Illuminated Infusion Cannula Fiber Nesting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic surgical devices face challenges in reducing trauma to the eye during procedures, particularly due to the need for multiple instrument insertions and the interference of illuminated infusion cannulas with optical fibers within hubbed cannulas, which can create shadows and compromise fiber integrity.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber support assembly is integrated into an illuminated infusion cannula, featuring an optical fiber support tube and positioning insert that positions the fiber inside the cannula, allowing for laminar fluid flow and minimizing interference, with a Y-shaped fitting for combined illumination and infusion fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the optical fiber is placed on the outer surface of the cannula tip, then illumination can be provided, but the cannula tip partially obscures the light creating shadows in the interior region of the eye

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminationVSAvoidshadows

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber is nested inside the cannula body rather than being placed on the outer surface. The fiber runs through the interior of the cannula and exits near the distal tip, allowing light to be emitted from within the cannula structure. This nesting arrangement eliminates shadow creation while maintaining illumination capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Illumination intensity

If the optical fiber is inserted through the hubbed cannula, then illumination can be provided, but the integrity of the optical fiber can be compromised due to interference with the inside wall of the hubbed cannula

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminationVSAvoidfiber integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is segmented into distinct functional zones: a hubbed entry cannula for initial insertion and a separate illuminated infusion cannula with the optical fiber integrated into its body. This segmentation allows the fiber-containing cannula to be inserted independently without interference from the hubbed cannula's internal walls, protecting fiber integrity while maintaining illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hubbed entry cannulae are used for simultaneous instruments, then various surgical functions can be performed, but repeated insertion and removal causes trauma to the eye at the incision sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous instrument useVSAvoideye trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single cannula structure. The illuminated infusion cannula integrates the optical fiber for illumination, the infusion line for fluid delivery, and the cannula body for mechanical support and positioning. This consolidation allows simultaneous illumination and infusion through one incision site, reducing repeated trauma while maintaining surgical versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3629957B1Illuminated infusion cannula

Publication Date: 2021.06.23 ALCON INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Systems and methods for assembling an illuminated infusion cannula involving an optical fiber support assembly with an optical fiber support tube (220) and a positioning insert (208) that couples within a cannula (206) and that can position an optical fiber (238) in the tip of the cannula (206) while supporting substantially laminar and minimally-restricted fluid flow through the cannula.