Dual-mode Illuminated Vitrectomy Probe with Nested Optical Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illuminated vitrectomy probes face challenges in delivering sufficient light to the eye while maintaining a small diameter to accommodate small incision sizes, and there is a need for combined end and side illumination, as well as endolaser capability, in ophthalmic surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated vitrectomy probe design featuring an array of optical fibers encircling the cannula, with two sets of fibers for longitudinal and angled illumination, and an integrated endolaser fiber, allowing independent control of light sources for cooperative or single illumination and laser light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a ring of optical fibers is disposed around a vitrectomy probe to provide illumination, then illumination is provided to the surgical site, but the probe diameter increases and light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are positioned within a hollow cutting piston that is inserted into the cannula, nesting the illumination system within the existing surgical instrument structure. This allows the fibers to be contained within the probe's internal volume rather than requiring external space, thereby providing illumination without significantly increasing the overall probe diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are oriented to extend along the longitudinal axis of the cannula rather than being arranged in a transverse ring pattern. This dimensional reorientation allows the fibers to be accommodated within the length of the probe rather than requiring radial space, effectively providing illumination while maintaining a compact probe diameter.
2Area of stationary object
If a ring of optical fibers is used to illuminate the surgical site, then light is distributed around the probe, but the light is not concentrated on the cutting port opening
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are positioned to terminate near the cutting port opening with their light emission directed toward this specific location. This localized positioning ensures that illumination is concentrated precisely where needed at the cutting port rather than being distributed uniformly around the entire probe, achieving both adequate illumination area and precise light concentration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for illumination and laser delivery, then comprehensive surgical capability is achieved, but the number of incisions and instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination fibers and endolaser fiber are integrated into a single vitrectomy probe assembly, combining multiple surgical functions (illumination and laser delivery) into one instrument. This merging eliminates the need for separate illumination instruments and reduces the total number of incisions required, while maintaining comprehensive surgical capability through the coordinated operation of integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vitrectomy probe is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - vitreous cutting through the hollow piston mechanism, illumination through the optical fibers positioned within the piston, and endolaser delivery through the integrated laser fiber. This multi-functionality allows a single instrument to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining surgical versatility.
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
This design enhances light delivery to the surgical site, reduces the need for additional instruments, and accommodates smaller incision sizes, improving surgical visibility and capability while maintaining a compact probe size.
Implementation Method 1
An array of optical fibers terminates near the cutting port. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the cannula and encircling the cannula. The array of optical fibers can comprise two sets of fibers, one for providing illumination in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the vitrectomy probe and another for providing illumination in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vitrectomy probe.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated surgical instrument is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an illuminated vitrectomy probe. The vitrectomy probe has a cutting port disposed at a distal end of a cannula. An array of optical fibers terminates near the cutting port. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the cannula and encircling the cannula. The array of optical fibers can comprise two sets of fibers, one for providing illumination in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the vitrectomy probe and another for providing illumination in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vitrectomy probe. The light source providing light to each set of fibers can be independently controlled so as to provide illumination cooperatively or singly.