Ophthalmic microsurgical system employing surgical module employing flash EEPROM and reprogrammable modules

• US 6,251,113 B1
• Filed: 08/28/1997
• Issued: 06/26/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Ritter, John Alan, Eberhardt, Christopher Michael, Knight, Jeffery Alan, Appelbaum, Peter Francis, Painter, John A., Cochran, Bruce Robert, Bisch, Michael Evremonde
• Primary Examiner(s): Dawson, Glenn K.
• Application Number:
  US08/919,611
• Time in Patent Office: 1,398 Days
• Field of Search: 606/1, 606/107, 606/130, 606/166, 606/167, 604/19, 604/22, 600/417, 600/429, 345/326, 345/329, 345/418, 345/507, 364/130, 364/131, 364/136, 364/140.02
• US Class Current: 606/107
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets A61B18/00 takes precedence; contraceptive devices, pessaries, or applicators therefor A61F6/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3201 Scissors for biopsy A61B10/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0003 of parts of the instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00057 Light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00154 pulsed
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00185 Means for setting or varying the pulse height
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0019 Means for setting or varying the pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00225 Systems for controlling multiple different instruments, e.g. microsurgical systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00482 with a code
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00544 pneumatically
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00973 pedal-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00977 the depression depth determining the power rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/155 Mayo stands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/185 Drawers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2217/005 with suction drainage system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2217/007 : with irrigation system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/10 : Furniture specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/13 : Trolleys, e.g. carts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/15 : Mayo stands; Tables
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/20 : Holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments drapes with means to hold surgical instruments A61B46/23; for catheters A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/30 : Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/36 : Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00 : Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand caps with means for protecting the eyes A42B1/018; visors for helmets A42B3/22; retractors A61B17/02; manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery A61B34/70; appliances to aid invalids to move about A61H3/00; exercisers for the eyes A61H5/00; eye baths A61H35/02; sunglasses or goggles having the same features as spectacles G02C
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00736 : Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments A61F9/008 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00745 : using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00763 : with rotating or reciprocating cutting elements, e.g. concentric cutting needles atherectomy cutting instruments A61B17/3207; endoscopic cutting instruments A61B17/320016
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 12/001 : Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies carts specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis A61B50/13; hand carts B62B3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 : Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 : using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 : with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/04 : Programmable interface between a set of switches and a set of functions, e.g. for reconfiguration of a control panel
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/12 : responsive to underload or no-load for motors H02H7/0827

Abstract

A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments connected thereto. The microsurgical instruments are for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures. The system includes a data communications bus and a user interface connected to the data communications bus. The user interface provides information to the user and receives information from the user which is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments. The system also includes surgical modules connected to and controlling the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters. The surgical modules are also connected to the data communications bus. The data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical modules. Other features are also disclosed including a main control, an endo-illuminator system, a phacoemulsification handpiece, surgical scissors, a vitrectomy cutter, a surgical foot control, a remote control, a cart.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments to be connected thereto, the microsurgical instruments for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, said system comprising:

a data communications bus;

a user interface connected to the data communications bus, said user interface providing information to the user and receiving information from the user which information is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments;

a first surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said first surgical module being connected to the data communication bus;

a second surgical module for connection to and for controlling another one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said second surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second modules; and

wherein the data communications bus provides peer-to-peer communication between the first and second surgical modules.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface includes a memory storing a plurality of operating parameters and includes a central processor for retrieving a set of the operating parameters from the memory, wherein the operating parameters stored in the memory are programmable and wherein the central processor reprograms the operating parameters in response to the information provided by the user via the user interface.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface includes a disk drive for use with a removable memory storing data representative of a plurality of operating parameters and includes a central processor for defining a set of the operating parameters for the microsurgical instruments based on the data stored in the removable memory whereby each surgical module controls the corresponding microsurgical instrument as a function of the set of operating parameters defined by the central processor.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each module includes a flash EEPROM storing configuration and unique identification data and wherein the modules and the user interface communicate via the data communications bus as a function of the data stored in flash EEPROM.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the flash EEPROM of each surgical module stores executable routines for controlling the corresponding microsurgical instrument connected to it during performance of the surgical procedures.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the user interface includes a central processor for reprogramming the flash EEPROM of at least one of the modules via the data communications bus in response to the information provided by the user.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a foot control assembly providing remote control of at least one of the microsurgical instruments and a control circuit connected to and controlling the foot control assembly, said foot control circuit being connected to the data communications bus wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the foot control circuit.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the data communications bus provides peer-to-peer communication between the foot control circuit and the first and second surgical modules.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the foot control circuit is responsive to the foot control assembly for changing the operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the foot control circuit includes a flash EEPROM storing configuration and unique identification data and wherein the modules and the foot control circuit communicate via the data communications bus as a function of the data stored in flash EEPROM.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein the flash EEPROM of the foot control circuit stores executable routines for controlling the foot control assembly connected to it during performance of the surgical procedures.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein the user interface includes a central processor for reprogramming the flash EEPROM of the foot control circuit via the data communications bus in response to the information provided by the user.

13. The system of claim 7 wherein the foot control circuit includes a processor receiving and responsive to the data communicated via the data communications bus for generating control signals to control the foot control assembly during performance of the surgical procedures.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein each surgical module is selected from the following:

an air/fluid exchange module;

a scissors/forceps module;

a phacoemulsification module;

a phacofragmentation module;

a phacoemulsification and phacofragmentation module;

an irrigation/aspiration/vitrectomy module for use with a scroll pump;

an irrigation/aspiration/vitrectomy module for use with a venturi pump;

a bipolar coagulation module; and

an illumination module.

15. The system of claim 1 further comprising an intravenous (IV) pole assembly and a control circuit connected to and controlling the IV pole assembly to drive a motor to raise and lower the IV pole assembly, said IV pole control circuit being connected to the data communications bus wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the IV pole control circuit.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the operating parameters define at least one of the following:

a linearly variable scissors cut rate;

a fixed scissors cut rate;

a single actuation scissors cut;

a proportional actuation scissors closure level;

an air/fluid pressure;

an air/fluid flow rate;

a linearly variable bipolar power level;

a fixed bipolar power level;

an illumination intensity level;

an aspiration vacuum pressure level;

an aspiration flow rate;

a linearly variable vitrectomy cut rate;

a fixed vitrectomy cut rate;

a single actuation vitrectomy cut;

a phacoemulsification power level;

a phacofragmentation power level;

a phacoemulsification pulse rate;

a phacofragmentation pulse rate;

a plurality of foot pedal pitch detent levels; and

an intravenous pole height.

17. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments to be connected thereto, the microsurgical instruments for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, said system comprising:

a data communications bus;

a user interface connected to the data communications bus, said user interface providing information to the user and receiving information from the user which information is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments, said user interface including a central processor;

a surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said surgical module being connected to the data communications bus, said surgical module including a flash EEPROM storing executable routines for controlling the corresponding microsurgical instrument connected to it during performance of the surgical procedures;

wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical module; and

wherein the central processor reprograms the flash EEPROM of the surgical module via the data communications bus in response to the information provided by the user.

18. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments to be connected thereto, the microsurgical instruments for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, said system comprising;

a data communications bus;

a user interface connected to the data communications bus, said user interface providing information to the user and receiving information from the user which information is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments;

a first surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said first surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

a second surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said second surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules; and

wherein each of the modules and the user interface includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver for receiving data from and transmitting data to the data communications bus and wherein the data communications bus, the transceivers and the

processors form a communications network whereby the modules communicate with each other and the user interface via the communications network.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the operating parameters stored in memory are programmable and wherein a central processor reprograms the operating parameters in response to the information provided by the user via the user interface.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the user interface includes a disk drive for use with a removable memory storing data representative of a plurality of operating parameters and includes a central processor for defining a set of the operating parameters for the microsurgical instruments based on the data stored in the removable memory whereby each surgical module controls the corresponding microsurgical instrument as a function of the set of operating parameters defined by the central processor.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein each module includes a flash EEPROM storing configuration and unique identification data and wherein the modules and the user interface communicate via the data communications bus as a function of the data stored in the flash EEPROM.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the flash EEPROM of each surgical module stores executable routines for controlling the corresponding microsurgical instrument connected to it during performance of the surgical procedures.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the user interface includes a central processor for reprogramming the flash EEPROM of at least one of the modules via the data communications bus in response to the information provided by the user.

24. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments to be connected thereto, the microsurgical instruments for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, said system comprising:

a data communications bus;

a user interface connected to the data communications bus, said user interface providing information to the user and receiving information from the user which information is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments;

a first surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters said first surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

a second surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of a least one of the operating parameters, said second surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules; and

wherein each module includes a flash EEPROM storing configuration and unique identification data and wherein the modules and the user interface communicate via the data communications bus as a function of the data stored in flash EEPROM.

25. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments to be connected thereto, the microsurgical instruments for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, said system comprising:

a data communications bus;

a user interface connected to the data communications bus, said user interface providing information to the user and receiving information from the user which information is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments;

a first surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said first surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

a second surgical module for connection to and for controlling one of the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters, said second surgical module being connected to the data communications bus;

wherein at least one of the first and second modules has a flash EEPROM storing executable routines;

wherein the data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules; and

wherein the user interface includes a central processor for reprogramming the flash EEPROM of at least one of the modules via the data communications bus.