Slitted Phacoemulsification Irrigation Sleeve for Surge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phacoemulsification devices face complications due to post-occlusion surge, where a blockage in the aspirating needle leads to a sudden drop in pressure in the anterior chamber of the eye, potentially causing fluid and tissue to be aspirated too quickly, risking eye collapse or lens capsule tearing, despite efforts to vent the aspiration line and limit negative pressure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of slitted irrigation ports in the phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve, which temporarily increase irrigation flow in response to pressure drops, minimizing fluid loss by splaying open to allow additional fluid flow only when needed, thus stabilizing the anterior chamber pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aspirating needle bore diameter is reduced to improve precision, then measurement precision is improved, but the needle becomes more prone to blockage by larger tissue fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation sleeve is segmented with multiple slitted irrigation ports distributed along its length, allowing irrigation fluid to enter the anterior chamber at multiple locations. This segmentation enables continuous fluid replacement even when some ports are blocked, maintaining reliable irrigation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation sleeve acts as an intermediary device between the irrigation fluid source and the anterior chamber. It mediates the irrigation process by controlling fluid delivery through slitted ports that can splay open, providing a buffer that prevents direct blockage transmission to the aspiration system.
2Productivity
If the slitted irrigation ports splay open to increase irrigation flow during pressure drops, then fluid flow is improved, but the structural integrity of the sleeve is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slitted irrigation ports are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The slits can splay open in response to pressure drops during post-occlusion surge, increasing irrigation flow rate when needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the sleeve to maintain structural integrity under normal conditions while providing enhanced flow capability during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the irrigation ports changes based on pressure conditions. During normal operation, the slits remain closed maintaining structural integrity. During pressure drops, the slits splay open to increase flow rate. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both strength and productivity under different operating conditions.
3Strength
If conventional irrigation ports are used without slits, then the sleeve structure remains simple and strong, but the irrigation flow is insufficient during post-occlusion surge
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation from static conventional ports to dynamic slitted ports enables the system to adapt irrigation flow to changing pressure conditions. The slits remain closed during normal operation preserving sleeve strength, then splay open during post-occlusion surge to provide the necessary increased flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation port configuration changes from a fixed state (conventional ports) to a variable state (slitted ports that can splay). This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between sleeve strength and irrigation flow capability based on real-time pressure conditions during the procedure.
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 slitted irrigation ports effectively offset pressure drops during post-occlusion surge, reducing fluid and pressure fluctuations within the anterior chamber, preventing excessive aspiration and maintaining eye stability during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one slitted irrigation port formed adjacent to the distal end of the body section and configured to splay in response to a drop in pressure between the inner surface and the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
The crystals supply the required ultrasonic vibration needed to drive both the horn and the attached cutting needle during phacoemulsification
Implementation Method 3
The crystals supply the required ultrasonic vibration needed to drive both the horn and the attached cutting needle during phacoemulsification
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve includes an elongated, resilient, tubular body section configured to surround a portion of a shaft of a phacoemulsification needle, the tubular body section having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner surface and an outer surface. An enlarged section formed on the proximal end of the tubular body portion surrounds a hub of the phacoemulsification needle and connects the irrigation sleeve to a phacoemulsification handpiece. The irrigation sleeve further comprises at least one slitted irrigation port formed adjacent to the distal end of the body section and configured to splay in response to a drop in pressure between the inner surface and the outer surface.