Ophthalmic Probe Insulation Removal for Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical probes used in ophthalmic surgery are obstructive due to their thickness and require insulating materials, which can cause field of view obstruction and tissue damage, and residual inflammation.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical apparatus with a conductive probe design where a section is exposed externally, eliminating the need for insulating materials, and maintaining a specific diameter-to-length ratio for stability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating material such as Teflon is coated on the probe, then electrical insulation is provided, but the probe becomes thicker and obscures the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating material coating from the probe design. Instead of coating the entire probe with insulating material, the invention extracts only the essential electrical insulation function and provides it through a different mechanism (electrical connection structure between support and probe), allowing the probe shaft to be thin and transparent for unobstructed field of view during ophthalmic surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin-film approach by eliminating the thick insulating coating and using a minimalistic electrical connection design where the probe makes direct electrical contact with the support through a small contact area, thereby maintaining electrical functionality while minimizing probe thickness and maximizing visual clarity
2Length of moving object
If the probe thickness is reduced below conventional dimensions, then field of view is improved, but the probe may lack structural stability and surgical precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the probe system into two distinct components: a support structure that provides structural stability and electrical connection, and a thin probe shaft that provides surgical precision and unobstructed field of view. The support has a larger diameter for stability while the probe shaft has a minimal diameter for visibility, with each component optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric structure where the support and probe have different diameters and functions. The support serves as a stable base with larger dimensions for structural integrity and electrical connection, while the probe shaft is intentionally made asymmetrically thin to maximize field of view, with the electrical connection achieved through an asymmetric contact arrangement
3Stability of the object's composition
If a thick probe is used for structural stability, then surgical precision is maintained, but blood vessels and tissue are damaged due to resistance during conjunctiva piercing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the structural stability function from the probe shaft itself and relocates it to a separate support structure. This allows the probe shaft to be extremely thin (minimal diameter) for gentle tissue interaction and easy conjunctiva piercing, while the support provides the necessary structural stability and rigidity for surgical precision without directly contacting the tissue
4Length of moving object
If the probe diameter is minimized for field of view, then visibility is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the electrical connection challenge by transitioning from a linear contact approach to a spatial arrangement where the probe is positioned within the support structure. The electrical connection is achieved through a three-dimensional arrangement that allows reliable contact between the thin probe and the support's electrical terminal, ensuring conductivity despite the probe's minimal diameter
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical apparatus includes: a support provided with an electrical path, and a probe including a conductive material, the probe including a first section coupled to the support and a second section formed integrally with and connected to the first section, the entire surface of the second section being exposed to the outside of the support.