Proximal Bypass Channel for Phaco Aspiration Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification systems experience traumatic aspiration surges due to vacuum level fluctuations during occlusions in the aspiration channel, which can damage sensitive eye tissues, and uncontrolled pressure drops in the irrigation channel pose additional risks.
Innovation Solution
A phacoemulsification system with a solenoid valve and bypass channel connecting the irrigation and aspiration channels, controlled by a controller that quickly adjusts fluid connectivity based on fluid metrics to manage vacuum levels and prevent surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vacuum pump is used to aspirate eye fluid through the aspiration channel, then productivity of cataract removal is improved, but traumatic aspiration surges occur during occlusions causing harm to eye tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel acts as an intermediary fluid pathway that allows irrigation fluid to enter the aspiration channel downstream of the occlusion site. This mediator channel prevents vacuum fluctuations from propagating to the surgical site by providing an alternative fluid route that equalizes pressure during occlusions, thereby eliminating traumatic aspiration surges while maintaining productive cataract removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass channel provides beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing a pressure equalization pathway before occlusions occur. When occlusions happen, the bypass channel immediately allows irrigation fluid to enter the aspiration channel, cushioning against vacuum spikes and preventing harmful pressure fluctuations before they can damage eye tissues.
2Productivity
If the aspiration channel is blocked (occlusion), then productivity decreases, but vacuum level fluctuations increase causing harmful pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel serves as an intermediary that decouples the aspiration pump from the surgical site during occlusions. By allowing irrigation fluid to enter the aspiration channel downstream of the occlusion, the bypass channel prevents vacuum fluctuations generated by the pump from propagating upstream to the eye, thereby eliminating harmful pressure drops while allowing the pump to continue operating at productive rates.
3Stability of the object's composition
If irrigation fluid flow is increased to maintain pressure, then stability of pressure conditions is improved, but uncontrolled pressure drops can still occur during occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel provides a controlled intermediary pathway that allows irrigation fluid to bypass occlusions and equalize pressure in the aspiration channel. This prevents uncontrolled pressure drops by providing a regulated fluid communication route between the irrigation and aspiration channels downstream of the surgical site, maintaining pressure stability even when aspiration flow is interrupted by occlusions.
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 effectively minimizes traumatic aspiration surges and maintains stable pressure conditions by rapidly responding to occlusions and occlusion clearances, protecting the eye from vacuum-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
a valve including an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein the first section of the aspiration channel is coupled with the inlet port and the distal end, wherein the second section of the aspiration channel is coupled with the outlet port, and wherein the valve is configured to selectively control fluid connectivity in the aspiration channel between the inlet port and the outlet port
Implementation Method 2
a bypass channel coupled with the irrigation channel and the second section of the aspiration channel and configured to allow a portion of the irrigation fluid in the irrigation channel to enter the second section of the aspiration channel
Implementation Method 3
directing a fluid through an aspiration conduit in a phacoemulsification hand piece using a vacuum pressure created from a pump in the hand piece interfacing with the aspiration conduit
Implementation Method 4
The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to sculpt and emulsify the cataract
Implementation Method 5
The tip of the needle vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to sculpt and emulsify the cataract
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
In one embodiment, a phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification probe including a distal end including a needle, an irrigation channel to convey irrigation fluid to the distal end, an aspiration channel to convey eye fluid and waste matter away from the distal end, wherein the aspiration channel includes a first and second section, a valve including an inlet and outlet port, the first section of the aspiration channel being coupled with the inlet port and the distal end, the second section of the aspiration channel being coupled with the outlet port, the valve being configured to selectively control fluid connectivity in the aspiration channel between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a bypass channel coupled with the irrigation channel and the second section of the aspiration channel to allow a portion of the irrigation fluid in the irrigation channel to enter the second section of the aspiration channel.