Hybrid Vitrectomy Infusion Probe to Reduce Retinal Surgery Incisions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vitreoretinal procedures require multiple microsurgical instruments, leading to increased incision number and limited operating space, complicating the procedure and reducing surgeon control.
Innovation Solution
A combined treatment and infusion probe with a hybrid gauge system, integrating infusion and treatment functionalities into a single instrument, reducing the need for separate infusion cannulas and allowing easier manipulation of the eye during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate microsurgical instruments are used for vitreoretinal procedures, then all required surgical functions can be performed, but the number of incisions increases and operating space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infusion cannula and treatment instrument into a single hybrid instrument. The infusion portion with lumen for fluid delivery is integrated with the treatment portion containing the vitrectomy device, allowing both infusion and treatment functions to be performed through one incision site, thereby reducing the number of instruments and incisions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid instrument serves multiple surgical functions simultaneously. The infusion portion delivers fluid to maintain intraocular pressure while the treatment portion performs vitreous severing and removal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated instruments for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate microsurgical instruments are used, then all surgical functions are available, but surgeon control and manipulation of the eye is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the infusion cannula and treatment instrument into a single hybrid probe, the surgeon gains better control over eye manipulation. With fewer instruments to manage, the surgeon can more effectively position and manipulate the eye using the combined instrument while maintaining all necessary surgical functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate infusion cannula and treatment instrument are used, then fluid delivery and tissue treatment functions are independent, but the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the infusion cannula and treatment instrument into a single hybrid probe with coordinated functionality. The infusion portion and treatment portion work together in a unified structure, reducing procedural complexity by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate instruments while maintaining functional independence through separate lumens and channels within the same device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to microsurgical instruments for ophthalmic surgical procedures, and more particularly, methods and microsurgical instruments for vitreoretinal procedures. In certain embodiments described herein, a vitreoretinal procedure is performed utilizing two surgical instruments: 1) a treatment instrument configured to a) treat a target ophthalmic tissue (e.g., sever and remove the vitreous body), and b) infuse fluid into the intraocular space to maintain intraocular pressure (IOP); and 2) an illumination probe for providing illumination within the intraocular space. The combined treatment and infusion functionalities of the treatment instrument eliminate the need for a separate infusion cannula, thus enabling the vitreoretinal procedure to be performed with only two instruments and reducing the number of incisions made in the eye. Additionally, utilization of two instruments facilitates easier manipulation of the eye by a surgeon, as one of the two instruments can be used to “steer” the eye during the procedure.