Integrated Vitrectomy Probe With Laser Cutting and Intraocular Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vitreoretinal procedures require multiple microsurgical instruments for vitrectomy and illumination, which can be cumbersome due to the limited number of hands available for a surgeon, and there is a need for improved visualization during vitreous severance and removal.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a combined illumination and laser vitrectomy function, featuring a probe with a single or multiple optical fibers that project both laser and illumination light, allowing simultaneous severance and visualization of vitreous material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate microsurgical instruments are used for vitrectomy and illumination, then each function can be performed with dedicated instruments, but the number of instruments increases making the procedure cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate vitrectomy and illumination instruments into a single integrated probe. The probe contains both a laser fiber for vitreous severance and an illumination fiber for intraocular lighting, allowing both functions to be performed with one instrument rather than multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both laser vitrectomy capability and illumination capability through its dual-fiber design. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments while maintaining the reliability of each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used simultaneously, then comprehensive surgical functions are available, but the surgeon has limited hands to operate multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the illumination function and vitrectomy function into a single probe that can be operated with one hand, the patent resolves the contradiction between having comprehensive surgical functions and the limited number of surgeon's hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional probe allows the surgeon to perform both illumination and vitreous severance with a single instrument, improving ease of operation while maintaining full surgical versatility.
3Illumination intensity
If separate illumination probe is used, then illumination function is provided, but visualization during vitreous severance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination source with the vitrectomy probe, positioning the illumination fiber in close proximity to the laser fiber. This integration ensures that illuminated light and laser cutting action occur at the same location, dramatically improving visualization of the vitreous material being severed.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination fiber acts as an intermediary that brings light directly to the surgical site where the laser is cutting, enabling the surgeon to clearly visualize the vitreous fibers as they are being severed and aspirated.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency by reducing the number of instruments needed and providing improved intraocular visualization, facilitating precise and efficient vitreous removal.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical fiber configured to project a laser light produced by a laser light source for irradiating an area proximate to the port to cut collagen fibers of vitreous material
Implementation Method 2
irradiating an area proximate to the port to cut collagen fibers
Implementation Method 3
a second optical fiber configured to project an illumination light produced by an illumination light source for illumination of an intraocular space of a patient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to microsurgical instruments for ophthalmic surgical procedures, and more particularly, microsurgical instruments having combined illumination and laser vitrectomy functions. In some embodiments, a surgical instrument includes a base and a probe having a main lumen and a port at a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the probe may further include one or more optical fibers within the main lumen and configured to project laser light and illumination light. According to some embodiments, as soon as vitreous material is drawn into the probe, e.g., through the port, the vitreous material passes through a volume irradiated by the laser light emitted by the optical fibers, thus severing the vitreous material. Simultaneously, the illumination light provides enhanced visualization of the intraocular space during severance and removal of the vitreous material.