Rotating Phacoemulsification Tip Reduces Surgeon Hand Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification handpieces cause surgeon fatigue due to the need to rotate the entire handpiece to adjust the emulsifying needle and irrigation ports, which is cumbersome and inefficient, leading to suboptimal positioning and increased fatigue during cataract removal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A phacoemulsification handpiece design featuring a rotating tip with an external thumb wheel that allows independent rotation of the emulsifying needle and irrigation sleeve, reducing the need to move the entire handpiece and minimizing surgeon fatigue by enabling precise, controlled adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire handpiece is rotated to adjust the emulsifying needle and irrigation ports, then the positioning can be achieved, but surgeon fatigue increases and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into a stationary body and a rotatable distal section (needle and irrigation ports). This segmentation allows only the necessary components to rotate independently, eliminating the need to move the entire handpiece and reducing surgeon fatigue during positioning adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the entire handpiece is rotated to adjust positioning, then the needle and ports can be positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into a stationary body and a rotatable distal section (needle and irrigation ports). This segmentation allows only the necessary components to rotate independently, eliminating the need to move the entire handpiece and reducing surgeon fatigue during positioning adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the distal tip is made rotatable independent of the handpiece body, then positioning precision improves and fatigue reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into a stationary body and a rotatable distal section (needle and irrigation ports). This segmentation allows only the necessary components to rotate independently, eliminating the need to move the entire handpiece and reducing surgeon fatigue during positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotational coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stationary handpiece body and the rotatable distal tip. This mediator enables independent rotation of the tip while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity in the overall design.
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 ergonomic design allows for reduced surgeon fatigue and improved precision in positioning the phacoemulsification tip, enabling more efficient cataract removal with less strain on the hand and wrist during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating tip (e.g., needle and irrigation sleeve) in communication with a thumb wheel such that rotation of the thumb wheel rotates the tip independent of movement of the handpiece
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for a phacoemulsification handpiece. The handpiece may include: a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and first and second ends, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the proximal portion a needle configured to be vibrated by a transducer powered by the power input, the transducer residing within the distal portion and being associated with a horn having a circumferential flange proximal portion. The handpiece further includes a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange within the distal portion, and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for rotational actuation of the extending portion. Rotational actuation of the thumb wheel thus affects a rotation of the circumferential flange and in turn, the horn and needle coupled therewith.