Phacoemulsification Tip With Internal Ridges For Lens Fragment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification devices face challenges in effectively fragmenting and removing hardened cataract lenses, requiring excessive ultrasonic energy which can damage ocular structures, and struggle with lens fragments moving away from the tip during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
The phacoemulsification tip features internal and external grooves or ridges that facilitate the aspiration of lens fragments and fluid flow, directing material towards the aspiration direction and maintaining contact with the lens to reduce energy usage and prevent fragment displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phacoemulsification devices are used to remove hardened cataract lenses, then lens removal can be achieved, but excessive ultrasonic energy is required which can damage ocular structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tip is segmented with multiple cutting edges arranged circumferentially around its perimeter, allowing the lens to be fragmented into smaller pieces that can be more easily aspirated with less ultrasonic energy, thereby reducing the risk of damage to ocular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tip features localized cutting edges at specific positions around its circumference, concentrating the ultrasonic energy application at precise locations where lens material needs to be removed, rather than applying energy uniformly across the entire tip surface
2Productivity
If conventional phacoemulsification devices are used, then lens removal is performed, but lens fragments tend to move away from the tip during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edges are arranged in a circumferential pattern around the tip rather than in a linear arrangement, creating a three-dimensional cutting zone that surrounds the lens material and prevents fragments from escaping laterally, thereby improving control and efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phacoemulsification devices are used, then lens material can be removed, but the devices struggle with excessively hardened or opacified lenses
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cutting edges divide the lens material into smaller segments more effectively, allowing even hardened and opacified lens material to be broken down into aspiratable fragments without requiring excessive ultrasonic energy that could damage surrounding tissues
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 design reduces the energy required for lens removal, minimizes the risk of ocular damage from excessive ultrasonic energy, and enhances the efficiency of fragment aspiration, allowing for quicker and more effective cataract extraction.
Implementation Method 1
the needle tip vibrates ultrasonically to fragment the lens for aspiration and removal
Implementation Method 2
The suction channel is housed within a hollow cross sectional area of the needle tip and is used to aspirate the fragmented pieces of the lens from the eye during the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification tip, including an aspiration tube presenting a cutting tip at a distal end. The aspiration tube has a tube wall presenting an internal face and an external face. The internal face supports at least one internally extending internal ridge. The at least one internal ridge presents an internal distal face, an internal proximal face and an internal apex. The internal distal face meets the internal face at an acute angle measured internally. The at least one internal ridge is structured to engage lens fragments separated from a crystalline lens to enhance proximal movement of the lens fragments and to inhibit distal movement of the lens fragments through the aspiration tube.