Curved Vitrectomy Needle With Laser Guide for Low-Stress Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrectomy devices cause mechanical stress and tearing at the entry incision during vitreous body removal due to their straight or limited curved designs, leading to potential lacerations and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy needle with a curved design and integrated laser light guide, allowing for a larger solid angle range and reduced force input at the entry incision, facilitated by a breakthrough offset from the central axis, which enables photolytic decomposition of vitreous body material with minimal mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight or linear vitrectome with mechanical cutting mechanism is used, then the cutting function is achieved, but the device causes considerable forces at the trocar and surrounding tissue leading to incision tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting mechanism with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam is delivered through a flexible light guide to the distal end of the needle, where it cuts the vitreous body material without requiring mechanical movement of cutting elements. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress and forces transmitted to the trocar and surrounding tissue that cause incision tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force to optical energy. By using laser radiation instead of mechanical cutting elements, the system achieves cutting functionality through a different physical domain, thereby avoiding the harmful mechanical effects while maintaining the desired cutting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved vitrectome with mechanical cutting mechanism is used, then the spatial angle and swivel range are improved, but the mechanical cutting movements still cause mechanical stress in the eye and trocar area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laser-based cutting system delivered through a flexible light guide within the curved needle. This allows the needle to be positioned at various angles and orientations to access different areas of the vitreous body, while the laser beam itself performs the cutting without mechanical movement. The flexible light guide accommodates the curved geometry while transmitting laser energy, eliminating mechanical stress despite the curved design and enhanced spatial adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a curved needle design that allows the distal end to be positioned at various angles relative to the entry incision. The curvature enables better access to different regions of the vitreous body while the laser cutting mechanism at the distal end performs the actual cutting without transmitting mechanical forces through the curved structure to the trocar and surrounding tissue.
3Ease of manufacture
If a straight laser instrument is used for vitrectomy, then the laser cutting function is achieved, but the pivoting motion required to reach all areas causes significant deflections and lacerations at the entry incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved needle design where the distal end can be positioned at various angles and orientations. The curvature of the needle allows the laser beam to be delivered to different areas of the vitreous body without requiring significant pivoting motion of the entire instrument at the entry point. The distal end of the curved needle can be maneuvered to access different regions while the entry incision remains relatively stable, minimizing deflections and lacerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved needle design adds a spatial dimension to the instrument configuration. Instead of a straight needle requiring pivoting in a single plane, the curved needle provides three-dimensional positioning capability, allowing the distal end to access various areas of the vitreous body through angular adjustments at the distal end rather than through pivoting at the entry incision.
4Ease of operation
If a curved needle with offset aperture is used, then the solid angle range and ergonomic handling are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved needle design with offset aperture positioning at the distal end enables the instrument to access a wider solid angle range and provides better ergonomic handling. The curvature allows the distal end to be positioned at various angles relative to the entry incision, expanding the working area and improving operator comfort during the procedure.
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 vitrectomy needle allows for a gentler and more efficient removal of the vitreous body with reduced risk of lacerations and improved ergonomic handling, minimizing the forces applied to the eye during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light guide (9) guided in the hollow needle (2) to the distal end (3)... which enables photolytic decomposition of vitreous body material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The underlying invention relates in particular to a vitrectomy needle (1) comprising a hollow needle (2) with a distal end (3) for insertion into the vitreous body (4) of an eye (5) for performing a vitrectomy. The vitrectomy needle (1) further comprises a laser light guide (9) guided in the hollow needle (2) to the distal end (3) with a light exit surface (10) oriented towards the distal end (3). A cavity (12) is formed between the light exit surface (10) and the axially inwardly facing surface (11) of the distal end (3). The wall (13) of the hollow needle (2) has a radially extending opening (14) with respect to the central axis (M) of the hollow needle (2) in the region of the cavity (12). The vitrectomy needle (1), in particular the hollow needle (2), has a straight section (15) at the proximal end (6), wherein the central axis (M) defines a central axis (Z) in the region of the straight section (15).The central axis (M) of the hollow needle (2) in the area of the opening (14) is spaced a predetermined minimum radial distance (R) from the central axis (Z).