Microsurgical Instrument with Integrated Optical Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures, such as vitreo-retinal surgeries, face challenges in providing adequate illumination within the limited confines of the eye without increasing the number of incisions, often resulting in reduced instrument strength or visualization issues when integrating optical fibers with microsurgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an optical fiber along the length of a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe, with a recessed distal tip and a slack chamber to accommodate bends, allowing for improved illumination within the eye while minimizing the need for additional incisions, and securing the optical fiber to the instrument's sheath or needle to maintain alignment and reduce strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an optical fiber is integrated into a microsurgical instrument, then the number of incisions is reduced, but the illuminating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical fiber with the microsurgical instrument by integrating it into the lateral wall of the tubular member, allowing both illumination and surgical functions to be performed through a single incision, thereby reducing the number of incisions while maintaining illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is positioned at a specific location (lateral wall) of the tubular member to provide localized illumination at the distal tip, ensuring that light is delivered precisely where needed without compromising the overall instrument performance
2Length of moving object
If the size of the microsurgical instrument is reduced, then the incision size is minimized, but the instrument strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the optical fiber into the existing tubular member structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate incision for illumination, allowing the surgical instrument to maintain adequate size for strength while minimizing the number and size of incisions required
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microsurgical instruments are used simultaneously, then the surgical capability is enhanced, but the number of incisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (illumination and surgery) into a single instrument, allowing multiple surgical operations to be performed through one incision, thereby enhancing surgical capability without proportionally increasing the number of incisions
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
This approach provides high irradiance and clear visualization of the surgical site, reducing the number of incisions required and maintaining instrument rigidity, thus enhancing the effectiveness of procedures like vitrectomy by ensuring efficient light distribution and minimizing post-operative complications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber extending along a length of the flat surface between the tubular member and the sheath member
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein is an illuminated microsurgical instrument system and an illuminated microsurgical instrument. In one implementation, the system includes a microsurgical instrument having a distally projecting tubular member arranged to perform a medical procedure at an interventional site. The tubular member has a distal tip and an outer surface, the outer surface having a flat surface formed therein. The instrument includes a sheath member surrounding a portion of the tubular member and extending toward the distal tip of the tubular member and an optical fiber extending along a length of the flat surface between the tubular member and the sheath member. The instrument may further include a slack chamber, collar structure, and fiber guard member to support and guide the optical fiber to the distal tip.