Phacoemulsification Irrigation Pressure Control via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phacoemulsification procedures face challenges with varying fluid flow rates causing pressure fluctuations in the eye, leading to potential eye collapse and tissue damage due to post-occlusion surge and instability in intraocular pressure (IOP).
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with a pressurized irrigation fluid source, sensors, and a controller that adjusts irrigation pressure based on real-time sensor readings and estimated flow values, using a compensation factor to maintain stable IOP and manage occlusions, incorporating a flexible bag and position sensors to accurately measure fluid volume and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional IV pole height regulation is used to control irrigation flow, then fluid pressure can be adjusted, but pressure fluctuations cause eye collapse and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pressure sensors to continuously monitor intraocular pressure and flow rates, with a controller that receives real-time feedback and automatically adjusts irrigation pump operation to maintain stable pressure, eliminating the need for manual IV pole height regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system automatically regulates its own pressure and flow through integrated sensors and control algorithms, eliminating the need for external manual control and ensuring consistent intraocular pressure maintenance throughout the procedure
2Productivity
If aspiration pump creates vacuum for lens removal, then lens fragments are aspirated, but post-occlusion surge causes eye collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing controlled irrigation flow rates and pressure levels before aspiration occurs, and by continuously monitoring flow rates to predict and prevent post-occlusion surge before it can cause eye collapse
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time flow rate monitoring provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts irrigation pressure in response to changes in aspiration flow, preventing post-occlusion surge and maintaining stable intraocular pressure throughout the lens removal process
3Reliability
If irrigation flow rate is increased to prevent eye collapse, then IOP is maintained, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts irrigation flow rates and pressure levels in real-time based on actual surgical conditions, optimizing the balance between maintaining intraocular pressure and minimizing pressure losses through continuous feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously modifies irrigation parameters including flow rate and pressure based on sensor feedback, optimizing the balance between maintaining adequate intraocular pressure and minimizing energy losses from excessive flow
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 system effectively maintains consistent intraocular pressure and reduces post-occlusion surge, preventing eye collapse and tissue damage by actively controlling fluid flow and pressure during phacoemulsification procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized irrigation fluid source, the pressurized irrigation fluid source comprising a flexible bag located between two opposing plates
Implementation Method 2
irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line
Implementation Method 3
a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor
Implementation Method 4
The pump action produces aspiration flow through the interior bore of the cutting needle. The aspiration flow results in the creation of vacuum at the aspiration line
Implementation Method 5
The hand piece is attached to the control console by an electric cable and flexible tubing. Through the electric cable, the console varies the power level transmitted by the hand piece to the attached cutting needle
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.