Micro-Pick Membrane Peeling Instrument for Atraumatic Retina Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microsurgical forceps techniques for peeling ophthalmic membranes, such as the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membrane (ERM), face challenges in creating a membrane edge or flap without damaging the underlying retina, due to the thinness of these membranes and the risk of nerve fiber layer defects and retinal holes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a micro-pick configuration at its distal end, designed to engage and incise the ophthalmic membrane, forming a membrane flap while minimizing trauma to the retina, is used in conjunction with a hypodermic tube configuration for precise membrane peeling procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forceps are used to create a membrane edge or flap by pinching the ILM or ERM, then the membrane can be grasped and peeled, but the thin membrane (approximately 4 microns) is damaged causing nerve fiber layer defects and retinal holes
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument combines two previously separate functions into one integrated tool: a micro-pick component for creating the membrane flap edge and forceps components for grasping and peeling. This segmentation of functions within a single instrument allows the surgeon to first incise the membrane with the pick to create a safe edge, then use the forceps to grasp the created flap without risking damage to the underlying retina.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-pick component performs a preliminary action by incising the membrane to create a flap edge before the forceps grasp the membrane. This preliminary incision creates a safe starting point that prevents the forceps from pinching and damaging the thin membrane, allowing subsequent grasping and peeling to proceed without causing nerve fiber layer defects or retinal holes.
2Manufacturing precision
If a relatively sharp instrument such as a pick or barbed blade is used to create a membrane edge, then the membrane can be incised, but the risk of causing trauma to the underlying retina increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges the micro-pick (for incising) and forceps (for grasping) into a single integrated tool. The micro-pick is positioned such that it can create the membrane edge first, and then the forceps components can immediately grasp the created flap without requiring instrument exchange, thereby minimizing trauma risk through coordinated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-pick acts as an intermediary that creates a safe starting edge on the membrane before the forceps grasp it. This intermediary action of incising first provides a controlled entry point that prevents direct pinching of the thin membrane by the forceps, thereby mediating between the need for precise edge creation and the need to avoid retinal trauma.
3Ease of operation
If the ILM is pinched with forceps to initiate peeling, then the membrane can be grasped, but significant trauma is caused to the thin membrane and underlying retina
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-pick performs a preliminary incision to create a membrane flap edge before the forceps attempt to grasp the membrane. This preliminary action creates a thickened edge that is safe for the forceps to grasp without pinching and damaging the thin 4-micron membrane, thereby enabling peeling initiation without significant trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument replaces the traditional mechanical pinching action of forceps directly on the thin membrane with a combined approach: the micro-pick creates an incised edge through controlled cutting mechanics, and then the forceps grasp the created flap. This substitution of the direct pinching mechanism with a two-step process eliminates the trauma caused by pinching the thin membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane removing instrument comprising a surgical blank having a surgical blank distal end and a surgical blank proximal end, the surgical blank configured for being at least partially disposed in a hypodermic tube wherein the surgical blank has dimensions configured for performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, and at least one micro-pick proximate to the surgical blank distal end, the micro-pick being configured to engage and incise an ophthalmic membrane and form a membrane flap.