Adjustable Illumination Aperture Vitrectomy Cutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vitrectomy cutters with illumination capabilities provide fixed illumination, which limits the surgeon's ability to adjust the area of illumination during ophthalmic surgeries, necessitating the use of separate illumination probes or fixed settings that may not meet the varying needs of the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated vitrectomy instrument featuring a light sleeve assembly with adjustable optical fibers that can be moved along the probe to vary the illumination aperture, allowing for manual adjustment of the illumination area and intensity to suit different surgical requirements, including integration of diathermy and endolaser functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed illumination system is used in the vitrectomy cutter, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgical requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination aperture is made adjustable by allowing the light sleeve assembly to move axially along the probe. This dynamic adjustment enables the surgeon to vary the illumination area from a small focused beam to a larger diffuse area, adapting to different surgical needs without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The vitrectomy cutter integrates multiple functions including cutting, illumination, and adjustable illumination aperture control into a single instrument. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate illumination probes while providing adaptability through the adjustable aperture mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light sleeve assembly is made movable to adjust illumination area, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into a movable light sleeve assembly containing multiple optical fibers that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the illumination aperture to be adjusted by moving only the light sleeve relative to the probe, rather than moving the entire instrument, thereby reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If separate illumination probes are used, then the illumination can be provided, but the device complexity and number of instruments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is merged with the vitrectomy cutter probe by integrating optical fibers directly into the probe structure. This combination allows the surgeon to use a single instrument for both cutting and illumination, eliminating the need for separate illumination probes and reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and adaptable illumination during vitreo-retinal surgeries, reducing the need for separate probes and enhancing surgical precision by allowing real-time adjustment of the illumination area and intensity, while also providing diathermy and endolaser capabilities within a single instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The light sleeve assembly may include a plurality of optical fibers. At least a portion of the optical fibers may be operable to provide illumination.
Data Source
AI summary
A vitrector that includes an adjustable illumination aperture is described. The vitrector may include a probe and a light sleeve assembly extending along and substantially surrounding the probe. The light sleeve assembly may include a plurality of optical fibers. At least a portion of the optical fibers are operable to provide illumination so as to define an illumination aperture about the vitrectomy probe. A portion of the optical fibers may be encapsulated. The light sleeve assembly may be adjustable along a length of the probe, providing adjustment of the illumination aperture to increase or decrease an area of illumination provided thereby.