ERGONOMIC PHACOEMULSIFICATION HANDPIECE WITH ROTATING NEEDLE

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for a phacoemulsification handpiece. The handpiece may include: a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and first and second ends, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the proximal portion a needle configured to be vibrated by a transducer powered by the power input, the transducer residing within the distal portion and being associated with a horn having a circumferential flange proximal portion. The handpiece further includes a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange within the distal portion, and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for rotational actuation of the extending portion. Rotational actuation of the thumb wheel thus affects a rotation of the circumferential flange and in turn, the horn and needle coupled therewith.

Claims

1. A phacoemulsification handpiece comprising: a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and a first end and a second end, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the proximal portion: a needle configured to vibrated by a transducer powered by the power input, the transducer residing within the distal portion and being associated with a horn having a circumferential flange; a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange, and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for rotational actuation of the extending portion; wherein rotational actuation of the thumb wheel affects a rotation of the circumferential flange.

2. The handpiece of claim 1, further comprising a feedback aspect associated with the rotational actuation.

3. The handpiece of claim 2, wherein the feedback aspect comprises tactile feedback.

4. The handpiece of claim 3, wherein the tactile feedback comprises one of embedded bumps or lines on the thumb wheel.

5. The handpiece of claim 2, wherein the feedback aspect comprises an indicator window through which markings are visible indicating rotational position.

6. The handpiece of claim 2, wherein the feedback aspect comprises a wheel detent at a neutral position.

7. The handpiece of claim 2, wherein the feedback aspect comprises varying wheel detents indicative of a plurality of rotational positions.

8. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the thumb wheel comprises a circumferential notch for association with the flange.

9. The handpiece of claim 8, wherein the notch comprises a plurality of teeth for mating with the flange.

10. The handpiece of claim 9, wherein the flange comprises flange teeth correspondent to the teeth.

11. The handpiece of claim 1, further comprising a rotating coupler capable of coupling the proximal portion and the distal portion to enable independent axial rotation about the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion from the distal portion.

12. The handpiece of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of flexible tubing passing substantially along the longitudinal axis within both the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein at least a first flexible tube of the plurality provides continuous fluidic communication between the aspiration input and an aspiration output of the distal portion, and at least a second flexible tube of the plurality provides continuous fluidic communication between the irrigation input and an irrigation output in the distal portion, and wherein the plurality of flexible tubing flexes within the proximal portion and the distal portion and within the rotating coupler so as not to bind during the independent axial rotation.

13. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the transducer imparts multi-directional movement to the needle.

14. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are rigidly associated along the longitudinal axis.

15. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein a fluidic connection between the irrigation input and an irrigation output in the distal portion is routed around the thumb wheel.

16. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein a fluidic connection between the aspiration input and an aspiration output in the distal portion is routed around the thumb wheel.

17. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the rotational actuation of the thumb wheel causes rotation of the horn and needle independent of movement of the aspiration, irrigation and power inputs.

18. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the thumb wheel further comprises, opposite the extending portion and below the circumferential association with the circumferential flange, a window through which an irrigation line may pass.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the inventions are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals may or may not designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely. More specifically, in the drawings:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a phacoemulsification system known in the art;

[0022] FIG. 2 is another diagram of a phacoemulsification system known in the art;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a phacoemulsification handpiece known in the art;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an example of a phacoemulsification handpiece known in the art;

[0025] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip;

[0026] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip;

[0027] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip;

[0028] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip;

[0029] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip; and

[0030] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a handpiece having a rotating tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines, manufactures, and/or compositions of matter, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical surgical, and particularly ophthalmic surgical, devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.

[0032] Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction with the disclosed aspects.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “upon”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, upon, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present, unless clearly indicated otherwise. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly upon”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). Further, as used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or aspects, these elements or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0036] Certain types of ocular dysfunction, such as cataracts, are commonly treated with the surgical procedures referenced above, wherein the natural lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). More specifically, as the lens is emulsified under a vacuum pull, it is aspirated from the eye. Also, during the procedure, irrigation fluid is administered into the eye as the emulsified material is aspirated, thereby maintaining pressure in the interior of the eye.

[0037] The embodiments herein may relate to a standard, rigid ultrasonic handpiece, as detailed above. Additionally, the embodiments may relate to a handpiece having a multi-directional, such as flexurally moving, needle, or the embodiments may relate to a rotating handpiece.

[0038] More specifically, for each of the types of phacoemulsification handpieces referenced throughout—namely a standard, rigid handpiece, a rotationally-enabled handpiece, or a flexurally or multi-direction-capable handpiece—the embodiments provide ergonomic handpiece elements that allow for rotational movement of the emulsifying needle separately from movement of the irrigation sleeve, and/or of the needle and sleeve independently from the body of the handpiece. More particularly, the embodiments provide an external thumb wheel that controls rotation of at least the vibrating tip.

[0039] The embodiments may include an external transducer housing having a thumb wheel protruding therethrough. This actuatable thumb wheel may allow the surgeon to adjust the position of the phacoemulsification tip and/or sleeve, such as by rotating the position of the acoustic train that vibrates the needle tip. In short, the thumb wheel may be attached or otherwise associated with the acoustic aspects of the tip at a flange thereof. Accordingly, the surgeon may achieve repeated and controlled rotation of the phacoemulsification tip with very minimal surgeon fatigue.

[0040] The thumb wheel may be attached to the transducer stack at the flange. However, the thumb wheel may also attach to an external casing that may seal the transducer for autoclaving. In such a circumstance, that external casing may then attach to the transducer stack at the flange.

[0041] Thus, the disclosed handpiece may be axially stationary, and/or may operate flexurally, and/or may rotate around its center axis, while the surgeon may independently make fine movements of the tip using the thumb wheel. Therefore, the limited movement requirements of the cables on the end of the handpiece necessary to achieve the desired rotational position of the phacoemulsification tip substantially reduce surgeon fatigue.

[0042] A rigid handpiece is detailed above. A rotationally enabled handpiece may have one or more rotatable segments in conjunction with managed, twistable cords and irrigation/aspiration lines, which allows for rotation of the phacoemulsification tip independent of these cords and lines.

[0043] In a flexurally-enabled handpiece, the ultrasonic horn may provide both longitudinal motion at the needle tip, and/or transversal/flexural motion at the needle tip, to emulsify the lens of the eye. The transversal motion provides a side-to-side or back-and-forth “sanding” motion at the tip to break up the lens and the longitudinal motion that causes any occluding particulate to move away from the tip.

[0044] By way of example of a rotationally enabled handpiece, FIG. 5 illustrates that the handpiece 500 may have at least two segments, a proximal segment/portion 505 and a distal segment 510. Proximal segment 505 and distal segment 510 may be coupled to each other. Proximal segment 505 may have a first end 506 and a second end 507. Distal segment/portion 510 may have a first end 511 and a second end 512.

[0045] Proximal segment 505 may be coupled to distal segment 510 via the first end 511 and second end 507. Proximal segment 505 and second segment 510 may be coupled together by coupler 508 using any means known in the art, including, but not limited to a low friction stainless steel bearing that freely allows axial rotation between the proximal segment 505 and the distal segment 510, such as axial rotation up to 350 degrees. In an embodiment, the axial rotation may be up to 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the axial rotation may be up to 90 degrees.

[0046] The coupler 508 may reside between the first end 511 and the second end 507. In addition, the at least one coupler 508 may be a part of the proximal segment 505 or the distal segment 510, and provides a swivel feature that allows proximal segment 505 and distal segment 510 to rotate independently of one another about an axis A-A. In an embodiment, the proximal and/or distal segments may be capable of rotating up to 359 degrees.

[0047] In an embodiment, the distal segment 510 of handpiece 500 may have a needle 515 connected to a distal-most portion of distal segment 510. A sleeve 520 may also be coupled with handpiece 500 and at least partially surround needle 515. Needle 515 and sleeve 520 may be separate components attachable to the distal segment 510 or may be integrally coupled with the distal segment 510 of handpiece 500. Proximal segment 505 of handpiece 500 includes tubing/cord management section 525 that includes one or more port/connector 530.

[0048] Needle 515, or needle 515 and irrigation sleeve 520, may be coupled with a rotating element 560 on an upper aspect of the distal segment 510. By way of example, rotating element 560 may be the thumb wheel 560 shown. The thumb wheel 560 may be in communication with the transducer/horn 570 that vibrates needle 515 within the body of the distal segment 510, such as so as to rotate needle 515 upon actuation of thumb wheel 560 without rotation of other aspects of the handpiece 500. Alternatively, the thumb wheel 560 may be in communication with the irrigation sleeve 520, such as so as to rotate both the irrigation sleeve 520 and needle 515 upon actuation of thumb wheel 560.

[0049] The one or more port/connector 530 has cords 540 and/or tubing 550 connected thereto. In the known art, these connected cords 540 and/or tubing 550 lays or rests against a user's hand or wrist as the distal segment 510 is moved about.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a phacoemulsification handpiece 710, which may be the rigid handpiece discussed above or a rotationally-enabled handpiece 500, according to the embodiments. In the embodiment, the handpiece 710 shown includes an emulsifying tip 712 driven by an internal transducer stack and horn (not shown in FIG. 7), and irrigation sleeve 714 having one or more irrigation ports 714a.

[0051] Also shown is a thumb wheel 720 protruding from the uppermost portion (as shown) of the handpiece 710, proximate to the distal portion 724 of the handpiece 710. This thumb wheel 720 is associated in the body of the handpiece 710 with the transducer stack that drives the emulsifying tip 712.

[0052] Correspondingly, a rotation of the thumb wheel 720 rotates the horn to which the thumb wheel is connected. This rotation, in turn, rotates the emulsifying tip 712 driven by the transducer stack and horn. This rotation of the emulsifying tip 712 is therefore independent of the movement of the distal portion 724 of handpiece 710.

[0053] Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is a feedback aspect 730 on thumb wheel 720. The feedback aspect 730 may provide tactile feedback to the user as to the rotational position of the emulsifying tip 712. The feedback aspect 730 may thus take the form of texture, bumps or lines embedded on wheel 720. In alternative embodiments, feedback aspect 730 may take the form of an indicator window, in which indicator markings provide information to the surgeon as to the rotational position of the tip 712; or of a detent at the neutral position, and/or of varying detents indicative of the rotational position of tip 712.

[0054] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the handpiece 710 having a thumb wheel 720. In the illustration, a plurality of cords/tubing 810, such as for feeding power, aspiration, and/or irrigation fluid are provided at the proximal portion 820 of the handpiece 710. It is these cords 810 that need not be rotated in order to rotate the tip 712 using thumb wheel 720 in the disclosed embodiments, thereby preventing surgeon fatigue.

[0055] Also shown in FIG. 7 are the tip 712, the transducer stack/horn 830 that drives the tip 712, and the thumb wheel 720 having feedback aspect 730 and which is in rotational communication with the horn 830 (such as using the detent and/or the teeth referenced in the discussion of FIG. 8) opposite the tip 712 within the body of handpiece 710. One or more irrigation ports 714a of irrigation sleeve 714 at the distal portion 724 of the handpiece 710 are additionally shown.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of handpiece 710. As illustrated, the thumb wheel 720 is connectively associated within the body 910 of handpiece 710 with the flange 912 coupled with horn 830 and/or transducer stack 914. In another embodiment, transducer stack 914 and/or horn 830 may be encompassed by an optional casing 950 that includes a separate flange 912 coupled with the casing and capable of rotationally communicating with thumb wheel 720.

[0057] Of note, the thumb wheel 720 may rotationally communicate with a flange 912, such as may reside on the horn 830, the stack 914, a casing encompassing the horn and/or the stack, and/or the irrigation sleeve 714 using a “notch” 930. Of course, the thumb wheel may be otherwise circumferentially incomplete to allow for the rotational association of the thumb wheel 720 with the flange 912 within the body housing 910. Yet further, the notch may comprise a plurality of teeth which may, for example, “mate” with teeth on the flange 912 to allow the rotational force applied to the wheel 720 to be imparted to the flange 912.

[0058] Also of note in relation to the cross-section of FIG. 8, certain aspects within body 910 may be routed with the rotation of the flange 912 and wheel 720 in mind. For example, irrigation line 920 may be routed at or near the “bottom” area within the body 910 or at any other location in the handpiece, such that it does not travel around or adjacent to, or otherwise interfere with the operation of, the thumb wheel 720.

[0059] FIG. 9 is an additional cross-sectional illustration of a handpiece 1000. In the illustration, the irrigation line 1010 may be routed through the thumb wheel 1014. By way of non-limiting example, the illustration shows one or more windows 1016 in the non-actuatable portion of the thumb wheel 1014, and it is through these one or more windows 1016 that the irrigation 1010 line, and/or any other line or connection may pass. The skilled artisan will appreciate that this window 1016 may: be one or more in number; may be at a “lower” portion of the thumb wheel 1014 towards the center thereof; be placed and formed such that flexibility and/or rotatability of line 1010 is or is not required; and/or may include a low friction surface 1020 and/or padding about the open aspects thereof, so as not to cut through or otherwise damage line 1010 during repeated actuation of the thumb wheel 1014.

[0060] Similarly, FIG. 10 is a forward cross-sectional view of a handpiece 1000. In this illustration, the thumb wheel 1014 includes an actuatable upper portion 1050 extending outside of the housing 1052, which associates with the flange 1054 within the housing 1052 via one or more mating sets of gear teeth 1062, 1064. Also included in the illustration of FIG. 10 is a window 1016 through the “lower” portion of the thumb wheel 1014, i.e., on a portion thereof opposite the actuatable portion 1050 and thus “below” the portion of the thumb wheel 1014 through which the horn passes and in which the gear teeth 1062 of the thumb wheel associate with the gear teeth 1064 of the horn flange 1054. Through this window 1016 may pass irrigation line 1010 and/or any other line or connections for phacoemulsification.

[0061] Although the disclosure has been described and illustrated in exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and steps may be made. Accordingly, such changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.