance estimation device, and one or more processors. The distance estimation device is configured to estimate a vertical distance between a point of reference associated with the surgical system and a patient eye level (PEL) using light. The point of reference corresponds to a pressure level setting for infusion or aspiration. The one or more processors are configured to receive the vertical distance and cause the at least one of the infusion subsystem or the aspiration subsystem to control an infusion pressure or an aspiration pressure based on the vertical distance to match the pressure level setting at the PEL.