Integrated Illumination Surgical Probe for Vitreous Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vitreous humor removal procedures in ophthalmic surgery face challenges due to the difficulty in distinguishing vitreous fibrils from other eye fluids without separate illumination, requiring additional incisions and complex manipulation of multiple probes.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an illumination element within the surgical probe, which projects light through a port to provide oblique illumination, allowing for enhanced visualization of vitreous fibrils during procedures without the need for a separate illuminator probe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a separate fiber optic illuminator probe is used to provide illumination, then illumination of the vitreous is improved, but the complexity of probe manipulation and number of incisions required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination of the vitreousVSAvoidcomplexity of probe manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination element with the cutting element into a single integrated probe. The illumination element is disposed within the sleeve member of the cutting element, allowing both functions to be performed through one incision and with one probe manipulation, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining effective illumination of the vitreous

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe serves multiple functions: the cutting element removes vitreous humor while the illumination element simultaneously provides oblique illumination of the vitreous. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate illuminator probe and reduces the number of required incisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If a separate fiber optic illuminator probe is used to provide illumination, then illumination of the vitreous is improved, but the number of incisions required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination of the vitreousVSAvoidnumber of incisions

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination element and cutting element are merged into a single integrated probe that can be inserted through one incision. This eliminates the need for a separate illuminator probe insertion and reduces the total number of incisions required in the patient's eye

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If standard vitrectomy probes are used without integrated illumination, then the cutting function is simple, but the ability to distinguish vitreous fibrils from other fluids deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of cutting probe designVSAvoiddistinction of vitreous fibrils from other fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates an illumination element within the cutting probe, combining the simplicity of the cutting function with the ability to provide oblique illumination. This allows vitreous fibrils to be distinguished from other fluids while maintaining a relatively simple probe design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple probes are used for cutting and illumination, then illumination and cutting functions are separate, but the manipulation difficulty and surgical time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation of cutting and illumination functionsVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cutting and illumination functions into a single integrated probe, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously through one insertion. This improves surgical efficiency by reducing manipulation difficulty and surgical time, while still providing both cutting and illumination capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates precise and efficient removal of vitreous humor by providing continuous and focused illumination, reducing the complexity of probe manipulation and minimizing the risk of retinal damage during ophthalmic surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination element disposed within the sleeve member, the illumination element configured to project light out of the port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10039669B2Internally illuminated surgical probe

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 ALCON INC

AI summary

A surgical probe (e.g., for treating an eye of a patient) includes a body, a cutting element extending distally from the body including a sleeve member comprising a port at an end, and an inner member disposed within the sleeve member, the inner member being movable (e.g., axially) with respect to the sleeve member to open and close the port. The probe further includes an illumination element disposed within the sleeve member, the illumination element configured to project light out of the port.