Pressurized Infusion System for Stable Ocular Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification systems face challenges in maintaining constant irrigation fluid pressure during eye surgery, particularly due to limitations in gravity-feed systems and the need for complex setups with infusion pumps, which can lead to fluctuations in intra-ocular pressure and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a tertiary peristaltic pump and additional fluid reservoir provides a constant pressure source, allowing for simultaneous priming of phacoemulsification, irrigation, and aspiration handpieces, using a secondary set of fluidics lines and software-controlled pumps and valves to maintain selected inter-ocular pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity-feed systems are used to provide irrigation fluid, then the setup is simple, but the irrigation fluid pressure is unstable and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery function into two independent subsystems: a primary gravity-feed system for basic fluid delivery and a secondary pressurized system for stable pressure maintenance. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A secondary peristaltic pump is introduced as an intermediary device between the fluid source and the surgical site. This pump acts as a mediator that receives fluid from the gravity-feed system and delivers it with stabilized pressure, thereby maintaining pressure consistency without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If infusion pumps are used to pressurize irrigation fluid, then irrigation fluid pressure is improved, but the system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a secondary peristaltic pump that is simpler and less expensive than traditional infusion pumps. The design accepts that this auxiliary pump may require periodic replacement or maintenance, but prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity over long-term durability of the pressurization component.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary peristaltic pump serves multiple functions: it pressurizes irrigation fluid, maintains stable pressure during surgery, and can be integrated with existing gravity-feed systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If line switching is performed during surgery, then different surgical functions can be achieved, but surgical efficiency decreases and intra-ocular pressure fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple fluid delivery pathways with different pressure characteristics before surgery begins. During surgery, the surgeon can switch between pre-prepared lines without requiring system reconfiguration or pump adjustments, thereby maintaining surgical efficiency while achieving different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts between different fluid delivery modes by switching between pre-configured lines with varying pressure characteristics. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different surgical requirements while minimizing interruptions and pressure fluctuations through smooth transitions between pre-established configurations.
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 solution ensures stable and improved pressurized delivery of irrigation fluid to the eye, reducing the need for frequent line switching and minimizing fluctuations in intra-ocular pressure, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A second peristaltic pump, secondary tubing and fluid source are provided
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
Apparatus, system and method for providing pressurized infusion of liquids and, more particularly, providing a stable and pressurized flow of fluid to the eye during surgery. Aspiration fluid may be received via an aspiration line at a first peristaltic pump, where aspiration fluid is transferred to a Venturi tank reservoir coupled to a second peristaltic pump. Fluid from a fluid source is provided via a third peristaltic pump to a pressurized infusion tank. A determination is made if the pressure in the pressurized infusion tank is at a predetermined level, where fluid may be transferred from the pressurized infusion tank to an irrigation line when pressure in the pressurized infusion tank is determined to be at the predetermined level. Alternate activation of a plurality of aspiration and irrigation lines are also provided.