Robotic Cataract Removal With Bimanual Laser and Aspiration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cataract surgery methods, such as phacoemulsification and laser-based techniques, face challenges with precision control, extended procedure times, and safety concerns due to ultrasound energy propagation and fragile laser fibers, particularly in navigating complex eye structures.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a robotic tool and vision system for precise control, incorporating laser, ultrasonic, irrigation, and aspiration devices, allowing for real-time manipulation and preprogrammed patterns to optimize cataract removal, using a bimanual approach with interchangeable tools for improved access and reduced tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If phacoemulsification is used to remove cataract, then cataract can be emulsified and suctioned out, but ultrasound energy propagation causes safety concerns and extended procedure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic hand piece (mechanical/ultrasonic system) with a robotic system that uses irrigation and aspiration (fluid-based system) to remove cataract. This substitution eliminates ultrasound energy propagation concerns while maintaining effective cataract removal capability through controlled fluid flow and robotic precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser-based techniques are used for cataract surgery, then precision can be improved, but laser fibers are fragile and difficult to navigate complex eye structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fragile laser fiber (mechanical/optical system) with a robotic system using flexible catheters and fluid-based irrigation/aspiration. This substitution maintains precision through robotic control while improving ease of navigation by using soft, flexible tools that can safely navigate complex eye structures without the fragility of laser fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs irrigation and aspiration (hydraulic system) as the core mechanism for cataract removal. Fluid flow through flexible catheters enables precise material removal while the flexibility of the catheters allows easy navigation through complex eye structures, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If manual extraction is performed through large incision, then cataract can be removed, but tissue damage increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary minimal incision approach by using robotic-controlled irrigation and aspiration through small catheters. This allows cataract removal through minimal incisions rather than large openings, thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining surgical efficiency through automated robotic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-service by automatically controlling irrigation flow and aspiration suction to efficiently remove cataract material through minimal incisions. The system autonomously manages the surgical process, reducing tissue damage while maintaining high surgical efficiency without requiring large incisions for manual extraction.
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
Enhances precision and reduces procedure time by enabling precise robotic control over laser and aspiration devices, minimizing tissue damage and improving surgical efficiency in cataract removal.
Implementation Method 1
a vision system configured to detect a position of at least one of an anatomical structure of a patient and the robotic tool tip, and generate a signal in response to changes to the position
Implementation Method 2
The robotic tool may comprise at least one of a laser device, an ultrasound device, an irrigation device, and an aspiration device
Implementation Method 3
a laser device, an ultrasound device, an irrigation device, and an aspiration device
Implementation Method 4
a laser device, an ultrasound device, an irrigation device, and an aspiration device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for facilitating the removal of material from an anatomical structure with a robotic system are discussed herein. For example, the robotic system can include a first robotic component configured to control movement of a first device and a second robotic component configured to control movement of a second device. The first device and the second device can be controlled within a chamber of the anatomical structure to remove material from the chamber. For instance, the first device can be controlled to emit energy to break up the material into pieces and the second device can be controlled to remove the pieces from the chamber. In some cases, the first device can be controlled to gradually vary a parameter associated with the first device between a first value and a second value.