Phacoemulsification Anti-Vacuum Surge Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification systems face issues with vacuum surges during occlusion clearance, which can cause traumatic consequences to the eye due to high vacuum levels and uncontrolled pressure drops, particularly when the aspiration channel unblocks.
Innovation Solution
An anti-vacuum surge (AVS) system with a fast-acting solenoid valve that restricts fluid connectivity in the aspiration channel based on detected pressure changes, using a sensor to monitor cavitation-induced pressure fluctuations and activate the valve only during needle vibration, thereby controlling vacuum levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the aspiration channel is kept open to allow fluid removal, then productivity is improved, but vacuum surges cause harmful effects to the eye
Solution Approach 1:
A solenoid valve is introduced as an intermediary device in the aspiration line to control and modulate fluid flow. The valve acts as a mediator between the pump and the eye, restricting connectivity during occlusion clearance events to prevent vacuum surges while maintaining fluid removal capability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor provides real-time feedback about pressure changes in the aspiration line. When the sensor detects pressure fluctuations indicative of occlusion clearance, it triggers the solenoid valve to restrict flow, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents vacuum surges while maintaining productivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the solenoid valve restricts fluid flow to prevent vacuum surges, then harmful effects are reduced, but interference with non-vibration phases increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is controlled dynamically based on real-time detection of needle vibration status and pressure changes. The valve restricts flow only during vibration phases when occlusion clearance is detected, while remaining open during non-vibration phases to maintain fluid removal efficiency and minimize interference with normal operation
3Reliability
If pressure monitoring is continuously performed to detect occlusion clearance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor monitors pressure changes caused by cavitation during needle vibration, which naturally occur during occlusion clearance. The system uses these self-generated pressure signatures to trigger valve action without requiring external intervention or complex detection algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic needle during phacoemulsification as a natural indicator of occlusion clearance. When the needle vibrates and clears an occlusion, it creates characteristic pressure fluctuations that the sensor detects, eliminating the need for complex detection systems
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 AVS system effectively manages vacuum surges by reducing pressure differences during occlusion clearance, protecting the eye from trauma and allowing rapid vacuum buildup when needed, while minimizing interference with non-vibration phases.
Implementation Method 1
The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to sculpt and emulsify the cataract
Implementation Method 2
detect cavitation caused by vibration of the needle
Implementation Method 3
a valve disposed in the aspiration line and configured to control fluid connectivity in the aspiration line, a sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of a fluid metric in the aspiration line
Implementation Method 4
a pumping sub-system connected to the aspiration line and configured to remove fluid and waste matter from the eye via the aspiration line
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification probe configured to be inserted into an eye, and including a needle, a horn configured to support the needle, and an ultrasonic actuator connected to the horn and configured to vibrate the needle to emulsify a lens of the eye, an aspiration line partially disposed in the needle, a pumping sub-system connected to the aspiration line and configured to remove fluid and waste matter from the eye via the aspiration line, a valve disposed in the aspiration line and configured to control fluid connectivity in the aspiration line, a sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of a fluid metric in the aspiration line, and a controller configured to find an activation status of the ultrasonic actuator, and selectively control the valve responsively to the fluid metric and the activation status of the ultrasonic actuator.