Johnson & Johnson
Tip detection apparatus and method for medical device

Abstract:

An apparatus and method of detecting an interchangeable tip of a handpiece of an ocular surgical system is disclosed. The interchangeable tip of the system includes an irrigation port that receives fluid flowing from an irrigation source and an aspiration port that removes or aspirates fluid and/or materials from the surgical field, in particular a patient's eye, through use of an aspiration source or pump. The method comprises attaching the interchangeable tip to the handpiece, introducing fluid flow into the system and determining the fluid flow rate of fluid flow in the system, determining the pressure of fluid flowing into the interchangeable tip, determining the pressure of fluid flowing out of the interchangeable tip and comparing the flow rate and pressure information to known flow rate and pressure readings of known types of interchangeable tips to determine the type of interchangeable tip being used.