Integrated Light Guide with Cutting Edge for Ophthalmic Incision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing light into the human or animal eye during surgical interventions are cumbersome, risk accidental removal of the illumination trocar, are time-consuming, and increase equipment costs due to the need for multiple instruments and membranes to manage intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device with an effective area designed as a pricking or cutting tool allows direct insertion into the eye, eliminating the need for additional cutting instruments and trocars, and features a connecting body to secure the light guide, reducing complications and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an illumination trocar is used to introduce light into the eye, then the light can be introduced, but the risk of accidental removal increases and the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and the cutting/incision function into a single integrated device. The light guide is equipped with a cutting edge that allows it to both incise the sclera and provide illumination through its effective area, eliminating the need for separate illumination trocar and cutting instrument, thus reducing procedure time and the risk of accidental removal of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs multiple tasks: it makes the incision in the sclera using its cutting edge, provides illumination through its effective area, and maintains sealing through its design. This universal device replaces multiple specialized instruments, streamlining the surgical procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for incision and illumination, then the functions are specialized, but the device complexity and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate illumination device and cutting instrument into a single integrated light guide. The device includes a cutting edge for incision and an effective area for illumination, combining multiple functions into one instrument and reducing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is designed as a universal instrument that can perform incision, illumination, and sealing functions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of specialized instruments needed while maintaining the necessary functional capabilities for the surgical procedure
3Reliability
If membranes are added to seal the through-channel, then the sealing is improved, but the production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the membrane component from the sealing system. Instead of using a separate membrane in the through-channel, the light guide itself is designed with a structure that provides both illumination and sealing functions, removing the need for additional sealing components and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is designed to perform multiple functions including illumination, incision, and sealing. By integrating the sealing function into the light guide's structure rather than using a separate membrane, the device reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective sealing
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for introducing light into a human or animal eye, comprising an optical waveguide (1), which has a connection region for coupling to a light source and an operative region (3) for emitting light, said operative region being formed at the free end (2), is characterized in that the operative region (3) is designed at least partly as a piercing or cutting tool, such that the free end (2) can be introduced into the interior of the eye without further aids.