Aspiration Membrane Peeling Instrument for Safer ILM Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical procedures for removing internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) are challenging due to the thinness of the ILM, leading to potential retinal damage, and require repetitive insertion and manual activation of forceps, which can cause fatigue and increase the risk of peripheral retinal tears.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a membrane removal instrument having an aspiration port and lumen for engaging and removing ophthalmic membranes using suction force, optionally with a spatula for separation, minimizing manual activation and repetitive insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If forceps are used to grasp and peel the ophthalmic membrane, then the membrane can be removed from the retina, but the thin ILM may be damaged causing retinal holes and nerve fiber layer defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical forceps system with an aspiration-based system. A pick instrument creates a flap, then a gas-tight seal is formed around the pick, and suction is applied through a lumen to remove the membrane. This substitutes direct mechanical grasping with suction-driven removal, eliminating the harmful pinching action of forceps on the thin ILM.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gas-tight seal mechanism between the pick and the retina. This seal allows suction to be applied locally to the membrane flap without transmitting harmful forces to the surrounding retina. The seal acts as a mediator that enables controlled membrane removal while protecting the delicate retinal tissue from damage.
2Productivity
If forceps are repeatedly inserted and manually activated to remove membrane pieces, then complete membrane removal can be achieved, but surgeon fatigue increases and peripheral retinal tears may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous membrane removal through a single inserted instrument that maintains constant contact with the membrane. The pick remains in place creating a continuous seal, and suction can be applied continuously to remove the entire membrane in one piece rather than requiring repeated insertion and manual activation of forceps for multiple pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual activation mechanism of forceps with an automated suction system. The membrane removal is driven by suction pressure applied through the lumen, eliminating the need for repeated manual squeezing and releasing of forceps, thereby reducing surgeon fatigue and the risk of peripheral retinal tears from repetitive manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If forceps are used to create membrane edges or flaps, then the membrane can be separated from the retina, but the thin ILM is easily pinched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pinching action of forceps with a suction-based separation mechanism. A pick instrument initially creates a flap, then a gas-tight seal is formed around the pick, and suction is applied to separate the membrane from the retina. This substitutes direct mechanical contact with suction-driven separation, eliminating the harmful pinching action while maintaining effective membrane detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas-tight seal as an intermediary between the pick and the retinal surface. This seal allows suction to be applied to separate the membrane without direct mechanical contact between the instrument and the thin ILM. The seal acts as a mediator that enables controlled membrane separation while protecting the delicate ILM from pinching damage.
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
The instrument reduces retinal damage and fatigue by allowing efficient membrane removal with suction, minimizing repetitive insertion and manual activation, thereby enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an aspiration port of the membrane removal instrument configured for engagement with at least a separated portion of the ophthalmic membrane with a suction force, and an aspiration lumen of the ophthalmic membrane removal instrument in operative communication with the aspiration port
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical instrument is provided that includes a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a membrane removal instrument having an instrument proximal end attached to the handle distal end and an instrument distal end configured for engagement with an ophthalmic membrane, an aspiration port of the membrane removal instrument configured for engagement with at least a separated portion of the ophthalmic membrane with a suction force, and an aspiration lumen of the ophthalmic membrane removal instrument in operative communication with the aspiration port.