Phacoemulsification Handpiece Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification handpieces face challenges in controlling fluid flow direction and rate during surgical procedures, leading to potential harm to sensitive eye regions and increased surgery duration due to unpredictable fluid flow, which complicates the delicate task of lens and cataract extraction.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with a handpiece featuring controllable fluid flow restrictors and a dual axis footpedal that allows surgeons to selectively control fluid flow direction and rate by opening or closing fluid paths, enabling precise control over irrigation and aspiration using foot movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid flow direction is not controlled, then the surgical procedure can proceed without complex control mechanisms, but fluid may harm sensitive eye regions such as the retina or cornea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter dynamically by adjusting the restrictor opening degree based on detected fluid flow conditions. When turbulence or milking is detected, the system automatically reduces flow rate to eliminate the harmful effect without requiring complex manual control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where fluid flow conditions are continuously monitored and the restrictor opening degree is adjusted accordingly. The control unit receives feedback about flow turbulence or milking phenomena and automatically modifies the restrictor opening to maintain optimal flow conditions and prevent harm to eye regions
2Productivity
If fluid flow rate is increased to rapidly acquire and break apart cataract materials, then surgical efficiency improves, but fluid flow may push away material and extend surgery duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluid flow system dynamic by enabling real-time adjustment of the restrictor opening degree. The system can rapidly increase flow rate when material needs to be broken apart, then quickly reduce flow rate when material needs to be aspirated, creating an adaptive flow control system that optimizes surgical efficiency while preventing material displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic adjustment of fluid flow characteristics, alternating between higher flow rates for material fragmentation and lower flow rates for aspiration. This periodic action pattern matches the surgical workflow of breaking apart and removing cataract materials in cycles, improving overall surgical efficiency
3Ease of operation
If multiple control inputs are provided for fluid direction control, then precise fluid flow control is achieved, but the control mechanism becomes highly complicated requiring excessive dexterity or manual actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting control system where the restrictor opening degree is automatically modified based on detected fluid flow conditions. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring flow parameters and making appropriate adjustments without requiring surgeon intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical control mechanisms with an automated control system that uses sensors and a control unit to adjust the restrictor opening degree. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple manual control inputs and excessive dexterity requirements while maintaining precise fluid flow control
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system is provided having a system host and a control device connected to the system host. The medical system further includes a handpiece having a sleeve with a port opening configured to enable fluid to pass there through, a fluid channel connected to the port opening, and a fluid flow restrictor configured to restrict fluid flow of the fluid channel through the port opening. The control unit is configured to receive input from a user and control an amount of fluid provided by the fluid flow restrictor based on the input received from the user. In one aspect, the medical system is a phacoemulsification system, the handpiece a phacoemulsification handpiece, and the control device a footpedal.