Phacoemulsification Handpiece Motion Switching to Clear Tip Occlusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification handpieces face issues with occlusion due to emulsified particulate blocking the needle tip, leading to increased vacuum and potential eye trauma from post-occlusion surge, while transverse motion risks clogging and longitudinal motion is ineffective in clearing obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A surgical handpiece with an ultrasonic horn and piezoelements inducing both longitudinal and transverse motions via a controlled double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch, using semi-circular electrodes to alternately excite the piezoelements for efficient emulsification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If longitudinal motion is used in the phacoemulsification handpiece, then the needle tip can clear obstructions effectively, but emulsified particulate can block the tip leading to increased vacuum and potential eye trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both longitudinal and transverse motion capabilities in a single phacoemulsification handpiece. The longitudinal motion (from piezoelectric elements) clears obstructions by pushing particulate away from the tip, while the transverse motion (from electromagnetic coil) prevents occlusion by creating a sweeping action that keeps the tip clear. This merging of two motion types resolves the contradiction by providing the benefits of both motions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between longitudinal and transverse motion modes based on surgical needs. The control system can activate either the piezoelectric elements for longitudinal vibration or the electromagnetic coil for transverse oscillation, or both simultaneously. This dynamic adaptability allows the handpiece to clear obstructions when needed while preventing occlusion at other times, resolving the harmful effects of static single-mode operation.
2Productivity
If transverse motion is used in the phacoemulsification handpiece, then cataract material can be removed with a sanding motion, but cataract material can get clogged in the tip or along the lumen of the transducer and handpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transverse and longitudinal motion systems in the same handpiece. The transverse motion (electromagnetic coil) provides efficient emulsification with a sanding action, while the longitudinal motion (piezoelectric elements) periodically clears the tip and lumen by pushing material forward. This combination allows the system to maintain high productivity through transverse emulsification while ensuring reliability through longitudinal clearing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation of longitudinal motion during transverse emulsification to prevent clogging. The piezoelectric elements are activated in periodic pulses during the transverse motion operation, creating intermittent clearing actions that prevent material accumulation in the tip and lumen while maintaining continuous emulsification productivity through the transverse motion.
3Power
If only longitudinal vibration is used, then the needle can emulsify the lens, but the motion cannot clear obstructions from the aspiration port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines longitudinal vibration (for emulsification power) with transverse oscillation (for clearing obstructions). The piezoelectric elements provide the longitudinal vibration needed for effective lens emulsification, while the electromagnetic coil adds transverse motion that creates a sweeping action to clear the aspiration port. This merging allows the system to maintain high emulsification power while preventing aspiration port occlusion.
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 handpiece effectively clears obstructions by combining longitudinal and transverse motions, reducing the risk of occlusion and post-occlusion surge, ensuring safe and efficient lens emulsification during cataract surgery.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of piezoelements about a proximal end of the ultrasonic horn... When the stack is ultrasonically oscillated, the ultrasonic elements expand and contract, thereby causing rapid longitudinal vibration in the horn
Implementation Method 2
the insertion of a portion of a phacoemulsification handpiece, which is typically comprised of a vibrating needle that is ultrasonically driven in order to emulsify, i.e., to liquefy, the natural crystalline lens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for providing a surgical handpiece. The apparatus, system and method may include: an ultrasonic horn having an emulsifying needle at a distal end thereof; a plurality of piezoelements about a proximal end of the ultrasonic horn; a plurality of electrode segments comprising first sets of the electrode segments atop each of the piezoelements and second sets of the electrode segments below each of the piezoelements, and comprising at least pairs of the electrode segments in which each pair comprises an electrode segment atop a one of the piezoelements and a paired electrode segment below that one of the piezoelements; and a power source applied via a controlled double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch.