Pressurized irrigation squeeze band

• US 7,806,865 B1
• Filed: 05/20/2009
• Issued: 10/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Research, LLC (Alcon Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Alcon Research Limited (Nestle SA)
• Inventors: Wilson, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lucchesi; Nicholas D
• Assistant Examiner(s): LANDRY II, GERALD ERNEST
• Application Number:
  US12/469,354
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 600400-402, 604 65- 67, 604118-121, 604131-133, 604/289, 604/294, 604/297, 604/298
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00745 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0202 with electronic control means or interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0216 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/025 supplied directly from the pressurised water source, e.g. with medicament supply combined with bidets A61M3/06

Abstract

A pressurized infusion device has a flexible band with first and second ends, a curved base, and a bag containing fluid. The bag is located between the flexible band and the curved base. The second end of the flexible band is coupled to a shaft. A motor is also coupled to the shaft. The motor is actuated to turn the shaft and produce tension in the band thereby changing the fluid pressure in the bag.

Claims

1. A pressurized infusion device for an ophthalmic surgical machine, the pressurized infusion device comprising:

a flexible band having first and second ends;

a curved base;

a bag containing irrigating fluid, the bag located between the flexible band and the curved base;

an irrigation line coupled to the bag;

a pressure sensor for reading pressure in the irrigation line;

a motor coupled to a shaft, the second end of the band coupled to the shaft;

a spring coupled to the shaft, the spring providing a torque on the shaft; and

a controller, the controller receiving an input from the irrigation pressure sensor to control the motor;

wherein when the motor is actuated to turn the shaft, tension is produced in the band to change pressure in the bag.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the motor is controlled to maintain fluid pressure in an eye during cataract surgery within a range of fluid pressures.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible band is made of a thin, non-stretching material.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

a clutch coupled to the motor to disengage the motor from the shaft.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the first end of the flexible band is secured so that it is stationary relative to the curved base.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

a frame coupled to the curved base.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensor also reads pressure in the bag.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

a valve fluidly coupled to the irrigation line.