Parallel Fluid Pumps for Stable Intraocular Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmosurgical systems face challenges in maintaining constant intraocular pressure during cataract surgery, particularly when occlusions occur, which can lead to complications such as capsular bag puncture and eye collapse.
Innovation Solution
The system employs parallel fluid pumps with elastic partition elements, allowing for alternating activation to maintain a consistent volume flow and pressure, preventing occlusions and ensuring a sterile, jerk-free fluid delivery without the need for lubricants, thus minimizing the risk of contamination and maintaining intraocular pressure below 50 mm Hg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used in the aspiration line, then lens particles can be aspirated, but occlusions occur and cause high suction pressure that can puncture the capsular bag or collapse the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single pump function into two separate pumps: a first pump for irrigation fluid and a second pump for aspiration fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid path, preventing the pressure instability that occurs when one pump tries to handle both functions. The parallel pump architecture enables the system to maintain stable intraocular pressure even during occlusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that monitors pressure conditions and coordinates the operation of both pumps. When an occlusion is detected, the control unit adjusts the aspiration pump's operation to prevent dangerous pressure spikes, thereby protecting the capsular bag and maintaining eye stability without compromising the aspiration function.
2Ease of operation
If the aspiration pump reverses direction to remove occlusions, then lens particles can be cleared, but the rapid pressure decrease can cause capsular bag puncture or eye collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the aspiration pump's operational parameters based on real-time pressure feedback. Instead of sudden reversals, the pump modulates its speed and direction changes gradually, allowing the intraocular pressure to adjust smoothly. This dynamic control prevents the rapid pressure decreases that lead to capsular bag puncture or eye collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and a control unit that continuously monitor intraocular pressure and adjust pump operation accordingly. When an occlusion occurs, the feedback mechanism detects the pressure change and guides the pump's response, ensuring that occlusion clearance is achieved without causing dangerous pressure fluctuations that could damage the eye.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both irrigation and aspiration, then the system is simpler, but pressure fluctuations occur during occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single pump function into two separate pumps: a first pump for irrigation fluid and a second pump for aspiration fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid path, preventing the pressure instability that occurs when one pump tries to handle both functions. The parallel pump architecture enables the system to maintain stable intraocular pressure even during occlusions.
4Productivity
If traditional pumps are used, then fluid can be delivered, but jerky motion and contamination risk occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical pump mechanisms with a magnetically driven pump design. The magnetic drive eliminates the need for mechanical seals and lubricants, removing the sources of jerky motion and contamination. This substitution maintains effective fluid delivery while providing smooth, contamination-free operation suitable for ophthalmic surgery.
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 a stable and continuous fluid flow during both short and long procedures, preventing occlusions and maintaining constant intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for a cost-effective, compact system design.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid pump which comprises a first pump chamber having a first volume and a first drive chamber separated therefrom by a first elastic partition element and having a second volume, wherein the first elastic partition element is permanently mounted by its edge in the first fluid pump; wherein irrigation fluid from the irrigation fluid flow path is feedable to the first pump chamber and a first drive fluid, by which it is possible to achieve an elastic deformation of the first elastic partition element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an ophthalmosurgical system which includes a console for accommodating an irrigation fluid vessel containing irrigation fluid and a cassette, insertable into the console, for directing the irrigation fluid to a surgical instrument for an eye to be treated. An irrigation fluid flow path leads from the irrigation fluid vessel to the cassette and to the surgical instrument. A first fluid pump includes a first pump chamber having a first volume and a first drive chamber separated therefrom by a first elastic partition and having a second volume. A second fluid pump is arranged in parallel to the first fluid pump and includes a second pump chamber having a third volume and a second drive chamber separated therefrom by a second elastic partition and having a fourth volume. The first volume or the third volume has a magnitude within the range from 1 to 25 cm3.