Pneumatic Tissue Removal Device for Cataract Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phacoemulsification techniques for cataract removal are costly, complex, and cause thermal damage, endothelial cell loss, and surgically induced astigmatism due to high ultrasonic energy, making them unsuitable for developing nations and new IOL technologies requiring smaller incisions.

Innovation Solution

A tissue removal device utilizing vacuum pulses and a thermal element to break up and remove tissue without ultrasonic energy, allowing for minimal fluid use and reduced incision size, with a pneumatically driven actuator and valve system for controlled aspiration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high ultrasonic energy is utilized to fragment cataract material, then tissue removal effectiveness is improved, but thermal damage to ocular tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removal effectivenessVSAvoidthermal damage to ocular tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ultrasonic mechanical vibration system with a purely aspiration-based mechanical removal system. The distal tip fragments and removes tissue through controlled suction forces rather than ultrasonic vibration, eliminating the source of thermal energy while maintaining tissue removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the ultrasonic generator and transducer components from the surgical system, retaining only the aspiration mechanism. This eliminates the harmful thermal effect while preserving the core function of tissue removal through suction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If high fluid flow is applied to draw cataract particles to the tip, then tissue removal is improved, but damage to iris and ocular tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removalVSAvoiddamage to iris and ocular tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the aspiration system to use lower flow rates combined with pulsed vacuum cycles. This creates effective tissue removal through repeated suction bursts rather than continuous high flow, reducing mechanical damage to surrounding ocular structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If phaco technology is used for cataract removal, then surgical capability is improved, but device cost and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical capabilityVSAvoidprocedural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex ultrasonic generation and control systems from the surgical device, retaining only the essential aspiration pump and control valve mechanisms. This simplifies both the device structure and the surgical procedure while maintaining effective cataract removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simpler, more affordable aspiration-based system that can be implemented with less expensive equipment compared to ultrasonic phacoemulsification systems, making the procedure more accessible and easier to learn

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If incision size is reduced to accommodate new IOLs, then compatibility with new IOL technologies is improved, but thermal burn risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new IOL technologiesVSAvoidthermal burn risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultrasonic mechanical vibration with aspiration-based tissue removal, eliminating thermal energy generation. This allows safe use of smaller incisions without the risk of thermal burns that would occur with traditional phacoemulsification through tight-fitting incisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces tissue damage, simplifies the procedure, minimizes post-operative complications, and accommodates smaller incisions, enhancing surgical performance and compatibility with new IOL technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source in communication with the valve; wherein the valve is configured to apply the vacuum through the aspiration cannula to break up tissue at the distal tip of the aspiration cannula and/or to facilitate removal of the tissue through the aspiration cannula

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

A tissue removal device utilizing vacuum pulses and a thermal element to break up and remove tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2755616B1Tissue removal devices and systems

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 MEDLOGICS INC

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AI summary

A tissue removal device includes a rigid aspiration cannula, a valve communicating with the aspiration cannula in a fluid-sealed manner, and a pneumatically-driven actuator configured for moving the valve between an open position and a closed position, wherein at the open position the valve defines an aspiration path through the aspiration cannula and the valve, and at the closed position the valve prevents vacuum from being applied at the distal tip.