Pressurized Infusion System with Regulated Air Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification systems face challenges in maintaining a constant pressure for irrigation fluid delivery during ocular surgeries, particularly due to limitations in gravity-feed systems and the need for additional equipment like infusion pumps, which can lead to over or under pressurization and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines a height-adjustable irrigation fluid source with a pressure supply line to provide a stable and adjustable pressurized fluid flow, using a regulated air source to maintain a constant pressure of up to 5 PSI, allowing for dynamic pressure control through both the height adjustment and gas pressure modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a gravity-feed system is used to increase irrigation fluid pressure, then the pressure can be increased by raising the fluid source height, but the system becomes limited by physical height constraints and cannot provide sufficient pressure for smaller incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic pressurization by introducing a gas source (air or oxygen) into the fluid container to generate pressure. The system uses a pressure regulator to control the gas pressure, which then pressurizes the irrigation fluid without requiring increased height. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient pressure through gas pressure rather than gravitational height.
2Stress or pressure
If an infusion pump is used to pressurize the fluid container, then higher infusion pressure and flow can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires additional equipment like special drip spikes, mechanical pressurization compartments, or over-bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressurization function with the existing fluid delivery system by introducing a gas source that directly pressurizes the fluid container. This merges the pressurization mechanism into the standard infusion setup, eliminating the need for separate infusion pumps, special drip spikes, or mechanical pressurization compartments, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired pressure.
3Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used to directly pump the fluid, then controlled fluid delivery can be achieved, but the system requires dynamic pressure-sensing control loops and venting mechanisms to prevent over or under pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that provides feedback to a control system. The pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the fluid container and sends signals to a controller that regulates the gas flow accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic pressure regulation, preventing over or under pressurization without requiring complex mechanical control loops or venting mechanisms, thus achieving controlled fluid delivery with simplified system architecture.
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 ensures a stable and controlled pressurized delivery of irrigation fluid, reducing unwanted pressure spikes and equipment complexity, while enabling sufficient pressure for surgical procedures even with smaller incisions and limited physical height constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The second method includes the use of an infusion pump, for either directly pumping the fluid and typically in the form of a peristaltic pump used in-line with an irrigation delivery line, or for pumping by pressurizing the fluid container to thus increase higher atmospheres above the fluid to thereby result in higher infusion pressure and flow to the surgical site.
Implementation Method 2
The first method to increase irrigation fluid pressure has relied upon the height of the fluid source. Conventional IV poles may be adjusted in height to create the desired pressure head using gravity-feed principles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to providing pressurized infusion of liquids and, more particularly, is directed to providing a stable and pressurized flow of irrigation fluid to the eye during surgery.