Patent ID: 8246580
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling aspiration in a microsurgical system, comprising the steps of: providing a pump speed to a peristaltic pump with a computer; determining an actual level of fluid in an aspiration chamber with a fluid level sensor; determining a suction pressure in said aspiration chamber with a pressure transducer; calculating a suction flow rate with said computer in response to said actual level of fluid, said pump speed and said suction pressure; maintaining a desired suction flow rate in said aspiration chamber with said computer by providing a first signal to a proportional valve fluidly coupled to a pressurized gas source and a second signal to a second proportional valve fluidly coupled to a venturi vacuum generator, said first and second signals responsive to said calculated suction flow rate; aspirating fluid from a surgical device into said aspiration chamber; and monitoring a change in said calculated suction flow rate with said computer to detect an occlusion.