Posterior Segment Volume Measurement in Vitreoretinal Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vitreoretinal surgical procedures face inefficiencies in determining the volume of the posterior segment of the eye during fluid-air exchange and air-gas exchange, leading to excessive waste of gases and prolonged surgical time due to inaccurate mixing and delivery of gas and air mixtures.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a collection chamber fluidically coupled to the posterior segment of the eye, a gas source, and a controller that detects fluid level changes to determine the volume of the posterior segment by initiating and halting gas flow, allowing for precise measurement and reduced waste of tamponade gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large volumes of gas are supplied to the posterior segment during fluid-air exchange, then the posterior segment can be adequately filled, but excessive gas is wasted and surgical time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas volume suppliedVSAvoidgas waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the posterior segment volume using a collection chamber and level sensor before the actual gas supply. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to know the exact volume needed, preventing both under-filling and over-filling with gas, thereby reducing gas waste while ensuring adequate filling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The level sensor provides real-time feedback on the fluid level in the collection chamber during the exchange process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor the actual volume being displaced and adjust gas supply accordingly, preventing excessive gas usage and waste while ensuring the posterior segment is properly filled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual mixing of gas and air is performed, then the desired concentration can be achieved, but surgical time is delayed during the mixing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas concentration accuracyVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the patient's own vitreous fluid volume measurement to automatically determine the required gas volume and concentration. The controller calculates and guides the precise amount of gas to be supplied based on the measured posterior segment volume, eliminating the need for manual mixing calculations and procedures, thus saving surgical time while maintaining concentration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from manual mixing parameters to automated volume-based parameters. By measuring the actual posterior segment volume and using this parameter to control gas supply, the system eliminates time-consuming manual mixing while maintaining or improving concentration accuracy through precise volumetric control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional fluid-air exchange is performed without volume measurement, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but gas delivery precision is poor leading to excessive gas waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical efficiencyVSAvoidposterior segment volume measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical estimation methods with an automated electronic measurement system comprising a collection chamber, level sensor, and controller. This substitution maintains surgical efficiency by automating the measurement process while providing precise volume data that eliminates gas waste, thus improving both productivity and measurement precision simultaneously.

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 system enables accurate determination of the posterior segment volume, reducing gas waste and surgical time by ensuring precise delivery of the tamponade gas mixture, thereby improving gas utilization and efficiency in vitreoretinal surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A level sensor may be adapted to detect a fluid level in an collection chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid level detection:

Implementation Method 2

providing a supply of gas from a gas source to the posterior segment of the eye... evacuating the fluid from the posterior segment of the eye into the collection chamber with the supply of gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas displacement:

Data Source

PatentUS8920335B2Methods and systems for posterior segment volume measurement

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 ALCON INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining a volume of the posterior segment of an eye during a fluid-to-gas exchange are described. The determined volume of the posterior segment may be used to determine the volume of pure tamponade gas to be introduced into the posterior segment resulting in a desired tamponade gas to other gas (e.g., air) ratio, such as during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. Particularly, the systems and methods may provide for improved gas utilization, less waste, and reduced surgery time, for example, by accurately measuring the volume of the posterior segment of the eye and only using the amount of pure gas required to produce the desired ratio. Further, in some implementations, mixing of a tamponade gas is accomplished intrinsically within the posterior segment of the eye, thereby avoiding manual mixing and reducing surgery time.