Suction Forceps with Micromachined Apertures for Tissue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microsurgical forceps face challenges in effectively grasping and removing thin internal limiting membranes (ILM) during procedures like macular peeling, often resulting in tissue shredding and prolonged operation times due to inadequate holding power.
Innovation Solution
Microsurgical suction forceps with elongated members and distal jaw surfaces featuring micromachined apertures that communicate with a suction source, providing delicate suction to enhance tissue adhesion and holding power without shredding, suitable for intraocular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end-gripping forceps are used to grasp thin ILM, then the forceps can hold the membrane during peeling, but the membrane may shred and the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grasping function with a suction function into a single forceps instrument. The jaw surfaces are equipped with micromachined apertures that connect to a suction source, allowing simultaneous mechanical grasping and suction-based tissue adhesion. This merging of functions provides enhanced holding power without requiring separate instruments, thereby reducing operation time and preventing tissue shredding.
2Reliability
If conventional forceps without suction are used, then the device structure remains simple, but tissue adhesion is insufficient leading to tissue loss
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical grasping through jaw closure and suction-based adhesion through the micromachined apertures. This multi-functional design enhances tissue adhesion reliability while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure, avoiding the need for separate suction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw surfaces incorporate micromachined apertures that create a porous structure at the tissue-contact interface. These apertures allow suction to be applied directly to the tissue surface, enhancing adhesion forces without requiring the entire forceps structure to be complex or porous.
3Reliability
If suction pressure is increased to improve tissue holding, then tissue adhesion enhances, but tissue may be drawn into apertures causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The suction forceps applies suction locally through micromachined apertures in the jaw surfaces rather than through a large opening. The local application of suction force, combined with the mechanical grasp from closed jaws, provides enhanced tissue holding while distributing forces to prevent tissue damage or inadvertent drawing into the small apertures.
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 forceps achieve a more reliable hold on thin tissues, reducing tissue shredding and operation time by leveraging suction for additional mechanical leverage, making procedures like macular peeling safer and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction having a suction pressure that is sufficient to enhance the adhesion of tissue against the first jaw surface
Data Source
AI summary
Microsurgical suction forceps are well suited to intraocular procedures including macular and WM peeling. At least one hollow member includes a jaw surface with one or more micromachined apertures in communication with a source of suction having a suction pressure that is sufficient to enhance the adhesion of tissue against the first jaw surface, but insufficient to intentionally draw the tissue into the apertures. The jaw surfaces may be elongated, having a length that exceeds their width, or the jaw surfaces may be disposed on the distal ends of members that are bent outwardly then toward one another such that the opposing jaw surfaces form a pincer configuration. The apertures are laser-drilled or otherwise micromachined, and at least the distal ends of the members may be constructed in piecewise fashion and joined together. The forceps may be disposable and provided in sterile packaging ready for use. Methods of use are also disclosed.