Segmented Blade Membrane Delamination Device for Retinal Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for membrane removal in ophthalmic surgery, such as using scissors, risk damaging the retina due to the complexity of delaminating connective tissues between the membrane and the retina.
Innovation Solution
A membrane delamination device comprising an elastic component and a blade element with multiple teeth, where the blades are positioned between the teeth to cut connective tissues, is designed to minimize retinal damage during the delamination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scissors are used to delaminate connective tissue, then the membrane can be removed, but the retina surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The blade element is segmented into multiple teeth with spaces between them, allowing selective cutting of connective tissue while protecting the retina. Each tooth acts as an independent cutting element that can engage connective tissue while the spaces allow visual monitoring and prevent continuous contact with the retina surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's manipulation and the blade element. It provides cushioning and compliance, allowing the blade to adapt to the delicate retinal surface while maintaining cutting effectiveness on connective tissue. The elasticity absorbs excess force and prevents direct transmission of damaging forces to the retina.
2Manufacturing precision
If a blade element with teeth is used to cut connective tissue, then precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade element integrates multiple teeth and cutting edges into a single monolithic structure that can be manufactured as one piece. This merging of multiple cutting functions into a unified component achieves precision without requiring assembly of separate parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade element parameters (tooth spacing, tooth height, edge angle) are optimized to provide effective cutting of connective tissue while maintaining safety margins from the retina. By carefully selecting these geometric parameters, high precision is achieved without needing complex control systems or mechanisms.
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 device effectively delaminates membranes from the retina with reduced risk of retinal damage, facilitating safer and more precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component and a blade element at least partially covered by the elastic component
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide a membrane delamination device for delaminating a membrane from a retina of an eye. The membrane delamination device comprises an elastic component and a blade element at least partially covered by the elastic component. The blade element comprises a plurality of teeth. The blade element comprises a plurality of blades configured to cut connective tissues between the membrane and the retina. Each of the plurality of blades is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth.