Phaco Ultrasonic Power Control With Nonlinear Foot Pedal Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic power delivery methods in phacoemulsification systems are limited to two simplistic modes, 'panel' and 'linear', which lack intermediate adjustments, leading to inefficiencies such as overheating, turbulence, and inadequate control over power delivery, particularly in ophthalmic surgery.
Innovation Solution
A customizable, non-linear 'custom mode' for ultrasonic power delivery is introduced, allowing for varying rates of increase and decrease in power, with algorithms defining optimal power control through user-defined segments and pre-defined modes like 'progressive' and 'quickmo'/'slowmo', enabling precise power management tailored to specific surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional panel or linear modes are used for ultrasonic power delivery, then device simplicity is maintained, but power control precision and adaptability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal travel is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different power delivery characteristics. Each zone can be independently programmed with specific power percentages and transition behaviors, allowing precise control over power delivery rates without requiring a completely new control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts ultrasonic power delivery based on the foot pedal position and programmed parameters. Power transitions between zones can be configured as instantaneous or gradual (ramped), and the system adapts the power delivery rate according to the surgeon's foot pedal input, providing dynamic and adaptable control.
2Productivity
If rapid power increases are applied, then surgical efficiency is improved, but tissue damage and overheating risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gradual ramped power transitions instead of instantaneous jumps. Power is increased in controlled increments over a specified time period (ramp time), allowing tissue to adapt and dissipate heat gradually, thereby reducing the risk of sudden thermal damage while maintaining surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows configuration of different power levels and transition rates for different surgical situations. Surgeons can select conservative settings for delicate tissues or more aggressive settings for harder materials, applying only the necessary power increment to achieve the surgical goal without excessive energy input that could cause damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gradual power adjustments are used, then tissue damage is reduced, but surgical time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control where the power adjustment rate can be modified in real-time based on surgical needs. Surgeons can switch between gradual ramped transitions and more rapid transitions by adjusting programmed parameters, allowing optimization of the balance between tissue safety and surgical efficiency during different phases of the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of key parameters including power percentages for each zone, transition points, and ramp times. By changing these parameters, surgeons can optimize power delivery characteristics for different tissue types and surgical stages, reducing unnecessary surgical time while maintaining tissue safety through appropriate gradual transitions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed power levels are applied, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal control is segmented into multiple programmable zones, each with independently configurable power levels and transition characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different surgical needs by programming different power delivery patterns for different zones, while maintaining a familiar foot pedal interface that surgeons can operate intuitively.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-zone foot pedal system serves multiple functions: it can provide gradual ramped power increases, instantaneous power changes, maintain fixed power levels in specific zones, and allow custom programming for different surgical scenarios. This universal control mechanism replaces multiple separate controls with a single adaptable interface.
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 provides advanced control over ultrasonic power delivery, reducing inefficiencies and improving surgical precision by allowing gradual to acute power adjustments, enhancing comfort and efficiency in ophthalmic procedures like phacoemulsification.
Implementation Method 1
The phacoemulsification handpiece may be interconnected with the control console by an electric cable for powering and controlling the piezoelectric transducer that provides the emulsification
Implementation Method 2
insertion of a phacoemulsification handpiece, which is typically comprised of a needle that is ultrasonically driven, in order to emulsify, i.e., to liquefy, the natural crystalline lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, system and method may include at least a phacoemulsification surgical console having a customizable non-linear custom phacoemulsification mode. The apparatus, system and method may include an ultrasonic delivery tip; a foot pedal; and non-transitory computing code resident on a computing memory associated with a computing processor which, when executed by the processor, causes to be executed the steps of: receiving a percentage actuation of the foot pedal; calculating, including from a non-linear algorithm, a percentage actuation for the ultrasonic delivery tip corresponded to the received percentage foot pedal actuation; and dictating the calculated percentage actuation for the ultrasonic delivery tip actuation to the ultrasonic delivery tip.