Phacoemulsification Vacuum Surge Detection Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phacoemulsification systems face challenges in reliably detecting and managing vacuum surges, particularly when using extension tubing, which modifies surge characteristics and complicates detection, leading to potential trauma to the eye.

Innovation Solution

A processor in the phacoemulsification system automatically detects the presence of extension tubing and configures suitable parameter settings for vacuum surge detection by measuring aspiration-flow profiles during a priming process, allowing for reliable detection and management of vacuum surges regardless of configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If extension tubing is used in the aspiration line, then the system can accommodate different surgical configurations and reduce torque on the handpiece, but the vacuum surge detection becomes unreliable due to modified surge characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidvacuum surge detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection parameters (thresholds, time constants, filtering) based on the detected configuration state. The processor switches between different detection algorithms - one optimized for direct connection and another for extension tubing configuration - thereby maintaining detection reliability across varying system states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes detection parameters including threshold values, time constants, and signal filtering characteristics based on the detected configuration. When extension tubing is detected, the system modifies these parameters to account for the damping and delay effects introduced by the tubing, thereby maintaining accurate vacuum surge detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If standard vacuum surge detection parameters are used without configuration detection, then the detection algorithm remains simple, but false detections occur when extension tubing is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection algorithm complexityVSAvoidvacuum surge detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary detection phase during system initialization or priming to identify whether extension tubing is connected. Based on this preliminary information, the system pre-configures the appropriate detection parameters before actual surgical use, preventing false detections without requiring complex real-time analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the aspiration line pressure sensor to detect characteristic patterns that indicate the presence of extension tubing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt its detection parameters, improving reliability while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables reliable detection and management of vacuum surges with high precision, minimizing the risk of false detections and ensuring safe surgical procedures by adapting to different system configurations.

Implementation Method 1

measuring aspiration-flow profiles during a priming process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow measurement:

Implementation Method 2

detecting vacuum surges in the aspiration line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230285190A1Phacoemulsification system with automatic detection of extension tubing

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC

AI summary

A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece, an irrigation line and an aspiration line connected to the phacoemulsification handpiece, an Anti-Vacuum Surge (AVS) module inserted at least in the aspiration line, and a processor. The processor is configured to automatically detect whether an extension tubing is present in the aspiration line between the phacoemulsification handpiece and the AVS module, to set a first parameter setting, for detecting vacuum surges in the aspiration line, in response to detecting that the extension tubing is present, and, in response to detecting that the extension tubing is not present, to set a second parameter setting, different from the first parameter setting, for detecting the vacuum surges in the aspiration line.