Vitrectomy system
The vitrectomy system addresses pressure losses in pneumatic lines by optimizing inner and outer diameters and material damping, improving cutting rate and ergonomics through a flexible attachment system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Pneumatically operated vitrectomy systems experience pressure losses due to non-uniform cross-sections in pneumatic lines, limiting cutting rates and necessitating higher pressures or vacuum acceleration, which increases compressed air consumption and often requires external supplies.
A vitrectomy system with a pneumatic line having sections with equal inner diameters but differing outer diameters and material damping, optimized for minimal pressure loss and flexibility, featuring a fastening device for ergonomic handling.
Reduces pressure losses, enhances cutting rate, and ensures ergonomic handling by optimizing pneumatic line properties and attachment, minimizing the need for external air supplies.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025086825_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
[0002] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0003] Vitrectomy system
[0004] In the field of vitrectomy, systems are known in which a vitrectome is pneumatically operated. Typically, pneumatically operated vitrectomes are connected to a console via a pneumatic line; in the case of dual-pneumatic systems, two pneumatic lines may be used. To effect an alternating movement of the vitrectome's cutting edge, the console uses a switching device to alternately pressurize and vent the pneumatic line. This results in pressure losses (on the order of 1 bar) along the line to the vitrectome, which impede both rapid pressurization and venting. This limits the maximum possible cutting rate. To compensate, for example, a higher pressure is applied, or venting is accelerated by applying a vacuum.These countermeasures result in an increase in the standard liter consumption, which pushes the limits of an internal console compressed air supply via a compressor, so that for high cutting rates an external compressed air supply often has to be used.
[0005] US 2013 / 0150875A1 describes a system comprising a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console that supplies compressed air to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The system also includes a pneumatic drive line connecting the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore that serves to direct the compressed air to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along the length of the pneumatic drive line.
[0006] A vitrectomy probe is known from EP 3600 184 B1. The vitrectomy probe comprises an inner cutting tube that moves back and forth within an outer tube. The outer tube has a side port, and the inner tube has a distal cutting port and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also have a flat upper edge that intersects the side port of the outer tube. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and can cut one side with Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
[0007] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025. The open end of the tube may be made of a material with a lower hardness than the closed end. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube connected to the vitrectomy probe may comprise a first aspiration tube and a second aspiration tube with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tube. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be connected to a stepped or conical pneumatic tube.
[0008] The invention is based on the objective of improving a vitrectomy system.
[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vitrectomy system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0010] In particular, a vitrectomy system is created comprising a pneumatically operated surgical instrument, a console configured to provide compressed air for operating the surgical instrument, and at least one pneumatic line connecting the surgical instrument to the console and through which the compressed air is provided, wherein the at least one pneumatic line has a section far from the instrument and a section close to the instrument, wherein the inner diameters of the sections of the pneumatic line are the same, and wherein the outer diameter and / or material damping of the two sections is different.
[0011] The vitrectomy system makes it possible, in particular, to guide a compressed air pressure wave from the console to the surgical instrument without edges or steps. A varying inner diameter, as described in the prior art, can lead to pressure losses when the compressed air pressure wave passes over the resulting constriction, causing partial reflections of the pressure wave. Furthermore, the vitrectomy system allows for the optimization of the pneumatic line's properties according to the specific requirements of each section. Specifically, the properties of the section furthest from the instrument and the section closest to the instrument can be adjusted independently by selecting the outer diameter and / or the material insulation, thus enabling optimization according to different objectives. For example, it is intended that a pressure loss in the section furthest from the instrument (Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG)
[0012] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025 The pressure loss should be as low as possible, and the flexibility in the section near the instrument should be as high as possible to facilitate handling of the surgical instrument. Overall, this reduces pressure loss while ensuring good handling (ergonomics) of the surgical instrument, thereby increasing the cutting rate of the vitrectomy system.
[0013] The surgical instrument is, in particular, a vitrectomy, specifically a pneumatically operated vitrectomy. It may be designed to operate the vitrectomy pneumatically via one pneumatic line or via two pneumatic lines, i.e., dual-pneumatically. In the first case, the vitrectomy system has one pneumatic line; in the second case, it has two.
[0014] The length of the pneumatic line(s) is selected such that the section furthest from the instrument is longer than the section closest to the instrument. For example, with a total pneumatic line length of 2 meters, the section furthest from the instrument may be 1.80 meters long and the section closest to the instrument 0.2 meters long. The section furthest from the instrument may, for example, be made of or comprise polyurethane (PU). The inner diameter of both the section furthest from the instrument and the section closest to the instrument may, for example, be 2 mm. The outer diameter of the section furthest from the instrument may, for example, be 5 mm and the loss factor may, in particular, be 0.05. The section closest to the instrument may, for example, be made of or comprise silicone. The outer diameter of the section closest to the instrument may, for example, be 3.5 mm and the loss factor may, in particular, be 0.2.
[0015] In one embodiment, the material damping of the section furthest from the instrument is less than that of the section closest to the instrument. This reduces pressure loss in the section furthest from the instrument and allows for a flexible pneumatic line in the section closest to the instrument. Since the section closest to the instrument is significantly shorter, the pressure loss in this section is less critical than in the section furthest from the instrument. The section furthest from the instrument can, for example, be made of or comprise polyurethane (PU). The section furthest from the instrument can, for example, have a loss factor of [Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG]
[0016] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0017] The loss factor may be in the range of, in particular, 0.05–0.15. The section closest to the instrument may, for example, be made of or comprise silicone. The section closest to the instrument may, for example, have a loss factor in the range of, in particular, 0.2–0.4.
[0018] In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the sections, defined by their outer and inner diameters, is selected such that the bending stiffness of the section closest to the instrument is lower than that of the section furthest from the instrument. This allows for greater flexibility in the section closest to the instrument and sufficient stiffness in the radial direction of the pneumatic line in the section furthest from the instrument. This minimizes radial expansion of the pneumatic line caused by alternating pressure and thus also reduces pressure losses in this section. The section furthest from the instrument can, for example, be made of or comprise polyurethane (PU). The section furthest from the instrument can, for example, have a bending stiffness in the range of 125–250 N / mm². 2The section closest to the instrument can, for example, be made of or comprise silicone. The section closest to the instrument can, for example, have a flexural stiffness in the range of 1.5–15 Nmm. 2 exhibit.
[0019] In one embodiment, the length of the sections is selected, taking into account a cutting rate, such that an antinode of the compressed air is created at the surgical instrument. This results in particularly good coupling to the surgical instrument. The exact values can be determined, in particular, through simulations and / or tests. A rough estimate, neglecting pressure losses, suggests that for a total section length of 2 m, a cutting rate of 10,000 strokes per minute and a drive pressure of 3.77 bar could be selected.
[0020] In one embodiment, the vitrectomy system is provided with a fastening device for attaching the at least one pneumatic line to a user of the surgical instrument, the fastening device being located at the contact point of the sections. This allows for particularly ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument. For example, it may be provided that the applicant: Carl Zeiss Med itec AG
[0021] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0022] The attachment is located near the user's hand. In particular, if the section closest to the instrument is more flexible, this allows for especially effortless and ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument. On the other hand, the section furthest from the instrument can be optimized for minimal pressure loss, for example, by choosing greater flexural stiffness and / or lower material damping and / or a larger outer diameter, because the reduced flexibility typically associated with this design, due to its attachment to the user, hardly impairs the handling of the surgical instrument.The attachment provides a type of strain relief between the two sections of the pneumatic tubing, ensuring that the movement of the section of tubing closest to the instrument and the surgical instrument is not, or only minimally, affected by the characteristics of the section furthest from the instrument. The attachment can be positioned, for example, on the user's wrist or forearm. However, other attachment locations are also possible. The attachment can be made of plastic and / or metal.
[0023] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes at least one connecting section designed to fluidically connect the sections of the pneumatic line. This allows for direct fastening at the interface between the section furthest from the instrument and the section closest to it. This enables, in particular, optimal decoupling of the properties of the two sections, thus optimally reducing pressure loss in the section furthest from the instrument while simultaneously maximizing flexibility in the section closest to the instrument. Specifically, with regard to parameter optimization, the position of the strain relief provided by fastening to the user can be optimally selected.
[0024] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes a fastening strap. This allows the fastening to be achieved by wrapping it around a part of the user's body, for example, the wrist or forearm. A fastening element may be provided for attaching the pneumatic line to the fastening strap. For this purpose, the fastening element has, in particular, an elongated hole for receiving the fastening strap. Applicant: Carl Zeiss Medical Technology AG
[0025] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025. The fastening element may also be designed to connect sections of the pneumatic line and must therefore have at least one connecting section. The fastening element may, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part.
[0026] In one embodiment, the fastening strap is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener. This makes it particularly easy to attach and detach the fastening strap.
[0027] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes a retaining clip. This allows for a simple attachment that is easy to form and release, particularly on a garment worn by the user. The retaining clip may have a lower jaw and an upper jaw, which can be used to grip a section of the garment. The lower and upper jaws may have alternating and / or interlocking teeth for this purpose. For example, the retaining clip may be designed to allow the distance between the lower and upper jaws to be adjusted. A material- and / or structural restoring force may move the lower and / or upper jaws from an open position back into a holding position. The retaining clip may be manufactured, for example, as an injection-molded part.
[0028] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes a magnetic connection. This allows for a particularly easy-to-install and detachable attachment to the user. The fastening device can have two magnetic elements to form the magnetic connection, one of which is attached to the user and the other of which is attached to the pneumatic line, particularly at the contact point of the sections.
[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show:
[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vitrectomy system; applicant: Carl Zeiss Medical Technology AG
[0031] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0032] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the vitrectomy system with a connecting section;
[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation to illustrate an attachment to a user;
[0034] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a fastening device with a fastening strap to illustrate another embodiment of the vitrectomy system;
[0035] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fastening device with a retaining clip to illustrate another embodiment of the vitrectomy system;
[0036] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fastening element with two connecting sections to illustrate another embodiment of the vitrectomy system.
[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vitrectomy system 1. The vitrectomy system 1 comprises a pneumatically operated surgical instrument 2 (in particular a vitrectome), a console 3 which is configured to provide compressed air for operating the surgical instrument 2, and at least one pneumatic line 4 which connects the surgical instrument 2 to the console 3 and through which the compressed air is provided.
[0038] Console 3 includes, for example, a pneumatic switching device (not shown) that periodically switches between a provided quasi-constant pressure and a vent, and thereby drives a cutting edge of the surgical instrument 2 via the pneumatic line 4.
[0039] The at least one pneumatic line 4 has a section 4-1 located away from the instrument and a section 4-2 located near the instrument. The inner diameters 5-1 and 5-2 of the sections 4-1 and 4-2 of the pneumatic line 4 are equal, where one applicant is Carl Zeiss Meditec AG.
[0040] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0041] The outer diameter 6-1 , 6-2 and / or the material damping of the two sections 4-1, 4-2 is different.
[0042] The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 shows a single pneumatic line 4. In principle, however, two pneumatic lines 4 can also be provided for dual pneumatic applications (not shown).
[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vitrectomy system 1, which is fundamentally designed like the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, the vitrectomy system 1 includes a connecting section 7 that fluidly connects sections 4-1 and 4-2 of the pneumatic line 4. For this purpose, the connecting section 7 includes, for example, corresponding pneumatic connections for the ends of sections 4-1 and 4-2, for example, in the form of bores specifically designed for this purpose. The inner diameter of the connecting section 7 corresponds to the inner diameter 5-1 and 5-2 of sections 4-1 and 4-2.
[0044] It may be provided that the material damping of the section 4-1 furthest from the instrument is smaller than the material damping of the section 4-2 closest to the instrument.
[0045] It may be provided that the wall thickness of the sections 4-1, 4-2, defined by the outer diameter 6-1, 6-2 and the inner diameter 5-1, 5-2, is selected such that the bending stiffness of the section 4-2 closest to the instrument is less than the bending stiffness of the section 4-1 furthest from the instrument.
[0046] It may be provided that a length L1, L2 of sections 4-1 , 4-2 (or a total length of the pneumatic line) is chosen taking into account a cutting rate such that an antinode of the compressed air is created at the surgical instrument 2.
[0047] The vitrectomy system 1 may be provided with a fastening device 8 (Figures 2 and 3) for attaching the at least one pneumatic line 4 to a user of the surgical instrument 2, the fastening device 8 being located at the contact point of sections 4-1 and 4-2. The fastening device 8 may, for example, be attached to a garment 9 (Figure 3). Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
[0048] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025 and / or attached to the user's forearm 10 or wrist 11. This attachment provides, in particular, strain relief for section 4-2, as it is no longer (or no longer as strongly) coupled to movements of section 4-1.
[0049] The fastening device 8 may include a fastening band 13. This is shown schematically in Fig. 4, which shows the fastening band 13 and a fastening element 14 arranged thereon, which is also part of the fastening device 8. The fastening element 14 has a connecting section 7 for fluidically connecting the sections. The fastening element 14 also has an elongated hole 15 through which the fastening band 13 is guided. To prevent snagging on the fastening element 14, the fastening element 14 may have rounded corners and / or a rounded outer contour. The fastening element 14 may, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part.
[0050] It may be provided that the fastening strap 13 has a hook and loop fastener 16.
[0051] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the fastening device 8. In this embodiment, the fastening device 8 comprises a retaining clip 17. The retaining clip 17 includes, in particular, a connecting section 7 for fluidically connecting the sections. Furthermore, the retaining clip 17 includes, in particular, a lower jaw 19 and an upper jaw 20 at an opening 18, by means of which a section of a garment can be grasped and / or gripped. The lower jaw 19 and the upper jaw 20 can have alternately arranged and / or interlocking teeth 21 for this purpose. To prevent snagging on the retaining clip 17, the retaining clip 17 can have rounded corners and / or a rounded outer contour. For example, it can be provided that the distance between the lower jaw and the upper jaw can be adjusted.It may be provided that a material- and / or structure-related restoring force moves the lower jaw 19 and / or the upper jaw 20 from an opening position back into a fixed position, thereby preventing the arrangement of the garment area between the jaws 19, 20 and its removal. Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG.
[0052] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025. The retaining clip 17 can, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part.
[0053] The fastening device 8 (Fig. 2) may include a magnetic connection (not shown). The magnetic connection comprises, in particular, two magnetic elements, one of which is positioned on the user and the other of which is positioned on the pneumatic line 4. For example, the fastening device 8 may have a fastening element 14, such as the one shown in Fig. 4, which, however, is not directly attached to the user by means of the fastening band 13, but indirectly by means of the magnetic connection. One of the magnetic elements is then positioned on the fastening band 13, and the other magnetic element is positioned on the fastening element 14. By forming the magnetic connection between the magnetic elements, the pneumatic line can then be positioned on the user.
[0054] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the fastening device. The fastening device is basically designed like the fastening device shown in Fig. 4, however, the fastening element 14, which is attached to the fastening band, has two connecting sections 7 that fluidically connect the respective sections of two pneumatic lines.
[0055] Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
[0056] Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025
[0057] Reference sign
[0058] 1 Vitrectomy system
[0059] 2 surgical instruments
[0060] 3 console
[0061] 4 pneumatic lines
[0062] 4-1 remote section
[0063] 4-2 instrument-adjacent section
[0064] 5-1 Inner diameter remote section
[0065] 5-2 Inner diameter of the section near the instrument
[0066] 6-1 Outer diameter remote section
[0067] 6-2 Outer diameter of the section closest to the instrument
[0068] 7 Connecting section
[0069] 8 Fastening device
[0070] 9. A user's item of clothing
[0071] 10 Forearm
[0072] 11 Wrist
[0073] 13 fastening strap
[0074] 14 Fastening element
[0075] 15 elongated holes
[0076] 16 Velcro fasteners
[0077] 17 retaining clips
[0078] 18 Opening
[0079] 19 Lower jaw
[0080] 20 upper jaw
[0081] 21 tooth
[0082] L1 Length of instrument-remote section
[0083] L2 Length of instrument-proximal section
Claims
Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025 Patent claims 1. Vitrectomy system (1) comprising: a pneumatically operated surgical instrument (2), a console (3) configured to provide compressed air for operating the surgical instrument (2), and at least one pneumatic line (4) connecting the surgical instrument (2) to the console (3) and through which the compressed air is provided, wherein the at least one pneumatic line (4) has a section (4-1) away from the instrument and a section (4-2) near the instrument, wherein the inner diameters (5-1, 5-2) of the sections (4-1, 4-2) of the pneumatic line (4) are the same, and wherein the outer diameter (6-1, 6-2) and / or the material damping of the two sections (4-1, 4-2) differs.
2. Vitrectomy system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the material damping of the instrument-remote section (4-1) is smaller than the material damping of the instrument-proximal section (4-2).
3. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wall thickness of the sections (4-1 ,4-2) defined by the outer diameter (6-1 ,6-2) and the inner diameter (5-1 , 5-2) is selected such that a bending stiffness of the section (4-2) near the instrument is smaller than a bending stiffness of the section (4-1) farther from the instrument.
4. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length (L1 ,L2) of the sections (4-1 , 4-2) is selected taking into account a cutting rate such that an antinode of the compressed air is created at the surgical instrument (2).
5. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fastening device (8) which is designed to fasten the at least one pneumatic line (4) to a user of the surgical instrument (2), wherein the fastening device (8) is arranged at the contact point of the sections (4-1 ,4-2). Applicant: Carl Zeiss Med itec AG Our reference: P18.751 WO / 2022P00321 WO 12.12.2025 6. Vitrectomy system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening device (8) has at least one connecting section (7) which is configured to fluidically connect the sections (4-1, 4-2) of the pneumatic line (4).
7. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the fastening device (8) comprises a fastening band (13).
8. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the fastening strap (13) has a hook and loop fastener (16).
9. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the fastening device (8) comprises a retaining clip (17).
10. Vitrectomy system (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the fastening device (8) comprises a magnetic connection.