Nested Camera Probe for Detecting Vitreous Cataract Fragments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cataract fragments left in the eye after surgery can cause severe inflammatory reactions, high eye pressure, swelling, and potential permanent visual loss, often only detected post-surgery requiring additional procedures.
Innovation Solution
An eye examination apparatus with a probe equipped with a small camera and magnetic orientation sensor, allowing for 360-degree rotation and deflection, to detect and aspirate cataract fragments, and a processing system to render 3D images for comprehensive visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cataract surgery is performed without intraoperative imaging, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but cataract fragments may remain undetected in the vitreous humor causing severe complications
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated within the phacoemulsification probe structure, with the lens positioned at the distal end of the probe shaft. This nesting approach allows the imaging device to be contained within the existing surgical instrument footprint, minimizing additional complexity while enabling intraoperative detection of cataract fragments in the vitreous humor
Solution Approach 2:
The phacoemulsification probe is designed to perform multiple functions: ultrasonic emulsification of the cataract nucleus, aspiration of emulsified material, and intraoperative imaging of the vitreous cavity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving detection reliability
2Illumination intensity
If a large camera is used for imaging the vitreous humor, then image quality is better, but the probe cannot be inserted through the small incision made during cataract surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned at the distal end of the probe shaft and nested within the probe structure, allowing it to be inserted through the small corneal incision alongside the phacoemulsification needle. The compact integration enables the camera to fit within the constrained spatial envelope of the surgical incision while maintaining functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The camera lens is positioned to face away from the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the probe axis, allowing the optical axis to extend laterally from the probe body. This dimensional arrangement enables the camera to capture images of the vitreous humor without requiring a large forward-facing bulk, permitting insertion through small incisions while maintaining adequate image quality
3Device complexity
If the camera faces forward along the probe axis, then the structure is simpler, but the camera cannot visualize the vitreous humor and any remaining cataract fragments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the camera lens to face forward along the probe axis toward the cornea, the lens is oriented to face away from the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the probe axis, pointing toward the vitreous cavity. This inverted orientation allows the camera to visualize the target area (vitreous humor and potential cataract fragments) while the probe is inserted through the cornea, ensuring reliable detection capability
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
Enables precise detection and removal of cataract fragments, reducing post-surgical complications by providing real-time visualization and facilitating complete fragment retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic orientation sensor disposed at a section of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
In one embodiment, an eye examination apparatus to inspect a vitreous humor of an eye, includes a probe including a shaft including a distal end, a camera disposed at the distal end, wherein the distal end and the camera are configured to be inserted into the vitreous humor, and a magnetic orientation sensor disposed at a section of the shaft.