OPHTHALMIC ASPIRATION SYSTEM WITH SELECTABLE VENT METHOD

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration system (20) that permits selection among or between various venting modes, e.g. fluid venting, air venting or pump reversal. In addition, a combination of venting options can be employed simultaneously. The selection may be made using e.g. an electronic switch, graphical user interface or electronically-controlled electro-mechanical devices.

Description: Ophthalmic Aspiration System with Selectable Vent Method Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an ophthalmic irrigation and aspiration system and, more particularly, to venting in an ophthalmic aspiration system. 2. RelatedArt All ophthalmic irrigation and aspiration systems currently on the market provide only one means for venting. The term "venting" refers to the common practice of reducing or eliminating a vacuum or pressure differential between components of an irrigation/aspiration system, or between the irrigation/aspiration system and ambient atmosphere pressure. The term "fluid venting" refers to the reduction of pressure differentials between the portion of the aspiration circuit that contacts the eye and remainder of the aspiration circuit by way of a connection between the irrigation fluid path and the aspiration path. The term "air venting" or "atmospheric venting" refers to the reduction of pressure differentials between the portion of the aspiration circuit that contacts the eye and remainder of the aspiration circuit by way of a connection between the aspiration path and ambient air at atmospheric pressure. In ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration systems that utilize a peristaltic pump, fluid venting is the most commonly used method. For example, the Accurus microsurgical system sold by Alcon Laboratories uses fluid venting in its peristaltic-pump-based irrigation/aspiration system. No other type of venting is utilized in this system. In some peristaltic systems, such as that commercialized by AMO, venting is accomplished through pump reversal. For venturi aspiration systems, such as that commercialized by Bausch & Lomb Surgical in its Phacotron Gold product and in its Storz Millennium Microsurgical System product, air venting is used. All ophthalmic aspiration systems currently in commercial use have a single method or option for venting with no opportunity for selection. Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide an ophthalmic aspiration system that provides the ability to select, either manually or automatically, among or between various methods of venting in an ophthalmic aspiration system. Summary of the Invention It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. The invention is an ophthalmic aspiration system that provides the ability to select, either manually or automatically, among or between various methods or options of venting. In addition, the invention provides the ability to vent using a combination of venting options or methods employed simultaneously. The selection may be made using an electronic switch, graphical user interface, electronically-controlled electro-mechanical devices and other commonly employed selection means. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates an ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration system of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a user interface for selecting a venting option or method. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like elements, Figure 1 illustrates an ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration system that is configured for use with a positive displacement, scroll pump. In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and attained. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, . Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims: What is Claimed Is: 1. A method of venting an ophthalmic aspiration system (20) comprising: providing a first venting option (28); providing a second venting option (36); selecting one of said first and second venting options (66). 2. A method of venting an ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting is accomplished by using at least one of the following methods: engaging an electronic switch, inputting information into a graphical user interface, or engaging an electronically controlled electromechanical switch. 3. A method of venting an ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 1, wherein said first venting option comprises fluid venting. 4. A method of venting an ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 1, wherein said second venting option comprises air venting. 5. A method of venting an ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 1, wherein said second venting option comprises meter (24) reverse. 6. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) comprising: a first venting option (28); a second venting option (36); a selection device for selecting one of said first and second venting options (66). 7. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 5, wherein said first venting option is fluid venting. 8. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 5, wherein said second venting option is air venting. 9. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 5, wherein said selection device (66) is an electronic switch. 10. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 5, wherein said selection device (66) a graphical user . 11. An ophthalmic aspiration system (20) according to claim 5, wherein said selection device (66) is an electronically controlled electro-mechanical switch.

Inventors: KNIGHT JEFFERY A, NEUBERT WILLIAM J, PERKINS JAMES T, KNIGHT, JEFFERY, A., NEUBERT, WILLIAM, J., PERKINS, JAMES, T.
Applicants: BAUSCH & LOMB SURGICAL INC, BAUSCH & LOMB SURGICAL, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A61M1
IPC codes: A61F9, A61H33, A61M1