Surgical System Occlusion Control via Irrigation Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occlusion detection systems in phacoemulsification surgery are limited by their reliance on fixed aspiration vacuum levels, which can lead to premature or delayed adjustments in power delivery, resulting in inefficient cutting and increased risk of tissue overheating.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors irrigation pressure and flow rate to accurately detect stages of occlusion, adjusting power delivery to the ultrasound handpiece based on real-time changes in aspiration and irrigation pressure patterns, and heat absorption capacity to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed aspiration vacuum levels are used for occlusion detection, then the system is simple to operate, but the detection precision is poor leading to premature or delayed power adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from using a single fixed aspiration vacuum parameter to monitoring multiple dynamic parameters including irrigation pressure, aspiration vacuum levels, and flow rates. By changing and comparing multiple parameters simultaneously, the system achieves more precise occlusion detection and determines the specific stage of occlusion, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Productivity
If power delivery is adjusted based on fixed vacuum thresholds, then the control system is simple, but the cutting efficiency decreases and tissue overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring irrigation pressure and aspiration vacuum levels in real-time. Based on the detected stage of occlusion, the control system dynamically adjusts power delivery to the ultrasonic handpiece, reducing power during full occlusion to prevent overheating while maintaining adequate power during partial occlusion to preserve cutting efficiency. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between productivity and harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-threshold control to dynamic adaptive control. Power delivery is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of occlusion stages through multiple parameter monitoring. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize cutting efficiency during different occlusion phases while preventing tissue overheating, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
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 approach allows for more precise control of power delivery during occlusions, enhancing cutting efficiency while minimizing tissue damage and maintaining optimal temperature, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a heat absorption capacity for the flow of irrigation fluid is determined... A temperature of the eye is determined by comparing or analyzing the heat absorption capacity and the power supplied to the ultrasound handpiece
Implementation Method 2
a thin cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tip liquefies or emulsifies the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.