Rotatable-Segment Phacoemulsification Handpiece for Reduced Surgeon Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification handpieces cause surgeon fatigue due to the rigid construction requiring the entire handpiece and connected lines to be moved or rotated to adjust the distal end, leading to discomfort in the hand and wrist during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A phacoemulsification handpiece with two or more rotatable segments and managed irrigation/aspiration lines, allowing the distal tip to rotate independently of the connected cords and lines, reducing the need to move the entire handpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handpiece is constructed with rigid connections between segments, then structural stability is maintained, but surgeon fatigue increases due to inability to rotate the distal tip independently
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into multiple rotatable segments (distal segment, intermediate segment, proximal segment) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the distal tip to be repositioned without rotating the entire handpiece, reducing surgeon fatigue while maintaining structural integrity through controlled articulation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with rotatable segments. The distal segment can rotate independently around the longitudinal axis, allowing real-time adjustment of the distal tip orientation during surgical procedures, thereby improving ergonomic comfort without compromising overall structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the entire handpiece is rotated to adjust the distal end position, then alignment is achieved, but hand and wrist discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into multiple rotatable segments (distal segment, intermediate segment, proximal segment) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the distal tip to be repositioned without rotating the entire handpiece, reducing surgeon fatigue while maintaining structural integrity through controlled articulation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation function is extracted from the entire handpiece and localized to specific rotatable segments. Only the distal segment needs to rotate to achieve distal tip repositioning, rather than rotating the complete handpiece assembly, thereby isolating the rotational movement to minimize ergonomic strain on the surgeon's hand and wrist.
3Ease of operation
If rotatable segments are added to enable independent rotation, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into multiple rotatable segments (distal segment, intermediate segment, proximal segment) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the distal tip to be repositioned without rotating the entire handpiece, reducing surgeon fatigue while maintaining structural integrity through controlled articulation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable segments are designed with universal articulation mechanisms that can accommodate multiple functions: irrigation fluid delivery, aspiration, ultrasonic energy transmission, and electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite adding rotational capability.
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
Reduces surgeon fatigue by enabling independent rotation of the distal tip, improving ergonomic comfort during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The handpiece 10 includes a distal tip (or needle) 15 (shown within the anterior chamber of the patient's eye 1) that emits ultrasonic energy to emulsify the cataractic lens within the patient's eye 1.
Implementation Method 2
The phacoemulsification method includes emulsifying, or liquefying, the cataractic lens with an ultrasonically driven needle
Implementation Method 3
Concomitantly with the emulsification, fluid from the irrigation source 30, which is typically an elevated bottle of saline solution, is irrigated into the eye 1 via the irrigation line 35 and the irrigation port 25
Implementation Method 4
the irrigation fluid and emulsified cataractic lens material are aspirated from the eye 1 by the aspiration pump 40 via the aspiration port 20 and the aspiration line 45
Implementation Method 5
The horn 250, crystals 280, and a proximal portion of the needle 210 are enclosed within a handpiece casing 270
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for a phacoemulsification handpiece. Included are: at least a first segment having a longitudinal axis, and a first end and a second end, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a second segment along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the first segment, a needle powered by the power input, an aspiration output, and an irrigation output; a rotating coupler capable of coupling the second end of the first segment and the second segment to enable independent axial rotation about the longitudinal axis of the first segment from the second segment; and a plurality of flexible tubing passing substantially along the longitudinal axis within both the first segment and the second segment. The plurality of flexible tubing flexes within the first and second segments and within the rotating coupler so as not to bind during the independent axial rotation.