Illuminated Microcannula Trocar for Precise Ophthalmic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microsurgical instruments face challenges in accurately positioning and guiding microcannulas through the eye's drainage network due to the flexibility of the outer sheath, which makes it difficult to penetrate the sclera, and the need for separate instruments to form punctures, limiting the delivery of payloads and increasing the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A trocar with a rigid shaft and a composite microcannula that includes a flexible hollow tube with a light guide, allowing for precise tissue penetration and illumination of the distal end, enabling accurate guidance and delivery of payloads to the eye's drainage structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible outer sheath is used to position the microcannula, then the microcannula can be accurately positioned in the interior of the eye, but the flexible sheath cannot penetrate the sclera or other tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a rigid shaft for tissue penetration and a flexible outer sheath for positioning. The rigid shaft can pierce the sclera while the flexible sheath remains outside until needed for accurate positioning of the microcannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcannula is nested within the flexible outer sheath, which itself is positioned along the rigid shaft. This nested configuration allows the rigid shaft to penetrate tissue first, then the flexible sheath with the microcannula can be advanced for precise positioning.
2Measurement precision
If a separate instrument is used to form a puncture for the flexible sheath, then the sheath can be positioned accurately, but the delivery of payloads is limited and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid shaft and flexible outer sheath are combined into a single integrated device. The rigid shaft forms the puncture while the flexible sheath with microcannula is attached, allowing both puncture formation and payload delivery through one instrument rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid shaft serves multiple functions: it penetrates the tissue to create an entry point, provides a guide for the flexible sheath, and enables payload delivery through the microcannula. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate puncture-forming instruments.
3Ease of operation
If a microcannula with a tip shaped for tissue penetration is used, then the microcannula can penetrate the sclera, but the use of the microcannula for delivering payloads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration function is assigned to the rigid shaft while the payload delivery function is assigned to the flexible microcannula. The rigid shaft's sharp tip is optimized for penetration, while the flexible microcannula maintains an open lumen for payload delivery without requiring a penetrating tip shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid shaft acts as an intermediary that performs the tissue penetration function, allowing the flexible microcannula to focus on payload delivery without needing penetration capabilities. The rigid shaft enables the microcannula to reach the target site without compromising the microcannula's delivery 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 solution provides precise positioning and minimizes tissue damage, reducing the need for large incisions, thereby decreasing patient discomfort and complications such as scarring and infection, while allowing for faster procedures and quicker recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide coupled to the flexible hollow tube
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a microsurgical instrument includes a trocar having a rigid, hollow shaft formed with a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be shaped for tissue penetration. The instrument may further include a composite microcannula slidably engaged with the trocar in the lumen. The microcannula includes a light guide and a flexible hollow tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the lumen in the trocar. Other embodiments include placing the microcannula in the lumen of the trocar, illuminating the end of the trocar by illuminating the end of the microcannula, advancing the trocar from a selected entry point on an eye into a selected structure in the eye, and extending the illuminated end of the microcannula from the trocar into the selected structure.