Fluid-Driven Vitrectomy Probe With Sealed Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vitrectomy probes, particularly air-driven ones, are limited by the speed at which air pressure can be adjusted, restricting oscillation frequency and cut rate during vitreo-retinal procedures, while electrically-driven probes are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-driven vitrectomy probe system with sealed fluid pathways utilizing alternative fluids that can transmit pressure waves faster than air, driving an oscillating cutting motion through alternating flow directions within the probe, allowing for increased actuation rates and reduced traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air-driven vitrectomy probes are used, then the device remains lightweight and simple, but the oscillation frequency and cut rate are limited by the speed of air pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas (alternative to air) to drive the diaphragm oscillation. The sealed fluid pathways contain gas that transmits pressure waves to the diaphragm, enabling high-frequency oscillation while maintaining a lightweight, simple device structure without requiring complex electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the driving medium from air to alternative gases that can transmit pressure waves faster. This parameter change enables higher oscillation frequencies while the sealed pathway design manages the complexity through integrated sealing structures within the housing.
2Speed
If electrically-driven motors are used to power the cutter, then high oscillation frequency can be achieved, but the probe becomes weighty, cumbersome, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical motor system with a pneumatic system. Instead of using an electrically-driven motor to power the cutter, the invention uses pressurized gas acting on a diaphragm to generate mechanical oscillation, thereby achieving high oscillation frequency while eliminating the weight and complexity of electrical motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical mechanical system with a pneumatic system. The pressurized gas drives the diaphragm to oscillate, which in turn drives the cutting member. This pneumatic approach achieves the desired high-speed operation without the weight and cost of electrical motors.
3Productivity
If air pressure is used to drive the cutter, then the device remains simple, but the cut rate is limited by the speed of air pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the driving gas from air to alternative gases with different pressure wave transmission characteristics. This parameter change enables faster pressure adjustment and higher cut rates, as the alternative gases can transmit pressure waves more rapidly than air, directly improving productivity.
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 fluid-driven system enables faster cutting rates and reduced traction during vitreo-retinal procedures, overcoming the limitations of air-driven probes and avoiding the bulkiness and cost of electrically-driven ones.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing alternative fluids that can transmit pressure waves faster than air
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm disposed within the housing. The diaphragm separates the first chamber from the second chamber and is axially movable relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a fluid-driven vitrector for vitreo-retinal procedures. The vitrector includes a first fluid pathway containing a first fluid and a second fluid pathway containing a second fluid that are completely sealed from an external environment. Because the fluid pathways are completely sealed from an external environment, an alternative fluid that can transmit pressure waves faster than air may be utilized as the first and second fluids to drive the vitrector.