Retractable recoil mechanism

Abstract

Some embodiments provide a device comprising: a handheld component; an outer tube coupled to the handheld component; an inner tube housed within the outer tube, with a distal end coupled to a flexible tip and a proximal end coupled to an adapter; a proximal end of the adapter coupled to a distal end of a valve; a valve slidably coupled to the handheld component; and a core slidably coupled to the handheld component, with its distal end coupled to the proximal end of the valve. To retract the flexible tip, the valve is retracted, thereby slidably retracting the adapter, valve, and core relative to the handheld component in a proximal direction; and to extend the flexible tip, the valve is extended, thereby slidably extending the adapter, valve, and core relative to the handheld component in a distal direction.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 126,823, filed December 17, 2021, entitled “ARETRACTABLE BACKFLUSHINSTRUMENT,” inventors Reto Grüebler, Simon Nicola Kunz, Niccolo Maschio, and Christoph Siegenthaler, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully and completely set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a retractable recoil device. Background Technology

[0004] Recoil instruments are typically used during surgery (such as ophthalmic surgery) to vacuum or aspirate fluids (e.g., balanced salt solution (BSS), silicone oil, perfluorocarbon (PFC)) from a body site (e.g., a patient's eye). For example, during certain ophthalmic surgeries, recoil instruments may be used for fluid extraction, internal drainage of subretinal fluids, retinal fold manipulation, and simultaneous or sequential exchanges (e.g., fluid-air, air-gas, fluid-gas, fluid-PFC, PFC-gas, etc.). Some recoil instruments include a soft distal tip to ensure that the body site or tissue is not damaged when the recoil instrument comes into contact with it. In one example, as part of the procedure, a recoil instrument is inserted into a cannula (such as a valved cannula) to introduce the recoil instrument into the body site. However, inserting a recoil instrument with a soft tip into a cannula can be challenging and can damage the recoil instrument. For example, when a recoil instrument is inserted through the valve of a valved cannula, the soft tip may bend and become stuck in the cannula. In some cases, if the soft end is bent excessively, it may even break off from the recoil mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a retractable recoil device.

[0006] Some embodiments described herein provide an apparatus comprising: a handheld component; an outer tube, the proximal end of which is connected to the distal end of the handheld component; an inner tube housed within the outer tube, the distal end of which is connected to a flexible tip, and the proximal end of which is connected to an adapter, wherein, in a fully extended state, the flexible tip extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the outer tube; an adapter slidably connected to the distal end of the handheld component, the proximal end of which is connected to the distal end of a valve, and the distal end of which is connected to the proximal end of the inner tube; a valve housed within the handheld component, the distal end of which is connected to the proximal end of the adapter; and a core housed in and slidably connected to the handheld component, the distal end of which is connected to the proximal end of the valve. To retract the flexible tip, the valve is retracted, thereby slidably retracting the adapter, valve, and core relative to the handheld component in a proximal direction; and to extend the flexible tip, the valve is extended, thereby slidably extending the adapter, valve, and core relative to the handheld component in a distal direction.

[0007] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain illustrative features of one or more embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict certain aspects of one or more embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a prior art example of a recoil device.

[0010] Figure 2A Exemplary retractable recoil devices according to some embodiments are shown.

[0011] Figure 2B Demonstrates some embodiments Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the recoil mechanism in its extended position.

[0012] Figure 2C According to some embodiments Figure 2B An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal portion shows the protruding soft end.

[0013] Figure 2D It is along Figure 2B The 2D-2D cross-sectional view shows the interior of the recoil mechanism.

[0014] Figure 3A Demonstrates some embodiments Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the recoil mechanism in its retracted state.

[0015] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal portion shows the retracted soft end.

[0016] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible to denote common elements in the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously combined with those of other embodiments without further description. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This disclosure provides a retractable recoil device.

[0018] As described above, inserting a recoil device with a soft tip into a cannula (such as a valved cannula) can be challenging and may result in damage to the soft tip of the recoil device. Specific embodiments described in this disclosure attempt to overcome these drawbacks by incorporating a sliding valve for retracting the soft tip before insertion into the valved cannula, thereby preventing the soft tip from bending or being damaged during insertion.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art example of a recoil device 100, which includes a connector 101, a handpiece 102, an outer tube 105, and a flexible end 106 extending beyond the distal end of the outer tube 105. The flexible end 106 of the recoil device 100 is non-retractable. The proximal end of the outer tube 105 is coupled to a cap 107 located at the distal end of the handpiece 102. The cap 107 is coupled to a valve 103, which is flexible and is directly or indirectly coupled to the connector 101 (e.g., through some other element within the handpiece 102). As a result, the valve 103 provides a fluid connection between the outer tube 105 and the connector 101. The valve 103 also includes an orifice 104, the function of which varies depending on the operating mode of the recoil device 100. For example, as described below, the recoil device 100 can be used in an active suction mode or a passive suction mode.

[0020] It should be noted that although the various components described herein have certain shapes (such as tubular or cylindrical), these components may also take other similar suitable shapes as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0021] Connector 101 connects handpiece 102 to a surgical console with suction and / or irrigation mechanisms. In one example, a user (e.g., a surgeon) uses handpiece 102 to guide the tip of recoil device 100 (including outer tube 105 and flexible tip 106) at least partially through the cannula and into the body site. Once inside the body site, recoil device 100 performs certain operations, such as vacuuming or aspirating materials (e.g., BSS, oil, or other fluids) from the body site. During this operation, fluid flows through connector 101, valve 103, and outer tube 105.

[0022] As described above, in a particular embodiment, the recoil device 100 may have two operating modes: an active aspiration mode and a passive aspiration mode. In active aspiration mode, the recoil device 100 can be connected via connector 101 to a surgical console capable of actively aspirating fluid. In active aspiration mode, the surgeon (e.g., with a finger) covers the orifice 104 to prevent air from being aspirated through the orifice 104.

[0023] In passive aspiration mode, the recoil device 100 is used without needing to be connected to any surgical console via connector 101. In such an embodiment, because the pressure inside the body part (e.g., the patient's eye) is higher than atmospheric pressure, fluid can flow from the body part into the recoil device 100 and out through orifice 104 when the surgeon inserts the recoil device 100 into the body part. In other words, in passive aspiration mode, orifice 104 can serve as a fluid outlet.

[0024] The outer tube 105 is typically made of a rigid material, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel). The flexible tip 106 is typically made of a soft and flexible material (e.g., silicone, rubber, polyurethane (PUR)) to avoid damaging the body parts contacted by the recoil instrument 100. However, for a surgeon, inserting a recoil instrument 100 with a flexible tip 106 through a valved cannula can be troublesome or impossible. This is because when the tip of the recoil instrument 100 is pushed through the valve of the valved cannula, the valve may exert sufficient counterforce on the flexible tip 106, causing it to bend. In some cases, if the surgeon forces the bent flexible tip 106 through the cannula, the flexible tip 106 may even detach from or break off from the outer tube 105.

[0025] Accordingly, certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a recoil device having a retractable flexible end attached to a cylindrical hollow inner tube (e.g., Figure 2B (Inner tube 212 shown). Using this recoil device, the surgeon is able to retract the inner tube of the recoil device before pushing it through the valved cannula, thereby eliminating or reducing the possibility that the inner tube tip (e.g., soft tip 106) will bend or break during insertion through the valved cannula.

[0026] Figure 2A An exemplary retractable recoil device 200 according to certain embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2B An exemplary cross-sectional view of the recoil device 200 is shown. Figure 2C yes Figure 2B An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal portion shows the protruding flexible end 206. Figure 2D It is along Figure 2BThe 2D-2D cross-sectional view shows the interior of the recoil device 200 along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece 202. Therefore, for clarity, it is described together in this document. Figures 2A to 2D .

[0027] As shown in the figure, the recoil device 200 includes a valve 203 housed within a handle 202 and configured to slide relative to the handle 202. The valve 203 is coupled to an adapter 208, which is coupled to the proximal end of the inner tube 212. The valve 203 is configured such that it can be pulled proximally relative to the handle 202 (e.g., using a user's finger) to retract the flexible tip 206. The valve 203 is further configured such that it can be pushed distally relative to the handle 202 (e.g., using a user's finger) to extend the flexible tip 206. In some embodiments, the surgeon directly grasps the valve 203 to pull or push it. These actions of pulling and pushing the valve 203 can be referred to as manual retraction and manual extension, respectively.

[0028] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, valve 203 is in the fully extended position, such that the flexible tip 206 extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the outer tube 205. Retracting valve 203 causes the inner tube to retract proximally, thereby retracting the flexible tip 206 so that when the flexible tip is fully retracted, it no longer extends beyond the distal end of the outer tube 205. Because the surgeon places their finger (e.g., thumb) on valve 203 itself to retract and extend valve 203, the surgeon can also cover or expose orifice 204 to control pressure while retracting and extending the flexible tip 206 (e.g., with a finger). Using this mechanism, the surgeon can retract the flexible tip 206 (e.g., before pushing the recoil instrument 200 through the valved cannula), thereby eliminating or reducing the chance of damaging the flexible tip 206. After pushing the recoil instrument 200 through the valved cannula, the surgeon can extend the flexible tip 206 to achieve safe contact with tissue.

[0029] As shown, the fully extended flexible tip 206 Figure 2B As shown, the handheld component 202 includes a valve 203, which is coupled at its distal end to an adapter 208 and further coupled at its proximal end to a core 215. The adapter 208 is slidably coupled to the proximal end of a cap 207. As used herein, the distal end of the handheld component 202 includes at least the cap 207. The distal end of the adapter 208 is coupled to the proximal end of an inner tube 212, the distal end of which is coupled to a flexible end 206 extending beyond the distal end of the outer tube 205. Figure 2CMore specifically, adapter 208 includes a cylindrical element 211 at its distal end, configured to receive the proximal end of inner tube 212. In some embodiments, the shape of the distal end of cylindrical element 211 corresponds to the internal profile of cap 207 to maintain alignment between adapter 208 and handpiece 202 during slidable movement of adapter 208. In some embodiments, inner tube 212 and cylindrical element 211 are joined together using an adhesive. In some embodiments, inner tube 212 and cylindrical element 211 are joined together using an insert molding technique. In some embodiments, the proximal end of inner tube 212 is press-fitted into cylindrical element 211. In some embodiments, inner tube 212 may be made of polyimide or steel. Polyimide can be manufactured with a smaller wall thickness to provide a larger inner diameter for inner tube 212, thereby achieving greater flow rate. On the other hand, steel provides greater overall stiffness to inner tube 212, thereby better resisting bending.

[0030] Adapter 208 is coupled at its proximal end to the distal end of valve 203, which, as described above, can be tubular or flexible. As shown, the proximal end of adapter 208 includes a cylindrical insert 210 configured to insert into the distal end of valve 203. In some embodiments, the cylindrical insert 210 and valve 203 are joined together using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the cylindrical insert 210 is press-fitted into valve 203. Adapter 208 includes a disc 223 surrounding adapter 208. Disc 223 serves as an end stop for adapter 208. In the fully extended position ( Figure 2B The disc 223 is configured to contact a plurality of notches 226 formed on the inner contour of the cap 207 to limit the slidable movement of the adapter 208 relative to the handpiece 202 in the distal direction, thereby preventing the soft end 206 from extending too far beyond the distal end of the outer tube 205.

[0031] like Figure 2B As further shown, valve 203 is coupled at its proximal end to the distal end 214 of core 215, which is slidably coupled to handpiece 202. The distal end 214 of core 215 is configured to insert into the proximal end of valve 203. The proximal end 213 of core 215 is configured to be coupled to a connector (e.g., connector 101) to connect handpiece 202 to surgical console.

[0032] During operation, retracting valve 203 in the proximal direction allows valve 203, core 215, adapter 208, and therefore soft end 206 to slidably retract relative to handpiece 202 in the proximal direction. Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe fully retracted state is shown in more detail. To extend the flexible end 206, the valve 203 is extended in the distal direction such that the valve 203, the core 215, the adapter 208, and thus the flexible end 206 are slidably extended in the distal direction relative to the handpiece 202.

[0033] As described above, adapter 208 and core 215 are configured to slidably retract and extend relative to handle 202 with the valve 203. However, adapter 208 and core 215 are flexibly and indirectly connected to each other via valve 203, which is made of a flexible material. In other words, instead of establishing a rigid connection between adapter 208 and core 215, valve 203 is allowed to bend and / or extend to accommodate misalignment between cap 207 and handle 202 and / or core 215. The flexible material of valve 203 allows adapter 208 to tilt relative to core 215, enabling adapter 208 to self-align within the inner contour of cap 207. Therefore, the alignment of adapter 208 relative to cap 207 is independent of the alignment between core 215 and cap 207. As described herein, cap 207 is coupled to outer tube 205, and adapter 208 is coupled to inner tube 212. Therefore, the alignment of inner tube 212 and outer tube 205 depends directly on the alignment between adapter 208 and cap 207. Therefore, the flexible and indirect connection between the adapter 208 and the core 215 described herein reduces friction and adhesion of the inner tube sliding within the outer tube by improving the alignment between the inner tube 212 and the outer tube 205.

[0034] As will be described in more detail below, in the fully extended position, the core 215 has an end stop that contacts the handheld component 202, which is spaced apart from an end stop disposed between the adapter 208 and the cap 207. The end stop mechanism associated with the core 215 refers to the distal end of a protrusion 220 formed on the slider 217, which contacts the distal shoulder 224 of a channel 221 formed in the handheld component 202, as described below regarding... Figure 2B Further described. The end stop provided between the adapter 208 and the cap 207 refers to the disc 223 of the adapter 208, which contacts a plurality of recesses 226 formed on the inner contour of the cap 207, as described above regarding Figure 2B As described above, the end stops of the adapter 208 and the core 215 that restrict the movement of the corresponding components relative to the handpiece 202 in the distal direction are separated from each other. This separation of the end stops allows the end stops provided by the core 215 to provide a defined end-stop feel to the user when moved to the fully extended position, while also allowing the cap 207 to be misaligned relative to the handpiece 202 and / or the core 215, as described above.

[0035] like Figure 2BAs further shown, core 215 is coupled at its distal end to slider 217, which is configured to slidably support valve 203. This is illustrated along... Figure 2B 2D-2D section view of the cut line Figure 2D The details of slider 217 are depicted more clearly in the image. Slider 217 includes a body portion 218 and a pair of sidewalls 219 extending longitudinally from the proximal end of body portion 218 to the distal end 214 of core 215. A slot 222 is formed between the pair of sidewalls 219 to receive the generally square base 209 of valve 203. The slot 222 receives the square base 209 of valve 203 to prevent relative movement between valve 203 and slider 217. For example, it can prevent valve 203 from rotating or being pushed down too far into handle 202.

[0036] like Figure 2B As further shown, in some embodiments, the protrusion 220 extends radially from the body portion 218 and is received within a channel 221 formed in the handpiece 202. The protrusion 220 and the corresponding channel 221 are configured to help maintain rotational alignment and prevent the slider 217, valve 203, and core 215 from getting stuck on the handpiece 202 during slidable movement. The protrusion 220 and the corresponding channel 221 are configured to limit the range of slidable movement of the slider 217, valve 203, and core 215 relative to the handpiece 202. More specifically, when the valve 203 is fully extended, the distal end of the protrusion 220 contacts the distal shoulder 224 of the channel 221, thereby preventing further slidable movement of the slider 217, valve 203, and core 215 relative to the handpiece 202 in the distal direction. Figure 2B Furthermore, when valve 203 is fully retracted, the proximal end of protrusion 220 contacts the proximal shoulder 225 of channel 221, thereby preventing further slidable movement of slider 217, valve 203, adapter 208, and core 215 relative to handpiece 202 in the proximal direction. Figure 3A ).

[0037] Although Figure 2B The adapter 208 and valve 203 are shown as separate components, but in some embodiments, adapter 208 and valve 203 can be manufactured as a single part. For example, both adapter 208 and valve 203 can be made of the same material. In another example, adapter 208 and valve 203 can be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Additionally, although... Figure 2B The diagram shows that core 215 and slider 217 are manufactured as a single part; however, in some embodiments, core 215 and slider 217 may be manufactured as separate parts. It should be noted that regardless of whether core 215 and slider 217 are manufactured as different parts or the same part, they are referred to herein as being connected to each other. Furthermore, although... Figure 2CThe flexible end 206 and the inner tube 212 are shown as separate components attached together; however, in some embodiments, the inner tube 212 and the flexible end 206 may be manufactured as a single part using the same material. In such embodiments, the inner tube 212 is also made of a flexible and soft material (e.g., silicone, PUR, etc.). It should be noted that whether the inner tube 212 and the flexible end 206 are manufactured as separate parts or as the same part, they are referred to herein as being connected to each other.

[0038] Figure 3A An exemplary cross-sectional view is shown with the recoil mechanism 200 in its fully retracted state. (See attached image.) Figure 3A As shown, retracting valve 203 in the proximal direction allows valve 203, adapter 208, core 215, and slider 217 to slidably retract relative to handpiece 202 in the proximal direction. In the fully retracted state, compared to the fully extended state (… Figure 2B Compared to the previous version, the proximal end 213 of core 215 extends further beyond the handheld component 202 in the proximal direction. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the proximal end of the protrusion 220 contacts the proximal shoulder 225 of the channel 221, thereby preventing further slidable movement of the valve 203, adapter 208, core 215, and slider 217 relative to the handle 202 in the proximal direction. The length of the channel 221 is configured such that the adapter 208 does not completely disengage from the internal contour of the cap 207. In other words, the protrusion 220 contacts the proximal shoulder 225 before the adapter 208 disengages from the cap 207, which could cause the adapter 208 to become stuck. Figure 3B As shown, the flexible end 206 is completely retracted into the outer tube 205.

[0039] While the illustrated embodiments demonstrate extending the flexible end 206 by manually extending valve 203, adapter 208, and core 215, in some other embodiments, valve 203 is extended by energy stored during the retraction step. For example, in some embodiments, retracting valve 203 in a proximal direction compresses valve 203 made of flexible and / or compressible material. For example, valve 203 may be made of silicone. In some embodiments, compression of valve 203 may occur along the portion of valve 203 located between orifice 204 and the proximal end of valve 203. Therefore, when the retracted valve 203 is released, valve 203 (e.g., based on spring force) automatically decompresses and pushes valve 203, adapter 208, and core 215 back to their original positions, thereby extending the flexible end 206 of inner tube 212 beyond the distal end of outer tube 205, as... Figure 2CAs shown. In some other embodiments, the recoil device may be configured to have a spring (e.g., a coil spring) for extending the valve 203, adapter 208, and core 215. For example, the spring may be located between a portion of the handle 202 and one of the core 215, slider 217, or protrusion 220 to bias the core 215 relative to the handle 202 in a distal direction.

[0040] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the claims are not intended to limit themselves to the embodiments shown herein, but are given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for use in ophthalmic surgery, the device comprising: Handheld items; An outer tube, the proximal end of which is connected to the distal end of the handheld component; An inner tube is housed within an outer tube, with its distal end connected to a flexible end and its proximal end connected to an adapter, wherein, in its fully extended state, the flexible end extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the outer tube. The adapter is slidably connected to the distal end of the handheld device, the proximal end of the adapter is connected to the distal end of the valve, and the distal end of the adapter is connected to the proximal end of the inner tube. The valve, which is housed within the handheld component and whose distal end is coupled to the proximal end of the adapter; and A core, which is received by and slidably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the distal end of the core is coupled to the proximal end of the valve: Specifically, to retract the soft end, the valve is retracted, thereby allowing the adapter, the valve, and the core to slidably retract relative to the handheld component in a proximal direction. Specifically, in order to extend the flexible end, the valve is extended, thereby allowing the adapter, the valve, and the core to extend slidably relative to the handheld component in the distal direction.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The distal end of the core is configured to be inserted into the proximal end of the valve, and wherein the proximal end of the core is configured to be coupled to a connector to connect the handheld device to the surgical console.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising: A slider configured to slidably support the valve, the slider comprising: The body portion, which is disposed below the valve; and A pair of sidewalls that extend longitudinally from the proximal end of the body portion to the distal end of the core.

4. The device as described in claim 3, wherein, A slot is formed between the pair of sidewalls, the slot being configured to receive the base of the valve to prevent relative movement between the valve and the slider.

5. The device as described in claim 3, wherein, The slider further includes a protrusion extending from the body portion, wherein the protrusion is received within a channel formed in the handpiece for limiting the longitudinal extension and retraction of the soft end.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The channel formed in the handpiece has shoulders formed at its opposite longitudinal ends, and wherein the contact between the protrusion and each of the shoulders is configured to restrict the extension and retraction of the soft end.

7. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, In the fully extended state, the distal end of the protrusion contacts the distal shoulder of the channel, thereby preventing the valve and the core from making further slidable movements relative to the handpiece in the distal direction, and wherein, in the fully retracted state, the proximal end of the protrusion contacts the proximal shoulder of the channel, thereby preventing the adapter, the valve, and the core from making further slidable movements relative to the handpiece in the proximal direction.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes a recoil mechanism.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The adapter includes: A cylindrical insert configured to be inserted into the distal end of the valve; and A cylindrical element configured to receive the proximal end of the inner tube.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The shape of the distal end of the cylindrical element corresponds to the inner contour of the cap to maintain alignment between the adapter and the handpiece during the slidable movement of the adapter.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Retracting and extending the valve allows the pressure to be controlled.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cap having a plurality of notches formed on its inner contour, wherein, The disc surrounding the adapter is configured to contact the plurality of notches to restrict the adapter from sliding relative to the handpiece in the distal direction.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The adapter and the core are flexibly and indirectly connected to each other, and wherein the flexible and indirect connection is configured to allow the adapter to tilt relative to the core so that the adapter self-aligns within the inner contour of the cap.

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