Surgical system having pneumatic manifolds with integral air cylinders

Abstract

A surgical system having all of the various pneumatic control sub-systems integrally mounted on a common manifold. The various required control mechanisms such as valves are likewise integrally mounted to the common manifold. Air cylinders for valve actuation are directly installed into the manifolds, and pressurized air for the air cylinders is supplied to the cylinders through the manifolds. Such a construction eliminated the need to use external air tubing to supply the air cylinders with pressurized air, thereby improving reliability and simplifying construction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a surgical console that may use the air cylinders of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cassette that may be used with the air cylinders of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a cassette that may be used with the air cylinders of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the integral pneumatics manifold that may be used with the air cylinders of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the primary manifold of the present invention and illustrating several air cylinders of the present invention mounted on the manifold.

FIGS. 6 a and 6b are perspective views of an air cylinder of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, cassette 10 that may be used with the present invention generally included valve plate 12, body 14 and cover 16. Valve plate 12, body 14 and cover 16 may all be formed of a suitable, relatively rigid, and thermoplastic. Valve plate 12 contains a plurality of openings 18 and pumping channel 20 that are sealed fluid tight by elastomers 22 and 24, forming a plurality of fluid paths. Ports 26 provide connectors between cassette 10 and surgical console 100 for the various irrigation and aspiration (pneumatic) functions of cassette 10 when cassette 10 is installed in cassette receiving portion 110 of console 100.

As best seen in FIG. 4, fluidics manifold 200 contains a plurality of sub-assemblies or manifolds mounted to common primary manifold 210. For example, fluidics manifold 200 may additionally contain aspiration manifold 220, and/or infusion/irrigation manifold 230 and/or valve or pincher manifold 240. As seen in FIG. 5, for example, each of manifolds 210, 220, 230 and 240 (manifold 240 used as an illustrative example) are self-contained, and may contain necessary the valves, regulators, sensors or other active embedded mechanical, electrical or electromechanical devices required to perform each manifold's primary function, such as air cylinders 245, by way of example. Manifolds 220 and 230 pneumatically and fluidly communicate with cassette 10 through primary manifold 210. Primary manifold 210 may be mounted in cassette receiving portion 110 of console 100 so that cassette 10 may be fluidly coupled to primary manifold 210. Primary manifold 210 may additionally contain pumps and fluid level and/or fluid flow sensors (all not shown).

Such a construction allows for the separation of the primary functionalities of each sub-assembly onto specific manifolds, thereby providing convenient and fast assembly, troubleshooting and repair. In addition, such a construction eliminates most of the various tubings and tubing connectors used in the prior art to connect the various components in each sub-assembly and reduces the overall size of the completed assembly.

As best seen in FIGS. 5, 6a and 6b air cylinders 245 of the present invention are telescopically received within, for example, bores 256 in primary manifold 210, and sealed by O-rings 330. Exposed end 340 of cylinder 245 contains piston or plunger 350 that can be extended or retracted, as required, by pressurizing cylinder 245 to reciprocate through opening 18 in cassette 10 so as to operate a valve or other mechanism (not shown). Pressurized air is supplied to and vented from cylinder 245 through manifold 210, for example, via port 360 on cylinder 245 opposite piston 350. Such a construction eliminates the need for separate air supply lines to be run to cylinder 245, greatly simplifying the construction of console 100 and reducing the overall size of manifolds 210, 220, 230 and 240. In addition, as manifolds 210, 220, 230 and 240 may be precisely machined, cylinders 245 can be located very precisely.

This description is given for purposes of illustration and explanation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that modifications may be made to the invention as herein described without departing from its scope or spirit.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic surgical system, comprising: a) a surgical console, the console having a cassette receiving portion;b) at least one pneumatic manifold located proximate the cassette receiving portion, the manifold having at least one bore; andc) an air cylinder telescopically received within the bore, the cylinder having a piston that may be extended or retracted, the cylinder further having a port pneumatically connecting the cylinder to the manifold.

2. The surgical system of claim 1 further comprising a cassette contained within the cassette receiving portion, the cassette containing an opening through which the piston may be reciprocated.

3. The surgical system of claim 1 wherein the piston is extended or retracted by pressurized air supplied to the cylinder by the manifold and entering the cylinder through the port.