Dual Cutting Edge Vitrectomy Probe for Retinal Traction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vitrectomy probes face challenges in efficiently cutting and removing vitreous humor near the retina without causing traction or retinal tears, particularly during delicate ophthalmic surgeries, due to limitations in cutting and aspiration rates.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy probe design featuring a dual cutting edge mechanism with a motor-driven internal tube oscillating within an external tube, equipped with multiple ports and dual cutting edges that cut tissue in both directions, increasing cutting and aspiration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional single cutting edge design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the cutting rate and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edge is segmented into two separate cutting edges positioned at different locations on the internal tube, allowing simultaneous cutting actions at different ports and effectively doubling the cutting rate without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting action is extended from a single-direction linear motion to bidirectional reciprocating motion, utilizing both the forward and return strokes for cutting, thereby doubling the productive phases of the cutting cycle
2Productivity
If the aspiration rate is increased to improve efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the traction on the retina may increase causing retinal tears
Solution Approach 1:
The dual cutting edges enable continuous cutting action during both forward and return strokes, maintaining constant tissue separation while aspiration removes vitreous, preventing accumulation that would increase traction forces on the retina
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ports with dual cutting edges distribute the cutting and aspiration load across multiple locations, allowing higher overall aspiration rates while maintaining lower local traction forces at each port site
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 dual cutting edge mechanism doubles the cut rate and reduces traction on the retina, leading to faster and more efficient vitreous removal during ophthalmic surgeries, potentially shortening procedure times and minimizing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
A motor drives the internal tube in a reciprocating motion relative to the external tube
Implementation Method 2
the first cutting edge oscillates across the port of the external tube to cut tissue in the port with the first cutting edge when the internal tube moves in the proximal direction
Implementation Method 3
the cut tissue is then aspirated away through the inner cutting member
Data Source
AI summary
A vitrectomy probe includes a hand-graspable body and an external tube extending from the hand-graspable body and sized to penetrate an eye of a patient during an ocular surgery. In an aspect, the external tube includes a closed end and a plurality of ports sized to receive vitreous material. In another aspect, an internal tube has a first cutting edge facing in a proximal direction and a second cutting edge facing in a distal direction. The first cutting edge oscillates across the port of the external tube to cut tissue in the port with the first cutting edge when the internal tube moves in the proximal direction and to cut tissue in the port with the second cutting edge when the internal tube moves in the distal direction.