Subretinal Fluid Drainage Instrument with Rotating Side Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for addressing retinal detachment are inefficient in removing subretinal fluid, which can lead to permanent damage and vision loss due to the lack of effective instruments designed to safely aspirate fluid from the subretinal space without causing further damage to the delicate retinal tissues.
Innovation Solution
The development of surgical instruments with a handle coupled to an aspiration pressure source, featuring a rotatable structure and elongate tubular members with a side port that allows for the aspiration of subretinal fluid while minimizing the risk of incarcerating the retina, utilizing materials like shape memory alloys for flexibility and curvature adaptation to the eye's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a probe or instrument is inserted into the posterior segment of the eye to drain subretinal fluid, then the subretinal fluid can be removed, but the risk of incarcerating or damaging the delicate retinal tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs a flexible distal portion made of shape memory alloy that can bend and conform to the curvature of the eye's interior surface. This flexibility allows the instrument to navigate the curved subretinal space without rigid contact that could incarcerate or damage the retina, while still enabling effective fluid aspiration through the side port
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the instrument is designed with a curved configuration that matches the spherical geometry of the eye's posterior segment. This curvature allows the side port to be positioned appropriately against the retinal surface for effective fluid drainage while following the natural contours of the eye, preventing tissue incarceration
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid instrument is used to access the subretinal space, then the instrument can maintain its shape for precise manipulation, but it cannot adapt to the curved shape of the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument features a dynamic structure where the distal portion can transition between straight and curved states. The shape memory alloy allows the instrument to be inserted in a straight configuration for ease of introduction, then adapt to a curved configuration inside the eye to match its anatomy, providing both ease of operation and anatomical adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes of the shape memory alloy material. The alloy transitions between different structural states based on temperature, allowing the distal portion to change its curvature in response to the thermal environment of the eye, thereby adapting to the curved anatomy while maintaining manipulability
3Productivity
If a side port is positioned to aspirate subretinal fluid effectively, then fluid removal efficiency increases, but the risk of retinal incarceration through the port increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible distal portion allows the side port to be positioned at an optimal angle against the retinal surface for effective fluid aspiration, while the flexibility prevents the port edges from catching or incarcerating the retina. The soft, conforming structure creates a seal for efficient drainage without creating sharp edges that could trap tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible distal portion acts as an intermediary between the rigid handle and the delicate retinal tissue. It transmits the aspiration force effectively for fluid removal while its compliant nature prevents direct transmission of damaging forces to the retina, mediating between productivity and tissue safety
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 safe and effective removal of subretinal fluid, reducing the risk of retinal damage and facilitating reattachment by using a pressure gradient to aspirate fluid through a single-side port that rotates within the eye, thereby preventing incarceration and promoting healing.
Implementation Method 1
The second elongate tubular member may be curved. The second elongate tubular member may be formed from a shape memory alloy.
Implementation Method 2
coupled to an aspiration pressure source... for aspirating material from a body cavity through the first and second elongate tubular members
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument for removal of subretinal fluid is provided herein. The surgical instrument may include a handle coupleable to an aspiration source and a first elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the rotational structure such that the first elongate tubular member is rotatable around the axis. The handle may be configured to rotate around an axis of a handle body. The surgical instrument may further include a second elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second elongate tubular member being coupled to the distal end of the first elongate tubular member, and a port formed through a wall of the second member for aspirating material from a body cavity through the first and second members. The second elongate tubular member may be curved when exposed to body temperature.