Disposable vitrectomy handpiece

Abstract

Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage the oscillating drive mechanism and the oscillating drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the clutch to the reciprocating motion of the cutting tip. When the motor is at rest, the clutch retracts to allow aspiration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 876,796, filed on Dec. 21, 2006, entitled DISPOSABLE VITRECTOMY HANDPIECE, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention is directed to electric vitrectomy handpieces, and more particularly, the invention is directed to disposable electric vitrectomy handpieces that are small in size and light in weight.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. Certain problems affecting the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of all or a part of the vitreous. To perform a vitrectomy, various instruments are used including a vitrectomy handpiece, a light pipe and an infusion line or port. The vitrectomy handpiece includes a cutter for removing all or a portion of the eye's vitreous. The light pipe is used a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In one embodiment, the vitrectomy handpiece is disposable. The disposable vitrectomy handpiece according to this embodiment is manufactured using low cost parts for assembly and manufacture. For example, an inexpensive, disposable motor may be used to manufacture a disposable vitrectomy handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009]The inventive vitrectomy handpieces are small in size and light in weight, enabling greater maneuverability of the device by the surgeon. In addition, the inventive vitrectomy handpieces are ergonomically designed, making the handpiece comfortable to handle during surgery.

Problems solved by technology

Current vitrectomy handpieces have several parts, many of which can be rather expensive.

This increases the cost of manufacture, thereby increasing the cost of the device to the ultimate consumer.

Moreover, while these devices are designed to be reused, the cutting tip must be replaced.

Replacement cutting tips can be expensive, with a common model costing over $100.

In addition to expense, current vitrectomy handpieces include several electrical and pneumatic lines attached to the device, making the device cumbersome to operate and maneuver.

Also, in order to accommodate the number of parts included in the device and the electric and pneumatic lines, the handpieces tend to be larger, contributing to the cumbersome nature of the device.

Images