Phacoemulsification Probe Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During phacoemulsification, partial occlusions of the needle distal tip by lens particles can lead to insufficient vacuum generation, preventing the actuator from being driven and resulting in incomplete aspiration of particles.
Innovation Solution
The system uses image processing to detect particles near the needle distal tip and pulses the actuator to dislodge them if insufficient vacuum is generated, ensuring better occlusion and efficient aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the actuator is only driven when high vacuum is detected, then energy dissipation is reduced, but particles with partial occlusion are not effectively aspirated
Solution Approach 1:
An image processing system acts as an intermediary between vacuum detection and actuator control. The system captures images of the needle distal tip, processes them to detect particle occlusion, and triggers actuator pulsing independently of vacuum level. This mediator enables detection and treatment of partial occlusions that vacuum sensors alone would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical vacuum sensing alone with an optical detection system. Instead of using only the vacuum sensor to determine when to pulse the actuator, the system uses image capture and processing to detect particle occlusion, substituting optical detection for mechanical sensing in the control decision-making process.
2Reliability
If image processing is added to detect particles, then aspiration completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope serves multiple functions: it provides visual guidance for the surgeon and simultaneously captures images for automated particle detection. By making the microscope multi-functional, the system adds image processing capability without requiring a separate dedicated imaging device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (microscope, processor, image memory) to perform particle detection rather than requiring external specialized equipment. The processor that already controls the phacoemulsification system also processes the images, and the microscope's existing imaging capability is repurposed for particle detection, enabling the system to serve itself.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of phacoemulsification by ensuring that particles are effectively aspirated, reducing the risk of trauma to the eye and improving the overall surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the distal tip of a hollow needle of a phacoemulsification handpiece is vibrated ultrasonically by a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum level measured from a sensor in the aspiration channel, and if the measured vacuum level meets and/or exceeds a predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
Phacoemulsification apparatus having a phacoemulsification probe that has a needle with a distal tip configured to be inserted into an eye lens, the needle having a lumen. The probe has an actuator configured to vibrate the needle, an aspiration channel, coupled with the lumen and configured to convey an emulsified particle of the lens as aspiration fluid, and an aspiration sensor, coupled with the aspiration channel and configured to measure a vacuum level within the aspiration channel. A microscope is configured to capture an image of the distal tip and of the emulsified particle. A processor is configured to provide an analysis of the image, and, in response to the analysis, when the emulsified particle is in contact with the distal tip for at least a preset time period while the vacuum level is below a predetermined threshold, energize the actuator with a pulse of energy.