Multi-Diaphragm Vitreous Surgery Probe

Abstract

A diaphragm-driven vitreous surgery probe employs multiple diaphragms. The probe includes multiple diaphragms that provide additional areas to which hydraulic air can be supplied to reciprocate the cutter of the probe. Therefore, the diaphragms and probe housing can be made smaller without sacrificing the force required to drive the reciprocating motion of the cutter. Furthermore, through the use of multiple diaphragms, the amount of force available and the reciprocating speed of the cutter can be increased. Alternatively, additional diaphragms can be used to maintain reciprocating motion of the cutter even when reduced air pressure is used.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claim This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 088,529, entitled "MULTI-DIAPHRAGM VITRECTOMY PROBE," filed October 7, 2020, inventors of which are Nathaniel Reyes, Jesus R. Gonzales, Jr., and Mark Vojtasek, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully and completely set forth herein. [Background technology]

[0002] Over the years, there have been many dramatic advancements in the field of ophthalmic surgery. When ophthalmic surgery involves access to the retina, vitrectomy is typically included as at least a portion of the procedure. Vitrectomy is the removal of some or all of the vitreous from a patient's eye. In cases where surgery is limited to removing cloudy vitreous, vitrectomy may comprise the majority of the procedure. However, vitrectomy may also be an adjunct to surgery to repair the retina, treat macular eczema, or resolve a variety of other issues.

[0003] The vitreous humor itself is a clear gel that can be removed by an elongated probe inserted through a cannula previously placed in the eye. More specifically, the probe includes a central channel for removing the vitreous humor. Additionally, the cannula provides a structurally supporting conduit strategically placed at an offset location, such as the anterior portion of the eyeball, e.g., the pars plana. In this manner, the probe can be guided into the eye in a manner that avoids damage to the patient's lens or cornea.

[0004] Unfortunately, removing the vitreous humor requires greater care than simply applying a vacuum through the probe's channels, because the vitreous humor contains a fibrous matrix of collagen fibers. Therefore, simply applying a vacuum to the gel puts the surrounding ocular structures at risk. That is, the fibrous nature of the gel means that vacuum drawing of the gel into the probe may result in the drawing of the retina, optic nerve, or other delicate ocular structures.

[0005] To address this issue, vitreous surgery probes are configured to cut the vitreous humor as it is drawn into the probe's channel. In this manner, continuous fibrous pulling on the gel-like material does not translate into pulling on delicate ocular structures. Instead, the vitreous humor is cut into very small pieces and drawn into the probe's channel. This cutting of the vitreous humor occurs by reciprocating a cutter within the probe's channel. More specifically, the cutter reciprocates at the port for receiving the vitreous humor, severing the material as it is drawn into the channel. Approximately 5,000 to 10,000 cuts can be made in this manner per minute to protect the eye from being pulled by the vitreous humor as it is withdrawn. In fact, depending on the internal structure of the reciprocating diaphragm, the cutter can achieve up to 15,000 cuts (or more) per minute. For example, this can be achieved using a diaphragm with an effective diameter of just over 0.41 inches (10.41 mm). Furthermore, if a two-way cutter is used, which makes two cuts per stroke (one in each direction of stroke), this can double to approximately 30,000 cuts per minute (or more).

[0006] Of course, with a reciprocating diaphragm that has an effective diameter greater than about 0.40 inches (10.16 mm) to reciprocate the cutter, and considering the housing and other structures built around the diaphragm, the probe can have an outer diameter well in excess of about 0.6 inches (15.24 mm), up to 0.7 inches (17.78 mm). For comparison, consider a very large mechanical pencil or marker. While surgeons may prefer a pencil-sized tool for better control during vitreous surgery, the sheer size of the diaphragm may make such an option simply impractical. Ultimately, the size of the diaphragm poses design limitations on the probe in terms of final diameter.

[0007] Of course, one can reduce the size of the diaphragm to achieve the ultimate probe diameter. In fact, for tools that do not require a diaphragm, such as laser instruments, the diameter is often less than about 0.3 inches (7.62 mm), similar to the diameter of a pencil or other precision instrument. However, applying this concept to a vitreous surgery probe and minimizing the diaphragm size would reduce the force that the diaphragm can transmit to the cutter, resulting in a fairly dramatic reduction in cutter speed. In fact, reducing the size by around 30% would halve the force, significantly reducing the probe's performance. Ultimately, current probe technology forces surgeons to choose between a less powerful instrument and a larger diameter instrument with potentially reduced precision. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vitreous surgical probe is disclosed. The probe includes a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm. Each diaphragm is driven in a first direction and an opposite second direction by hydraulic air reciprocatingly supplied to the diaphragm. In this manner, a series of two separate diaphragms are simultaneously employed to reciprocate the same cutting support of the probe during use in a surgical procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe of FIG. 1, revealing the inherent air channels therein. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows an alternative configuration that uses snap fittings to connect the segments of the vitreous surgery probe together. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a patient's eye during vitreous surgery in which the multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe of FIGS. 1 and 2 is utilized. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a structural layout for the air channels of FIG. 2a. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart summarizing an embodiment utilizing a multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe during a vitreous surgery procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, numerous variations or modifications may be employed that remain contemplated by the embodiments as specifically described.

[0011] The embodiments are described with reference to certain vitreous surgical probe surgical procedures. In particular, a procedure in which vitreous humor is removed to address vitreous hemorrhage is exemplified. However, the tools and techniques detailed herein may be employed in a variety of other ways. For example, the vitreous surgical probe embodiments detailed herein may be utilized to address retinal detachment, macular pucker, macular hole, vitreous floaters, diabetic retinopathy, or various other ocular conditions. Regardless, to the extent that a vitreous surgical probe incorporates multiple diaphragms in series, appreciable advantages may be realized.

[0012] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe 101 is shown. The probe 101 includes a segmented component housing 100. Specifically, distal 105, intermediate 110, and proximal 130 housing segments are shown. These segments 105, 110, and 130 may or may not be visible from the exterior. For example, with additional reference to FIG. 2 a, they may be located under a housing cover 290. Regardless, the segments 105, 110, and 130 are configured to house diaphragms 210 and 230 therebetween. Therefore, as alluded to above, the probe 101 may be referred to as a multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe 101.

[0013] Housing 100 is coupled to shell 125, which provides ergonomic support for a surgeon using probe 101 during a procedure. Without shell 125, the handheld portion of probe 101 is substantially free of housing 100, which may be no more than a few inches in overall length. A surgeon may or may not choose to utilize probe 101 with shell 125 as shown. That is, as a matter of user preference, a surgeon may choose to remove shell 125 for surgery. Thus, probe 101 is configured to allow the shell to be removed in a user-friendly manner that avoids potential damage to probe 101 in a surgeon's rough attempts to pry shell 125 from probe 101. In this manner, vitrectomy surgery may be performed with the surgeon holding end casing 150 only between their thumb and index finger, without any other interfering support.

[0014] Returning to the component housing 100, it is noted that it has a predetermined diameter (D). As discussed further below, the diameter (D) can be somewhat smaller depending on the number of segments 105, 110, 130 utilized, which in turn is based on the number of diaphragms 210, 230 utilized (see FIG. 2a). For example, in one embodiment, the diameter (D) can be approximately half an inch (12.7 mm) while still generating the same force that can result from conventional component housings having diameters well over 0.60 inches (15.24 mm). Thus, the probe 101 itself can be thinner and more maneuverable for the surgeon without sacrificing cutting rate or performance. In fact, flexibility in design can enable even greater cutting rates and performance, such as when more than one diaphragm is utilized or when the use of a housing cover 290 of any substantial thickness is avoided (see FIG. 2a). More specific examples and numerical values are provided below. Nevertheless, so long as multiple diaphragms 210, 230 are employed, the probe 101 can be made thinner without sacrificing performance, and in fact, performance may even be improved (see FIG. 2a again). Furthermore, the shell 125 can simply be made smaller as more segments 110, 130 are added, maintaining conventional dimensions where the overall probe length from the end casing 150 to the opposite end of the shell 125 is approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) or less. In embodiments where each segment 105, 110, 130 occupies approximately 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) to 0.3 inches (7.62 mm), perhaps up to five segments 105, 110, 130 (e.g., four diaphragms) could be utilized without increasing the overall length of the probe 101. Of course, options that allow the overall length of the probe 101 to be increased may also be feasible.

[0015] Referring now more directly to Figure 2a, a cross-sectional view of the multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe 101 of Figure 1 is shown. In this view, the rather unique configuration of air channels 250, 260 is visible. Specifically, as discussed further below, front channel 260 is configured such that air directed toward the front sides of diaphragms 210, 230 reaches both diaphragms 210, 230 substantially simultaneously. Additionally, rear channel 250 is configured such that air directed toward the rear sides of diaphragms 210, 230 reaches both diaphragms 210, 230 substantially simultaneously.

[0016] The air simultaneously reaching the multiple diaphragms 210, 230 in a reciprocating motion reciprocates the extension tube 215, which houses the vitreous cutter within the passageway 280, as described above. The force driving this reciprocation is the resultant force from each of the reciprocating diaphragms 210, 230. More specifically, the force generated is equal to the supplied air pressure multiplied by the area of each diaphragm 210, 230. Thus, for example, when 10 psi (68.948 kPa) is applied to a conventional large diaphragm having a diameter of approximately 0.41 inches (10.41 mm), a force of approximately 1.32 pounds (5.868 N) is obtained, which can generally be translated into approximately 10,000 to 15,000 reciprocations per minute. In other words, 10 x π x (0.205) 2 is 1.32 pounds (5.868 N). This can translate to 20,000 to 30,000 cuts per minute if the probe employs a double cutter (with cuts in both directions of travel). Regardless, in the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragms 210, 230 may be smaller than conventional diaphragms, perhaps about 0.29 inches (7.366 mm) in diameter. Ultimately, this may result in a thinner probe 101, as discussed above. Nevertheless, because of the multiple diaphragms 210, 230, no sacrifice needs to be made in the force achieved. More specifically, for each of the two diaphragms 210, 230, 10 x π x (0.145) 2is 0.66 lbs (2.934 N). Thus, a total force of 1.32 lbs (5.868 N) is achieved, which corresponds to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 strokes per minute.

[0017] Of course, the magnitude of the force is not the only factor determining the reciprocation speed. For example, the extension tube 215, as described, interacts with various seals 275 employed to ensure discrete pressure separation during reciprocation. This can affect speed depending on the degree of force at the interface between the seal 275 and the tube 215. However, in contrast to conventional probes 101 with larger diaphragms, utilizing a smaller diaphragm does not sacrifice the achievable force and reciprocation speed in the above example, all other factors being equal, such as seal interaction.

[0018] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2a, note the modularity of probe housing 100. In some embodiments, segments 105, 110, 130 may be secured through a friction fit and / or adhesive for a smooth interface between the segments (e.g., as seen in FIG. 2a). In alternative embodiments, segments 105, 110, 130 are configured for snap fitting or mechanical keying (e.g., as seen in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2b). In some embodiments, snap fitting and / or mechanical keying of different segments may be used, for example, in conjunction with adhesive (or other connecting mechanisms), for a stronger connection between the sections. For example, snap 285 may extend from one section and snap into an adjacent section. The material of snap 285 may be the same material as the section from which it extends and may be sufficiently resilient to withstand downward pressure on the keying mechanism at the end of snap 285 that is held in a corresponding recess in the adjacent section to hold the sections together. In some embodiments, the snaps 285 may function as a skirt to hold adhesive in the pockets 295. The pockets 295 may provide storage for adhesive applied between the sections, which may shift during assembly of the sections. The additional adhesive in the pockets 295 created by the snaps 285 may provide a stronger bond between the sections. This, along with the manner in which the housing cover 290 is assembled thereover, may result in some added bulk to the overall probe 101. However, even with these features, the reduction in the diameter size of the diaphragms 210, 230 may still result in a thinner diameter probe 101 and housing 100.

[0019] While the above embodiments are geared toward reducing the diameter of the housing, the multi-diaphragm structure may be utilized for other enhancements. For example, considering the cumulative effect on the resulting force, the multi-diaphragm structure may be utilized in a conventional diameter configuration that does not provide a thinner probe 101. Instead, it may generate forces in excess of pounds previously achievable without requiring an increase in pressure beyond industry standards. Alternatively, the multi-diaphragm structure may be employed in a conventional configuration, achieving the same total force and estimated reciprocating speed with a reduced air pressure.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a patient's eye 350 during a vitreous surgery procedure is shown. During this surgical procedure, the vitreous surgery probe 101 of FIGS. 1 and 2a is utilized. Specifically, a needle 175 is inserted through a pre-placed cannula 330 and directed toward the area 310 from which vitreous humor is to be removed. Specifically, as described above, suction applied to port 177 is used to withdraw vitreous humor or other material. For example, in the illustrated procedure, bleeding may be occurring in area 310 such that blood is withdrawn into port 177 along with the vitreous humor.

[0021] As explained above, during this delicate procedure, the cutter reciprocates within the needle 175. With additional reference to FIG. 2a, this means that multiple diaphragms 210, 230 are utilized to simultaneously generate the driving force for the reciprocating motion. As a result, the diameter of the probe 101 can be made thinner for enhanced control and maneuverability. Also, the reciprocating motion can be increased to incorporate more fluid vitreous humor, or the pressure utilized to drive the reciprocating motion can be reduced without compromising cutting performance.

[0022] Continuing to refer to Figure 3, the illustrated procedure involves the probe 101 and optical instrument 325 reaching the eye 350 via cannulae 315, 330 positioned in an offset manner in the sclera 370. In this manner, the more delicate cornea 390 and lens 380 can be avoided. In the same sense, the optic nerve 360 and retina 375 are also quite delicate. Therefore, a thinner probe 101 with enhanced control and maneuverability can be particularly beneficial given that the needle 175 can reach these delicate features deep in the eye 350.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a structural layout for the air channels 250, 260 of FIG. 2a is shown. In this illustration, the reduced diameter (d) of the diaphragms 210, 230 is evident from the way they are stacked next to each other, away from the air pressure source. That is, each channel 250, 260 is supplied by an air pressure source located proximal (or to the right) as shown. This means that if the rear channel 250 interacts linearly and directly with each diaphragm 210, 230 in a simple manner without modification, the air within the channel 250 will reach the diaphragms 230, 210 sequentially (first the rear diaphragm 230, then the front diaphragm 210). The same would be true for the front channel 260, if not modified from a more linear and direct air path. This could result in continuous malfunctions or reciprocating locking, potentially rendering the probe ineffective.

[0024] 4, the possibility of improper timing and misfires can be avoided if the flow paths of channels 250, 260 are modified from a simple linear structure to one that ensures that air passing through either channel 250, 260 reaches either diaphragm 230, 210 at substantially the same time. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by having each channel 250, 260 split into equidistant sub-channels 450, 455 and 460, 465 before reaching diaphragm 230, 210.

[0025] Note that for the front channel 260 in the illustrated embodiment, this means that the division into equidistant front sub-channels 460, 465 occurs beyond the rear diaphragm 230. In other words, the front channel 260 traverses the location of the rear diaphragm 230 before dividing into sub-channels 460, 465 in the mid-housing segment 110. This reflects the fact that the diaphragms 230, 210 are stacked and ultimately in close proximity to an air source that needs to reach beyond the location of the diaphragms 230, 210 to target their front sides in reciprocating motion (to the right in the illustration of FIG. 4). The rear channel 250 is tuned to reach the rear side of the diaphragms 230, 210 (to the left in the illustration of FIG. 4) to provide the opposing reciprocating stroke. Thus, branching to the rear sub-channels 450, 455 can occur in the proximal housing segment 130, but still maintain a minimal and equidistant reach of the sub-channels 450, 455 to the rear sides of the diaphragms 230, 210. Thus, proper timing and reciprocation can be better ensured, even in a multi-diaphragm configuration.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart summarizing an embodiment utilizing a multi-diaphragm vitreous surgery probe during a vitreous surgery procedure is shown. As with any such procedure, a tool is inserted into a patient's eye, as shown in step 510, to draw vitreous humor from the patient's eye via the probe's needle (see step 550). In the present embodiment, air pressure is also directed to the probe's multiple diaphragms at this time, as noted in step 530. Thus, as vitreous humor is drawn into the needle, a cutter within the probe's needle is reciprocated by the diaphragms, as shown in step 570. Again, the probe is configured so that air pressure reaches each diaphragm substantially simultaneously (see step 590).

[0027] The embodiments described herein include techniques and configurations that allow for thinning of vitreous surgical probes. Again, this can occur without sacrificing the performance or cutting rate of the probe. Additionally, or alternatively, these same techniques and configurations can be employed to increase the force and cutting rate, or even reduce the pressure utilized during vitreous surgery. Finally, the use of multiple diaphragms can avoid sacrificing the performance of vitreous surgical probes while maintaining design flexibility.

[0028] The preceding description has been presented with reference to the presently described embodiment. However, other embodiments and / or features disclosed herein but not specifically described may be employed. Moreover, those skilled in the art and technology to which these embodiments pertain will appreciate that still other changes and modifications in the described structure and methods of operation may be practiced without unduly departing from the principles and scope of these embodiments. Moreover, the foregoing description should not be read as relating solely to the exact structure described and shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather as supporting the following claims to be consistent with and have their full and fair scope. According to aspect (1), there is provided a vitreous surgery probe, a first diaphragm secured to the reciprocating component, the first diaphragm being driven in a first direction and an opposite second direction by air reciprocally pumped across the first diaphragm; a second diaphragm fixed to the reciprocating component, the second diaphragm being driven in the first direction and the opposite second direction by air reciprocally delivered thereto; A vitreous surgery probe, wherein air is supplied to drive the first diaphragm in the first direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the first direction during the first half of the reciprocating motion, and then air is supplied to drive the first diaphragm in the second direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the second direction during the second half of the reciprocating motion. According to aspect (2), the diaphragm is positioned with a housing having a first diameter of less than about 0.60 inches (15.24 mm), and the diaphragm has a second diameter of less than about 0.30 inches (7.62 mm). According to aspect (3), an end casing coupled to a first end of the housing for being grasped by a surgeon during a vitreous surgery procedure; It further comprises a removable shell coupled to a second end of the housing opposite the first to serve as an ergonomic support during the procedure. According to aspect (4), the reciprocating part is an extension tube, and the probe is a needle emerging from the end casing for extension into a patient's eye during the vitreous surgery procedure; The surgical instrument further includes a cutter coupled to the extension tube for severing vitreous humor captured by the needle during the vitrectomy procedure. According to aspect (5), a front air channel for supplying air to a front of each diaphragm to assist in driving the diaphragm in the first direction, the first direction being a distal direction; and Further included is a rear air channel for supplying air to a rear of each diaphragm to assist in actuating the diaphragm in the second direction, the second direction being a proximal direction. According to aspect (6), the front air channel is divided into equidistant sub-channels to ensure that the air supply to the front diaphragms reaches each of the diaphragms at approximately the same time, and the rear air channel is divided into equidistant sub-channels to ensure that the air supply to the rear of the diaphragms reaches each of the diaphragms at the same time. According to aspect (7), there is provided a segmented housing assembly for incorporation into a vitreous surgery probe, the housing assembly comprising: a distal segment and an intermediate segment containing a first diaphragm secured to a reciprocating component therebetween, the first diaphragm being driven in a first direction and an opposite second direction by air reciprocally pumped therethrough; a proximal segment adjacent to the intermediate segment and containing a second diaphragm fixed to the reciprocating component therebetween, the second diaphragm being driven in the first direction and the opposite second direction by air reciprocally delivered thereto; A segmented housing assembly in which air is directed to drive the first diaphragm in the first direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the first direction during a first half of a reciprocating motion, and then air is directed to drive the first diaphragm in the second direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the second direction during a second half of the reciprocating motion. According to aspect (8), the segments are attachable to one another by one of a snap fit and a mechanical key structure, and at least one of the snap fit and the mechanical key structure further defines a pocket for containing adhesive between the segment and at least one of the snap fit and the mechanical key structure. According to aspect (9), a front air channel for supplying air to a front of each of the diaphragms to assist in driving the diaphragms in the first direction, the first direction being a distal direction, the front air channel including equidistant sub-channels to promote air reaching the front of each of the diaphragms approximately simultaneously; Further comprising a rear air channel for supplying air to the rear of each diaphragm to assist in actuating the diaphragms in the second direction, the second direction being a proximal direction, the rear air channel comprising equidistant sub-channels to promote simultaneous air arrival at the rear of each diaphragm. According to aspect (10), the equidistant sub-channels of the front channel emerge from a branch at approximately the position of the intermediate segment, and the equidistant sub-channels of the rear channel emerge from a branch at approximately the position of the proximal segment. According to aspect (11), there is provided a method for performing vitreous surgery, comprising: directing air pressure to a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm of the vitreous surgical probe; reciprocating a cutter at a predetermined speed within a needle of the vitreous surgical probe in response to directing air pressure to the diaphragm; withdrawing vitreous humor from the patient's eye through the needle during reciprocating movement of the cutter. According to aspect (12), a third diaphragm is introduced into the vitreous surgery probe; Further comprising directing air pressure thereto to increase the predetermined speed of the reciprocating motion of the cutter. According to aspect (13), a third diaphragm is introduced into the vitreous surgery probe; reducing the air pressure directed thereto; and Further comprising maintaining a predetermined speed of the reciprocating motion of the cutter. According to aspect (14), simultaneously directing air pressure to the front side of each of the diaphragms; Further comprising simultaneously directing air pressure to the rear side of each of said diaphragms. According to aspect (15), air pressure is directed to the diaphragm through a front channel and a rear channel having separated equidistant sub-channels.

Claims

1. A vitreous surgery probe, a first diaphragm fixed to a reciprocating component, the first diaphragm being driven in a first direction and an opposite second direction by air reciprocally pumped across the first diaphragm; a second diaphragm fixed to the reciprocating component, the second diaphragm being driven in the first direction and the opposite second direction by air reciprocally delivered thereto; A vitreous surgery probe, wherein air is supplied to drive the first diaphragm in the first direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the first direction during a first half of the reciprocating motion, and subsequently air is supplied to drive the first diaphragm in the second direction and simultaneously drive the second diaphragm in the second direction during a second half of the reciprocating motion.

2. 10. The vitreous surgery probe of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is positioned with a housing having a first diameter of less than about 0.60 inches (15.24 mm), and the diaphragm has a second diameter of less than about 0.30 inches (7.62 mm).

3. an end casing coupled to a first end of the housing for being grasped by a surgeon during a vitreous surgery procedure; The vitreous surgery probe of claim 2 , further comprising a removable shell coupled to a second end of the housing opposite the first end to serve as an ergonomic support during the procedure.

4. The reciprocating component is an extension tube, and the probe comprises: a needle emerging from the end casing for extension into a patient's eye during the vitreous surgery procedure; The vitreous surgery probe of claim 3 , further comprising a cutter coupled to the extension tube for cutting vitreous humor entrapped in the needle during the vitreous surgery procedure.

5. a front air channel for supplying air to a front of each diaphragm to assist in actuating the diaphragm in the first direction, the first direction being a distal direction; and The vitreous surgery probe of claim 1, further comprising a rear air channel for supplying air to the rear of each diaphragm to assist in driving the diaphragm in the second direction, wherein the second direction is a proximal direction.

6. A vitreous surgery probe as described in claim 5, wherein the front air channel is divided into equidistant sub-channels to ensure that the air supply to the front diaphragms reaches each of the diaphragms approximately simultaneously, and the rear air channel is divided into equidistant sub-channels to ensure that the air supply to the rear of the diaphragms reaches each of the diaphragms simultaneously.

7. 1. A segmented housing assembly for incorporation into a vitreous surgical probe, the housing assembly comprising: a distal segment and an intermediate segment containing a first diaphragm secured to a reciprocating component therebetween, the first diaphragm being driven in a first direction and an opposite second direction by air reciprocally pumped therethrough; a proximal segment adjacent to the intermediate segment and containing a second diaphragm fixed to the reciprocating component therebetween, the second diaphragm being driven in the first direction and the opposite second direction by air reciprocally delivered thereto; a first diaphragm configured to move in a first direction and a second diaphragm configured to move in a first direction simultaneously during a first half of a reciprocating motion, and subsequently, air is directed to drive the first diaphragm in a second direction and drive the second diaphragm in a second direction simultaneously during a second half of the reciprocating motion.

8. 8. The segmented housing assembly of claim 7, wherein the segments are attachable to one another by one of a snap fit and a mechanical key structure, and wherein at least one of the snap fit and the mechanical key structure further defines a pocket for containing adhesive between the segment and at least one of the snap fit and the mechanical key structure.

9. a front air channel for supplying air to a front of each diaphragm to assist in actuation of the diaphragm in the first direction, the first direction being a distal direction, the front air channel comprising equidistant sub-channels to promote substantially simultaneous arrival of air at the front of each diaphragm; 8. The segmented housing assembly of claim 7, further comprising a rear air channel for supplying air to a rear portion of each of the diaphragms to assist in actuation of the diaphragms in the second direction, the second direction being a proximal direction, the rear air channel comprising equidistant sub-channels to promote simultaneous arrival of air at the rear of each of the diaphragms.

10. 10. The segmented housing assembly of claim 9, wherein the equidistant sub-channels of the front air channel emerge from a branch at approximately the position of the middle segment, and the equidistant sub-channels of the rear air channel emerge from a branch at approximately the position of the proximal segment.

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