Reflux control in microsurgical system

• US 20070000301A1
• Filed: 06/21/2005
• Published: 01/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Novartis Ag
• Original Assignee: Novartis Ag
• Inventors: Hopkins, Mark, Todd, Kirk
• Application Number:
  US11/157,714
• Publication Number:
  US 20070000301A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/1.250
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/74 Suction control underwater drainage A61M1/61
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/77 Suction-irrigation systems aspiration tips supplying fluids A61M1/85; specific for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/92; combined with tracheal tubes A61M16/0463

Abstract

An improved method of controlling reflux in a microsurgical system involving monitoring reflux pressure over time to detect occlusion break.

Claims

1. A method of controlling reflux in a microsurgical system, comprising the steps of:

operating a pump to provide irrigating fluid at a constant flow rate to an occluded port of a surgical device;

sensing a reflux pressure proximate said port over time;

monitoring said reflux pressure as a function of time to detect an occlusion break.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said monitoring step comprises monitoring a slope of a reflux pressure versus time curve.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of monitoring said slope comprises detecting a change in a sign of said slope.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said slope changes from a positive sign to a negative sign.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said slope changes from a positive sign to zero.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said operating step commences upon detection of an occlusion of said port.