Slit Irrigation Line for Phaco Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation/aspiration systems in phacoemulsification procedures face challenges in reducing fluid flow surges after occlusion break, which can lead to anterior chamber collapse due to vacuum buildup, and existing solutions either increase irrigation line size, making the handpiece harder to control, or reduce compliance, which is not fully effective.
Innovation Solution
The system features irrigation and aspiration lines with different compliance, where the irrigation line has higher compliance due to slits in its internal walls, allowing for enhanced fluid accumulation and flow during occlusion clearance, thereby reducing post-occlusion surge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the irrigation line size is increased to allow larger irrigation fluid flows, then the ability to quench vacuum buildup is improved, but the handpiece becomes more difficult to hold and control
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation line incorporates an expandable section with specific local properties (radial expandability) that differs from the rest of the line. This expandable section is positioned at a specific location to provide compliance where needed, while the rest of the system maintains its original dimensions for ease of operation. The expandable section acts as a localized compliance element that absorbs vacuum surges without requiring the entire irrigation line to be larger.
2Reliability
If the compliance in the aspiration system is reduced to minimize vacuum buildup during occlusion, then the surge after occlusion break is reduced, but the system cannot fully eliminate anterior chamber collapse risk
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable section is pre-positioned in the irrigation line to provide compliance before occlusion occurs. When occlusion happens and vacuum builds up, the expandable section has already been positioned to absorb the pressure changes. This preliminary preparation allows the system to handle vacuum surges effectively without requiring active control during the occlusion event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable section acts as an intermediary element between the irrigation fluid source and the anterior chamber. It serves as a buffer that mediates the transmission of vacuum pressure changes, absorbing surges before they can cause anterior chamber collapse while still allowing normal irrigation flow during non-occlusion periods.
3Productivity
If a larger irrigation line is used to increase fluid flow capacity, then vacuum quenching ability is improved, but the system complexity and handpiece size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation line is segmented into different sections: a standard section for normal operation and an expandable section for compliance. This segmentation allows the majority of the system to remain simple and compact, while only a specific segment provides the compliance function. The expandable section is integrated into the existing line rather than replacing the entire system, maintaining simplicity while adding the needed functionality.
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 design effectively reduces fluid flow surges by allowing increased fluid flow during occlusion clearance, minimizing the risk of anterior chamber collapse while maintaining handpiece control and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable section (444) in said irrigation line between said surgical console and said ocular handpiece. The expandable section is radially expandable to an expanded configuration and radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
reducing compliance in the irrigation line to a level that minimizes vacuum buildup during an occlusion
Implementation Method 3
The flexible tubings supply irrigation fluid to and draw aspiration fluid from the eye through the handpiece assembly
Implementation Method 4
A reduced pressure or vacuum source in the console draws or aspirates the emulsified tissue from the eye through the open end of the cutting tip, the cutting tip and horn bores and the aspiration line
Implementation Method 5
The crystals supply the required ultrasonic vibration needed to drive both the horn and the attached cutting tip during phacoemulsification
Implementation Method 6
The 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
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
A surgical system is provided, comprising a surgical console (320), a handpiece, an irrigation line (322) and an aspiration line (324) connecting the handpiece to the console, wherein the irrigation line contains a plurality of weakened areas, the weakened areas increasing the compliance of the irrigation line (322) relative to the aspiration line (324). The weakened areas comprise internal slits (202,204) or external slits (200) in the irrigation line.