Articulating Ophthalmic Probe Slotted Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing posterior segment ophthalmic surgical probes face challenges such as trauma to the eye incision site due to repeated insertion and removal, limited access to the retina due to large bend radius and diameter, and lack of controllable articulation, which restricts manipulation and flexibility during surgery.
Innovation Solution
An articulating optical surgical probe with a single rigid cannula and a slotted tip made of resilient material, secured to a pull-wire, allowing controlled bending and restoration to a straight position, enabling precise angular movement and reduced diameter for easier insertion and improved access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible laser probe with a large diameter optical fiber sheathed in a flexible tube is used, then the probe can bend to reach retinal areas, but the large bend radius and large distal tip diameter result in significant bend stiffness and limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tube with a slot in its wall to create a compliant distal tip. The slot allows the tube to bend flexibly while maintaining a small outer diameter, enabling the probe to navigate tortuous paths and reach retinal areas without the large bend radius problems of conventional flexible probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is segmented into a flexible tube portion and a rigid cannula portion. The flexible tube with slot provides bending capability, while the rigid cannula provides structural support. This segmentation allows the probe to combine flexibility for navigation with rigidity for precise manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If the distal tip is made flexible to pass through the hubbed cannula, then insertion is facilitated, but the cannula flexibility limits the surgeon's ability to manipulate the position of the eye during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into a flexible distal tip portion and a rigid proximal portion. The flexible distal tip with slot allows easy passage through the hubbed cannula, while the rigid proximal cannula maintains sufficient stiffness for eye manipulation and positioning during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cannula have different mechanical properties: the distal tip is made flexible with a slot for easy insertion, while the proximal portion maintains rigidity for surgical manipulation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and manipulative strength.
3Ease of operation
If a straight distal tip is used to allow flexible passage through the hubbed cannula, then maximum bending clearance is achieved, but the useable portion of the fiber extends a long distance from the distal tip, limiting probe access
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the flexible tube wall allows the distal tip to bend effectively without requiring a long straight portion. The slot acts as a hinge that enables bending while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the useable fiber to extend closer to the distal tip and improving probe access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handpieces are used during posterior segment surgery, then various surgical functions can be performed, but repeated insertion and removal causes trauma to the eye at the incision site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (laser delivery, illumination, and aspiration) into a single integrated probe with a unified handpiece. This eliminates the need to repeatedly insert and remove multiple separate handpieces, thereby reducing trauma to the incision site while maintaining full surgical capability.
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 probe provides controlled articulation and increased rigidity, allowing for precise manipulation and improved access to internal eye structures without compromising insertion forces, reducing trauma and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a slotted tip at a distal end of the cannula... The slotted tip is formed from a resilient material that will restore to the straight position when the tension exerted by the pull-wire is released
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating optical surgical probe includes a handle sized to fit in a single hand and a single rigid cannula extending from the handle having a diameter of 20 Ga or less. The probe further includes a slotted tip at a distal end of the cannula and at least one optical fiber extending through the handle, the single rigid cannula and the slotted tip, and a pull-wire secured to the slotted tip. When the pull-wire exerts tension on the slotted tip, the slotted tip will deviate from straight to a bend angle controlled by the tension in the pull-wire. The slotted tip is formed from a resilient material that will restore to the straight position when the tension exerted by the pull-wire is released.