Pulse Manipulation for Phacoemulsification Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phacoemulsification surgical systems lack precise control over pulse shapes and durations, leading to inefficiencies in emulsifying lens material, excessive heat generation, and cavitation effects, which can complicate surgical procedures and pose risks to patients.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating a group of pulses with varying power levels, shapes, and durations, including programmed linear and non-linear components, allowing for customizable pulse configurations to improve emulsification and reduce heat generation, using a controller to adjust the amplitude and sequence of pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed-width constant amplitude pulses are used, then the system is simple to control, but precise control over pulse shapes and durations is lost leading to inefficiencies in emulsification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidpulse shape control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-width constant amplitude pulses to variable-width pulses with varying amplitudes. The pulse width and amplitude are dynamically adjusted based on surgical conditions, allowing precise control over energy delivery while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying multiple pulse parameters including width, amplitude, and shape in a controlled manner. This allows optimization of emulsification efficiency while managing heat generation and cavitation effects, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high power levels are applied continuously, then emulsification efficiency is improved, but excessive heat generation occurs causing tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemulsification efficiencyVSAvoidtissue temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed ultrasonic energy delivery with varying widths and amplitudes. The periodic variation allows high power levels during active emulsification phases followed by lower power phases, preventing continuous heat accumulation while maintaining emulsification efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic adjustment of pulse parameters based on real-time surgical conditions. The control system monitors and adjusts pulse width and amplitude dynamically, increasing power when needed for emulsification and reducing it to prevent excessive heat generation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If rapid power transitions are used, then response time is improved, but lens material positioning is compromised due to vacuum imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transition speedVSAvoidlens material positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing controlled, progressive power transitions rather than abrupt changes. The pulse width and amplitude are adjusted dynamically in a controlled manner, allowing the vacuum balance to adapt smoothly to power changes, thus maintaining lens material positioning precision while achieving timely response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-adjusting pulse parameters before full power is applied. The control system gradually increases pulse width and amplitude, allowing the system to prepare and stabilize vacuum conditions before full emulsification power is delivered, preventing lens material displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If simple pulse patterns are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cavitation effects are not adequately minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse control complexityVSAvoidcavitation effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying pulse width, amplitude, and shape parameters to control cavitation effects. These parameter variations are achieved through controlled algorithms that adjust pulse characteristics in real-time, minimizing harmful cavitation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback mechanisms where the control system monitors surgical conditions and adjusts pulse parameters accordingly. This feedback-driven adjustment allows the system to minimize cavitation effects by adapting pulse width and amplitude based on real-time observations, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and harmful factor reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enables more precise control over lens material positioning and cutting, reduces tissue heating, and minimizes cavitation effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of phacoemulsification procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The crystals are controlled by the console and supply ultrasonic vibrations that drive both the horn and the attached cutting tip during phacoemulsification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

One known cutting tip is ultrasonically vibrated along its longitudinal axis within the irrigating sleeve by the crystal-driven ultrasonic horn, thereby emulsifying the selected tissue in situ

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

A reduced pressure or vacuum source in the console draws or aspirates emulsified tissue from the eye through the open end of the cutting tip, the cutting tip and horn bores and the aspiration line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

The risk of the tip overheating and burning tissue is reduced by the cooling effect of the aspirated fluid flowing inside the tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 5

These small incisions result in very tight wounds that squeeze the irrigating sleeve tightly against the vibrating tip. Friction between the irrigating sleeve and the vibrating tip generates heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction heating: Friction