Ophthalmic Cutting Tool With Retinal-Matched Bowed Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic cutting tools cause unwanted trauma to delicate retinal tissues due to their shape and material composition, despite being designed for smaller surgical incisions, posing a challenge in vitreoretinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
The cutting tool assembly features blades with curved outer surfaces and polymer coatings, designed to match the curvature of retinal tissues, reducing damage by providing a softer contact surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If cutting tools are designed in smaller sizes to facilitate smaller surgical incisions, then the size of surgical incisions is reduced, but the tools cause more unwanted trauma to delicate retinal tissues due to their shape and material composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the cutting tool blades through polymer coating. The coating changes the material composition and surface characteristics of the blade, making it softer and more compliant. This allows the blade to maintain its small size for minimally invasive surgery while reducing trauma to delicate retinal tissues through the altered surface parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the metal blade structure with a polymer coating layer. The blade consists of a hard metal substrate providing structural integrity and cutting edge, while the polymer coating provides a softer contact surface. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by enabling the tool to be small and sharp for precise cutting while the polymer layer protects against tissue trauma.
2Device complexity
If cutting tools are designed in smaller sizes to facilitate smaller surgical incisions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is required to ensure the polymer coating is properly applied and the cutting edge remains sharp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating only specific portions of the blade with polymer material. The distal surface of the end portion and the proximal surface are coated, while the cutting edge itself remains exposed or has different coating characteristics. This localized coating approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to full coating, while still providing trauma protection where most needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to microsurgical cutting devices for ophthalmic procedures. In certain embodiments, a cutting tool assembly includes a first blade in a fixed position and a second blade configured to move relative to the first blade to perform a cutting motion. The first blade includes a first longitudinal body portion and a first end portion extending laterally from the first body portion. A distal surface of the first end portion has a bowed morphology to match a curvature of a retinal surface and is further coated with a first coating to reduce damage to ocular tissues during use. The second blade includes a second longitudinal body portion and a second end portion extending laterally from the second body portion. A distal surface of the second end portion includes a cutting edge for cutting tissues, while a proximal surface thereof is coated with a second coating.