Ophthalmic Surgical Probe With Beveled Oval Aspiration Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vitrectomy probes have small port sizes that make it difficult to effectively separate the vitreous from the retina without causing damage, due to suboptimal vacuum generation and manipulation challenges.
Innovation Solution
The design of ophthalmic microsurgical probes with beveled distal tips and textured surfaces that increase vacuum generation and engagement area, using materials like polymeric materials to reduce tissue damage, and optional components such as diathermy tips or optical fibers for additional functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional vitrectomy probes with small port sizes are used, then the probe gauge can be kept small for minimal invasive surgery, but the ability to effectively grab and peel vitreous from retina is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional circular port geometry to an oval-shaped port geometry at the distal tip. This dimensional change in the port cross-section provides increased surface area and improved vacuum generation capability while maintaining the same probe outer diameter, thereby enhancing tissue engagement without increasing probe gauge size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric properties to different parts of the probe: the distal tip features an oval-shaped port with specific dimensional characteristics (major axis and minor axis) that differ from the circular cross-section of the probe shaft. This local quality enhancement at the tip provides optimized tissue engagement while maintaining overall probe compactness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional small port sizes are used in vitrectomy probes, then probe invasiveness is reduced, but vacuum generation is suboptimal causing difficulty in vitreous separation
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the port cross-section from circular to oval geometry, the patent increases the effective surface area available for vacuum generation. The oval shape with defined major and minor axes provides greater contact area with the vitreous tissue, enhancing suction force without increasing the probe's outer diameter, thus maintaining minimal invasiveness while improving vacuum capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the port at the distal tip, specifically implementing an oval cross-section with predetermined major and minor axis dimensions. This parameter change optimizes the balance between vacuum generation surface area and probe size, enabling effective vitreous engagement while preserving minimal surgical invasiveness
3Device complexity
If traditional vitrectomy probe designs are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the risk of retinal damage during vitreous peeling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances safety by providing localized geometric optimization at the distal tip region while maintaining the simplicity of the overall probe design. The oval-shaped port with specific dimensional ratios creates more favorable stress distribution and tissue engagement characteristics, reducing the risk of retinal damage without requiring complex multi-component structures
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
Improves the safety and efficiency of vitreous detachment procedures by enhancing tissue engagement and reducing the risk of retinal damage, while maintaining smaller probe gauges.
Implementation Method 1
one additional component disposed in the tube. The tube includes a proximal end coupled to the handpiece and a distal end opposite the proximal end that includes a distal tip. The distal tip is beveled and includes an end face at least partially defining a port for aspiration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a surgical probe. In certain embodiments, the surgical probe includes a handpiece configured to be held by a user, a tube, and one additional component disposed in the tube. The tube includes a proximal end coupled to the handpiece and a distal end opposite the proximal end that includes a distal tip. The distal tip is beveled and includes an end face at least partially defining a port for aspiration. The surgical probe further comprises at least one functional component (e.g., a soft tip, a diathermy tip, or an optical fiber) disposed in the tube.