Phacoemulsification Tip with Angled Internal Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification cutting tips face challenges in efficiently cutting and aspirating cataractous lens material due to limited effectiveness in torsional motion and potential occlusions within the aspiration lumen, which can lead to increased repulsion of lens material and reduced aspiration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a phacoemulsification tip with a plurality of structures such as ridges, vanes, ribs, or fins at the distal end, oriented at specific angles to enhance cutting and aspiration, mimicking the action of a drill bit, allowing for improved cutting and reduced occlusions by optimizing the orientation of these structures to facilitate effective lens material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional phacoemulsification cutting tip is used, then the basic cutting and aspiration functions are provided, but the cutting efficiency is limited and occlusions within the aspiration lumen occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tip is segmented into multiple functional zones with different internal structures. The distal end contains cutting edges for emulsification, while the proximal end contains aspiration lumens with specific orientations. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, improving both cutting efficiency and aspiration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the cutting tip have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The distal end has cutting edges optimized for lens material emulsification, while the proximal end has aspiration lumens with orientations optimized for material removal. This local differentiation of quality ensures each part performs its function effectively, resolving the contradiction between cutting efficiency and aspiration patency.
2Power
If the cutting tip vibrates ultrasonically to emulsify lens material, then cutting action is achieved, but repulsion of lens material occurs reducing aspiration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The aspiration lumens are oriented at specific angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutting tip, introducing a dimensional component to the aspiration flow. This angular orientation allows the aspiration to act in a direction that complements the ultrasonic cutting motion, reducing repulsion effects and improving the overall efficiency of lens material removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tip is designed to work dynamically with the ultrasonic vibration, where the aspirating surfaces are positioned to interact with the lens material during the vibratory cycle. This dynamic positioning ensures that aspiration occurs at optimal moments in the vibration cycle, maximizing material removal while minimizing repulsion.
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 enhanced cutting tip design improves the efficiency of lens material removal by optimizing cutting and aspiration actions, reducing occlusions and increasing aspiration pressure, thereby facilitating more effective emulsification and removal of cataractous lenses during phacoemulsification procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a thin phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tip liquefies or emulsifies the lens
Implementation Method 2
The vibrating cutting tip liquefies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated out of the eye
Implementation Method 3
A reduced pressure or vacuum source in the console draws or aspirates the emulsified tissue from the eye through the open end of the cutting tip
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification tip is formed from a tube that encloses an aspiration lumen surrounded by and generally concentric with a structure section. The structure section has a plurality of structures (ridges, vanes, ribs, or fins). The plurality of structures project inward from an inner wall of the tube at the distal end of the tube. The plurality of the structures are disposed at an angle with respect to a face of the distal end of the tube. Alternatively, the plurality of the structures are disposed at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to a plane that is tangent to a curved outer surface of the tube.