Extendable Retractable Mirror for Intraocular Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques face challenges in visualizing interior areas of the eye, particularly the periphery of the posterior ocular chamber and structures behind the iris, during intraocular and other delicate surgeries, due to limited visualization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A small-gauge extendable-retractable mirror device is introduced, which can be inserted through a small incision and extended/retracted using an actuation rod, allowing visualization of difficult-to-reach areas within the eye, such as behind the iris, with dimensions ranging from 1.2-6.5 mm and made from materials like nitinol or reflective metalized plastic film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional surgical instruments are used for intraocular surgery, then the surgery can be performed through standard incisions, but visualization of interior areas (especially periphery of posterior ocular chamber and structures behind the iris) is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is nested within a delivery catheter that can be inserted through a small incision. The mirror is positioned within the catheter lumen and can be extended outward to perform visualization, then retracted back into the catheter for removal. This nesting approach allows the mirror to access interior areas of the eye through a minimally invasive pathway while maintaining the ability to visualize difficult-to-reach structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable relative to the delivery catheter. This dynamic configuration allows the mirror to transition between a compact stored state (within the catheter) and an operational extended state (protruding from the catheter tip), enabling visualization of interior ocular areas while facilitating easy insertion and removal through small incisions.
2Loss of information
If a mirror is extended from a small-gauge cannula to visualize interior eye structures, then visualization of difficult-to-reach areas is enabled, but the mirror must be small enough to fit through the cannula
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is nested within the delivery catheter in a compact configuration, allowing it to pass through small-gauge cannulas (16-30 gauge). The mirror's ability to be stored in a retracted position within the catheter enables it to fit through restrictive pathways while still providing adequate visualization area when extended to the operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror transitions from a compact retracted state (fitting within the cannula) to an extended operational state (protruding from the cannula tip). This dynamic size change allows the mirror to maintain a small profile during insertion while providing sufficient surface area for effective visualization during surgery.
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 device enhances visualization of the surgical field within the eye, enabling surgeons to view structures that were previously difficult or impossible to see, improving surgical precision and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror may include two opposing surfaces with an x dimension in a range of approximately 1.2-6.5 mm (millimeters) and a y dimension in a range of approximately 1.2-6.5 mm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a small gauge extendable-retractable mirror for use in intraocular surgery. The mirror of the present disclosure can be used in intraocular surgery to enable visualization of areas of the eye currently difficult or impossible to view, such as, e.g., behind the iris.