Handheld Anterior Vitrectomy Cutter With Integrated Air Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, compact, and high-performance standalone anterior vitrectomy apparatus that can be easily transported and used to cut vitreous humor from a subject's eye, particularly in rural settings where access to larger cataract apparatus is limited.
Innovation Solution
A portable anterior vitrectomy apparatus with a handheld vitrectomy cutter, air compressor, pressure reservoir, regulator, and control valves, integrated into a compact housing that fits in the palm of a hand, allowing for controlled air delivery and vacuum suction, with optional features like a foot pedal, pressure sensor, and internal air pump for self-contained operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anterior vitrectomy apparatus are integrated into large cataract apparatus, then functional capability is provided, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anterior vitrectomy function from the large integrated cataract apparatus and creates a standalone device. The handheld vitrectomy cutter with integrated air compressor, pressure reservoir, regulator, and control valves is designed as an independent unit that fits in the palm of a hand, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment while maintaining full vitrectomy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld vitrectomy cutter is designed as a multi-functional device that combines cutting, vacuum suction, and irrigation capabilities in a single integrated unit. The air compressor provides both pneumatic power for the cutting blade and vacuum generation for fluid removal, while the pressure reservoir and regulator system manages both positive and negative pressure requirements, making the device universally capable of performing all anterior vitrectomy functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anterior vitrectomy apparatus are integrated into large cataract apparatus, then functional capability is provided, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anterior vitrectomy function from the large integrated cataract apparatus and creates a standalone device. The handheld vitrectomy cutter with integrated air compressor, pressure reservoir, regulator, and control valves is designed as an independent unit that fits in the palm of a hand, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment while maintaining full vitrectomy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective design strategies including using a relatively simple air compressor and pressure reservoir system rather than complex multi-component integrated systems. The handheld cutter with disposable or replaceable cutting blade and basic pneumatic controls provides essential functionality at a lower cost point compared to full-featured cataract apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anterior vitrectomy apparatus are used in rural settings, then vitrectomy procedure can be performed, but portability and ease of transport are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anterior vitrectomy function from the large integrated cataract apparatus and creates a standalone device. The handheld vitrectomy cutter with integrated air compressor, pressure reservoir, regulator, and control valves is designed as an independent unit that fits in the palm of a hand, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment while maintaining full vitrectomy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested design where the pressure reservoir is contained within the housing of the handheld vitrectomy cutter, and the air compressor, regulator, and control valves are integrated into the same compact unit. This nesting of components within each other maximizes space utilization and minimizes overall device size and weight, enabling true portability for rural and mobile surgical settings.
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 apparatus provides high-performance vitrectomy capabilities (2000+ cuts per minute) with integrated fluidics control, enabling efficient vitreous humor removal in various surgical settings without requiring external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor, configured to generate compressed air; a pressure reservoir, configured to store compressed air received from the air compressor; a regulator, configured to vary a delivery of compressed air from the air compressor to the pressure reservoir to adjust air pressure within the pressure reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an air control valve, configured to receive compressed air from the pressure reservoir and to produce pulses of compressed air in accordance with a selective adjustment of the speed control switch
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, compact, standalone anterior vitrectomy apparatus includes a housing sized and configured to fit in the palm of a human hand. A vitrectomy cutter connectable to an air tubing connector in the housing via an air tubing. A pressure reservoir in the housing communicates with an air control valve which in turn communicates with the air tubing connector. An internal air compressor, arranged inside the housing, communicates with an air regulator for supplying compressed air to the pressure reservoir. A speed control switch controllably interface with the air control valve. A processor controllably interface with the speed control switch and control the air control valve through the speed control switch such that the air control valve delivers pulses of air from the pressure reservoir through the air control valve to drive the vitrectomy cutter.