Device for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye

Abstract

Device for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye, comprising a trocar (1) and an introduction device (2), wherein the trocar (1) has a trocar probe (5), wherein the introduction device (2) is an infusion device for introducing infusion fluid into the eye, which has an introduction probe (6), wherein the introduction probe (6) is insertable into the trocar probe (5), and wherein, at least when the introduction probe (6) is completely inserted into the trocar probe (5), the distal end (7) of the introduction probe (2) projects out of the distal end (8) of the trocar probe (5), characterized in that the introduction probe (6) is made of a non-anodized metal and that the trocar probe (5) is made of an anodized metal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye, comprising a trocar and an introduction device, wherein the trocar has a trocar probe, wherein the introduction device is an infusion device for introducing infusion fluid into the eye, the introduction device has an introduction probe, wherein the introduction probe is insertable into the trocar probe, wherein at least in the completely inserted state of the introduction probe into the trocar probe the distal end of the introduction probe projects out of the distal end of the trocar probe.

[0002] Devices of the type in question have been known in practice for years. In ophthalmology, for example, such devices are used during phacoemulsification. In this procedure, the eye's lens is broken up by ultrasound using a probe and then suctioned out of the eye. To protect the eye from injury, it is necessary to maintain intraocular pressure during the procedure. For this purpose, an infusion or irrigation fluid is administered to the eye.

[0003] To introduce the irrigation fluid, a trocar, serving as a guide tube, is typically inserted through the sclera into the eye in such a way that the distal end of the trocar probe extends into the vitreous cavity. The delivery tube of an injection device can then be inserted into the trocar or trocar probe, through which the irrigation fluid is administered to the eye.

[0004] Essential for the successful execution of such an eye procedure is the correct insertion of the trocar probe into the eye. The surgeon uses an operating microscope to verify the probe's position. A problem arises because trocars commonly used in practice are often made of a material or have a surface that reflects visible light only minimally, in order to avoid excessive and therefore disruptive reflections. This makes it difficult for the surgeon to adequately verify the trocar's correct placement, or it is very time-consuming.

[0005] US patent 2017 / 0165109 A1 describes a device for inserting a patch into the posterior chamber of the eye to close an opening in the retina.

[0006] US patent 2017 / 0312431 A1 discloses an infusion cannula whose tip, when inserted, extends beyond the distal end of the trocar. Furthermore, US patent 2017 / 0280989 A1 discloses a device for performing ophthalmic procedures, comprising an operating microscope and a handheld device.

[0007] From WO 2008 / 088623 A2, a device consisting of a trocar with a trocar probe and an infusion device comprising an insertion probe is known.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of designing and further developing a device of the type mentioned above in such a way that the correct positioning of the device within the eye can be checked in the simplest possible way and in a short time.

[0009] According to the invention, the foregoing problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The device in question for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye comprises a trocar and an introduction device, wherein the trocar has a trocar probe, the introduction device being an infusion device for introducing infusion fluid into the eye, which has an introduction probe, wherein the introduction probe is insertable into the trocar probe, and wherein, at least when the introduction probe is completely inserted into the trocar probe, the distal end of the introduction probe projects out of the distal end of the trocar probe, characterized in that the introduction probe is made of a non-anodized metal and that the trocar probe is made of an anodized metal.

[0010] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the underlying problem can be solved in a surprisingly simple manner if the distal end of the insertion probe protrudes from the trocar probe. Since the insertion probe does not have to meet the same requirements as the surrounding trocar probe, the material and its material properties or surface finish can be chosen more freely. Thus, it is possible to design the insertion probe in such a way that it reflects visible light sufficiently to allow verification, using an operating microscope, of the position of the distal end of the insertion probe, and consequently the trocar probe, within the eye. Excessively strong reflections from the surface of the device are avoided, thereby significantly simplifying handling.

[0011] For example, a standard trocar could be used with an insertion device featuring an extended insertion probe, so that the distal end of the insertion probe protrudes from the trocar probe when inserted into the trocar. It is also possible to shorten the length of the trocar probe and, consequently, the insertion probe. By appropriately matching the lengths of the trocar probe and insertion probe, it can be ensured that the flow rate through the device meets the requirements. The essential requirement is simply that the distal end of the insertion probe extends beyond the distal end of the trocar probe.

[0012] In accordance with the invention, the insertion probe is made of a non-anodized metal. In other words, the insertion probe can be made of a metal whose surface is not anodized, so that sufficient visible light is reflected to check the seating of the distal end of the insertion probe and thus of the device.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the insertion probe has an optical marking element, at least at its distal end. For example, the distal end, particularly the portion of the insertion probe protruding from the Torkar probe, could be colored. The surface could also be treated—for example, polished—or designed to reflect visible light effectively. To simplify the manufacturing of the insertion device, the entire insertion probe or the entire insertion device could be designed with such a marking element or have a corresponding surface.

[0014] Specifically, the delivery device is an infusion device for introducing infusion fluid. Such a delivery device is used – for example, during phacoemulsification – to introduce irrigation fluid into the eye.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous that the infusion device can be connected to an infusion tube at its proximal end. According to a particularly simple embodiment, the infusion tube can be pushed onto or shrunk onto the proximal end of the infusion device. A fluid connection to an irrigation source can be established via the infusion tube, allowing infusion / irrigation fluid to be administered to the eye.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, the trocar probe is made of anodized metal or has an anodized surface. Such an anodized surface prevents disruptive reflections from the trocar, and the reflective distal end of the insertion probe, which protrudes from the trocar probe, makes it easy to check the positioning of the device within the eye. Alternatively or additionally, the trocar can have a trocar body with a passageway through which the trocar probe can be connected.

[0017] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. In the drawing, the The single figure shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0018] The single figure shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye. The device comprises a trocar 1 and an introduction device 2. The trocar 1 has a trocar body 3 with a passage 4 to which the trocar probe 5 is connected.

[0019] The insertion device 2, with its insertion probe 6, can be inserted into the trocar probe 5. When inserted, the distal end 7 of the insertion device 2 protrudes from the distal end 8 of the trocar probe 5. This allows the distal end 7 of the insertion device 2 to be visualized inside the eye during surgery using an operating microscope. Thus, the device's position can be easily checked, even if the trocar probe 5 is made of a material or has a surface that does not sufficiently reflect visible light.

[0020] The device according to the invention has the advantage that the trocar can deliberately have a poorly reflective surface in order to prevent interfering reflections. Conversely, sufficient light can be reflected through the distal end 7 of the insertion device 2 to check the positioning of the trocar 1 without disturbing the surgeon with unwanted reflections.

[0021] The single figure further shows that the proximal end 9 of the delivery device 2 is connected to an infusion tube 10 to create a fluid connection to an irrigation source. The infusion tube 10 may, for example, be shrink-fitted onto the proximal end 9 to create a fluid-tight connection. The illustrated device can therefore be, in particular, a device for introducing irrigation fluid into the eye, as used in phacoemulsification.

[0022] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0023] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 trocar 2 Insertion device 3 trocar bodies 4th round 5 trocar probe 6 insertion probe 7 distal end (insertion device) 8 distal end (trocar) 9 proximal end (insertion device) 10 infusion tubes

Claims

[1] Device for introducing a medium into the human or animal eye, comprising a trocar (1) and an introduction device (2), wherein the trocar (1) has a trocar probe (5), wherein the introduction device (2) is an infusion device for introducing infusion fluid into the eye, which has an introduction probe (6), wherein the introduction probe (6) is insertable into the trocar probe (5), and wherein, at least when the introduction probe (6) is completely inserted into the trocar probe (5), the distal end (7) of the introduction probe (2) protrudes from the distal end (8) of the trocar probe (5). characterized by , that the insertion probe (6) is made of a non-anodized metal and that the trocar probe (5) is made of an anodized metal. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the entire insertion device (2) is made of a non-anodized metal. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the insertion probe (6) has an optical marking means at least at its distal end (7). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the marking agent is implemented through a colored design of the insertion probe. [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the infusion device can be connected or is connected to an infusion tube (10) at its proximal end (9). [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the entire trocar (1) consists of an anodized metal. [7] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the trocar (1) has a trocar body (3) and a passage (4) formed in the trocar body (3), wherein the trocar probe (5) connects to the passage (4).

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