Pressure-Driven Micro-Surgical Tool Actuation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic surgery faces challenges in precise positioning and control of micro-surgical tools due to manual actuation, leading to inadvertent tremor and position errors, which can affect surgical accuracy and patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-driven micro-surgical tool actuation system using a remote handle and tubing to transmit pressure, allowing one hand to actuate dynamic components in the eye while the other hand maintains positioning, reducing tremor and position errors by decoupling actuation and positioning motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation of micro-surgical tools is used, then the tools can be operated directly by the surgeon's hand, but inadvertent tremor and position errors occur that reduce surgical precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surgical tool into two separate components: a remote handle for actuation and a dynamic tool for positioning. The actuation function is segmented from the positioning function, allowing the surgeon's non-dominant hand to control the dynamic component while the dominant hand maintains precise tool positioning, thereby eliminating tremor transmission to the tool tip.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid pressure transmission system acts as an intermediary between the remote handle and the dynamic tool. When the surgeon actuates the remote handle, fluid pressure is transmitted through tubing to actuate the dynamic component at the tool tip, providing indirect control that isolates the surgeon's hand tremor from the surgical instrument.
2Manufacturing precision
If one hand actuates the tool while the other positions it, then tremor and position errors are reduced, but the system complexity increases with remote handle and tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a fluid pressure transmission mechanism where a remote handle actuates a fluid pressure source that transmits pressure through tubing to actuate the dynamic component. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach enables complex actuation functions to be transmitted through a simple flexible tubing connection, managing system complexity while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If fluid pressure is used to transmit actuation force, then remote actuation is enabled with reduced tremor, but the tubing length is limited to maintain pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluid pressure transmission through tubing to connect the remote handle with the dynamic tool. The fluid (liquid or gas) transmits the actuation force over the tubing length, enabling remote operation while maintaining sufficient pressure for effective actuation of the dynamic component.
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
The system improves precision and reduces inadvertent tremor and position errors, providing tactile feedback and allowing for more frequent and controlled actuation, enhancing surgical accuracy and reducing hand fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid in the length of tubing is operable to transmit the pressure through the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for pressure-driven micro-surgical tool actuation. The systems and methods may encompass the use of a remote handle held by a first hand of a user as well as a surgical tool located in the eye of a patient. A primary actuator may be included in remote handle and operable to be actuated by a mechanical force exerted on the handle. Actuating the primary actuator pressurizes a fluid within a length of tubing. The pressurized fluid may be transmitted to a dynamic tool held by a second hand of the user, where the pressurized fluid may be used to actuate a subordinate actuator. Actuation of the subordinate actuator may actuate a dynamic component of the dynamic tool.