Clip Device for Intraocular Pressure Control in Vitreoretinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion tubing designs for vitreoretinal surgery fail to regulate intraocular pressure effectively during gas exchange and silicon oil injection, leading to uncontrolled pressure and potential eye rupture due to the absence of a feedback system, and are prone to infusion bubbles and reflux.
Innovation Solution
A clip device that occludes both the fluid infusion line and air line, forming a connection between them using a shaft with a sharp point to penetrate the tubing wall, allowing for a bypass fluid line to connect to a stopcock, thereby bypassing the duckbill valve and regulating pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a duckbill valve is used in infusion tubing, then fluid flow is controlled, but infusion bubbles and uncontrolled reflux occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic duckbill valve from the infusion line and replaces it with a clip device that has a sharp point to penetrate the tubing wall. This extraction of the faulty component eliminates the source of uncontrolled reflux and bubbles while maintaining fluid flow control through the clip's occlusion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip device acts as an intermediary between the infusion line and the bypass line. Instead of relying on the defective duckbill valve, the sharp point of the clip penetrates the tubing wall to create a controlled access point, allowing precise regulation of fluid flow and pressure through the bypass line connected to a stopcock.
2Device complexity
If no feedback system is used during gas exchange and silicon oil injection, then the procedure is simpler, but intraocular pressure cannot be regulated leading to eye rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled pressure regulation system where the clip device with its sharp point allows connection of a bypass line to a stopcock. This enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of intraocular pressure during gas exchange and silicon oil injection, preventing uncontrolled pressure buildup that could lead to eye rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, open system to a dynamic, controllable system. The clip device with its sharp penetration point enables flexible adjustment of the bypass line and stopcock position, allowing the operator to dynamically regulate pressure in response to changing conditions during the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If ventilation is performed to atmospheric pressure during gas exchange, then gas can escape, but intraocular pressure drops below desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric (0 Pa) to a controlled intraocular pressure level (around 2666 Pa or 20 mmHg). The clip device with its sharp point penetrating the tubing wall enables connection to a bypass line that can be regulated via a stopcock, maintaining the desired positive pressure during gas exchange instead of venting to atmosphere.
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 solution ensures controlled intraocular pressure during gas exchange and silicon oil injection, preventing eye rupture and minimizing reflux, thus enhancing the safety and efficacy of vitreoretinal surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling for connecting to the first fluid line; the coupling comprising a shaft comprising a sharp point to penetrate the first fluid line tubing wall
Data Source
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AI summary
A clip device for occluding two fluid lines and forming a fluid connection comprising one of the fluid lines, the clip device comprising: a first clip segment comprising a fastener for engaging to a first fluid line, a first pinch valve for occluding the first fluid line and a coupling for connecting to the first fluid line; a second clip segment comprising a second pinch valve for occluding the second fluid line; and a bypass fluid line connectable or connected to the coupling is disclosed. The second clip segment may also comprise a fastener for securing to the second fluid line. The first clip segment and/or the second clip segment may comprise a proximal opening and a distal opening through which the tubing passes. The proximal opening and the distal opening may be disposed on opposing sides of the segment.