Rotating Vitrectomy Cutter for Continuous Cutting and Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrectomy devices are limited to cutting or aspiration functions, lacking multifunctionality and efficiency in vitrectomy operations.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy device with a rotating inner tube and outer tube, featuring angled cutting edges that form an angle with each other during rotation, allowing continuous cutting and aspiration, and equipped with a drive system for high-speed rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single cutting port with vertical guillotine cutter is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cutting speed is limited to about 10,000 cuts per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The single cutting port is segmented into dual cutting ports, allowing simultaneous cutting operations. The inner tube is divided into multiple segments with cutting edges at different positions, enabling multiple cuts to occur concurrently, thereby doubling the cutting speed while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter transitions from a static vertical guillotine structure to a dynamic rotating inner tube with multiple cutting edges. The rotation enables continuous cutting action across multiple ports, maintaining high productivity while the modular design keeps device complexity controlled
2Productivity
If dual cutting ports are used to double cutting speed, then cutting speed increases, but the device still cannot perform traction free vitrectomy
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the inner tube serves both as a rotating cutter with multiple cutting edges and as an aspiration catheter. The outer tube provides structural support and additional cutting capability. This multi-functional design enables both high-speed cutting and traction-free vitrectomy procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, with the inner tube containing both cutting edges and aspiration lumen. This nested configuration allows the rotating inner cutter to operate within the stationary outer tube while maintaining independent functional capabilities, achieving both enhanced cutting speed and surgical versatility
3Productivity
If the inner tube rotates to form angled cutting edges, then continuous cutting and reduced particle size are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube rotates in periodic cycles, with cutting edges sequentially engaging with the vitreous material. This periodic rotation creates continuous cutting action that reduces particle size while the rhythmic motion simplifies the drive mechanism requirements compared to continuous variable-speed rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is pre-configured with multiple cutting edges at specific angular positions before insertion. This preliminary arrangement of cutting edges ensures that during rotation, multiple cuts occur simultaneously or sequentially without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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 faster vitrectomy operations with reduced vitreous particle size and increased aspiration rate due to continuous cutting and open aspiration port, facilitating various surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the inner tube is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, a drive system positioned within the housing is coupled to the inner tube and configured to rotate the inner tube
Implementation Method 2
the inner tube comprises at least one opening with at least one cutting edge at the wall of the inner tube at the distal end of said inner tube, the outer tube comprises an opening with a cutting edge at the wall of the outer tube at the distal end of said outer tube
Implementation Method 3
the inner tube is configured to create a variable open surface of the opening during rotation in the overlap between the opening of the outer tube and at least one opening of the inner tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to ophthalmic surgical devices, systems, and methods, in particular to vitrectomy device with a rotating inner tube.