Extraction Sleeve Assembly for Viscous Fluid Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting silicone oil from the eye during vitreoretinal surgery are time-consuming, leading to prolonged surgery times, increased surgeon fatigue, and extended patient healing periods due to the viscosity of the oil and small internal diameters of traditional viscous fluid control cannulas.
Innovation Solution
An extraction sleeve assembly comprising a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extractive sleeve that creates a fluid-tight seal with a trocar cannula, allowing for the use of a larger diameter flow path to increase extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional viscous fluid control cannulas with small internal diameters are used to extract silicone oil, then the cannula can be properly inserted into the trocar cannula, but the extraction time becomes excessively long (4-10 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into two functional components: a trocar cannula with a large internal diameter for insertion and a separate extraction sleeve with a small internal diameter for oil extraction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction sleeve is nested over the trocar cannula, creating a concentric structure where the small internal diameter extraction sleeve is positioned within the larger external diameter trocar cannula. This nesting arrangement enables the extraction sleeve to fit properly while providing a larger effective flow path area.
2Productivity
If a larger diameter cannula is used to increase extraction speed, then extraction time is reduced, but the cannula cannot be properly inserted into the existing trocar cannula
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the insertion function (trocar cannula with large diameter) from the extraction function (extraction sleeve with small diameter), allowing each to be optimized independently for its specific requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-dimension constraint (cannula internal diameter) to a two-dimensional approach by adding the extraction sleeve as a separate concentric component, effectively decoupling the insertion diameter requirement from the extraction flow requirement.
3Productivity
If the extraction sleeve internal diameter is made larger to reduce viscosity resistance, then extraction efficiency improves, but the seal with the trocar cannula becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction sleeve has different diameter characteristics at different locations: a small internal diameter section for maintaining seal integrity against the trocar cannula, and a larger external diameter for creating effective flow path area. This local quality variation optimizes both sealing and extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction sleeve is segmented into functional zones: a proximal section for sealing engagement with the trocar cannula and a distal section for oil extraction, allowing each zone to have optimized dimensions for its specific function.
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 extraction sleeve assembly significantly reduces the time required to extract silicone oil, resulting in shorter surgery times, decreased surgeon fatigue, and faster patient recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction sleeve is friction fit over the distal male fitting so as to create a fluid tight seal between the distal male fitting and an interior surface of the extraction sleeve
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum source is coupled to the proximal end of the syringe... a vacuum of 600 mm Hg
Implementation Method 3
it often takes a surgeon approximately four minutes to extract the silicone oil from the posterior segment of the eye using... a vacuum of 600 mm Hg
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction sleeve assembly for use in extracting a viscous fluid from the posterior segment of an eye during vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The extraction sleeve assembly includes a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extraction sleeve. The extraction sleeve assembly facilitates a shorter extraction time for the viscous fluid.