Surgical Probe Cutting Tool Segmentation for Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microsurgical procedures, such as vitreoretinal surgery, face challenges in precision cutting and fluid flow due to the small size of probe needles, which obstruct fluid flow while maintaining structural integrity for cutting blades, leading to reduced flow rates and potential buckling.
Innovation Solution
The design of a surgical probe with a cutting tool that extends only partially about the inner circumference of the tubular body, allowing for increased fluid flow by reducing pressure drop and maintaining structural stability through optimized cross-sectional geometry and material distribution, including a flared section for enhanced flow and reduced resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the probe needle size is reduced to minimize surgical incision size, then the incision size is reduced, but fluid flow through the needle is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is segmented into discrete cutting elements arranged along the tubular body, with spaces between them that allow fluid to pass through. This segmentation creates multiple flow paths rather than a single obstructed path, increasing overall fluid flow while maintaining the small probe size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool has varying properties along its length - cutting elements are positioned only where needed for the cutting function, while other portions are open to allow fluid flow. This local differentiation optimizes both cutting performance and fluid flow in different regions of the probe.
2Strength
If the cutting blade is made strong enough to resist buckling from high speed reciprocal motion, then structural integrity is maintained, but flow through the needle is reduced due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single solid cutting blade that would obstruct flow, the cutting tool is divided into multiple discrete cutting elements spaced along the tubular body. This segmentation provides sufficient structural strength for cutting while creating gaps that allow fluid to pass through, resolving the contradiction between strength and flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration along the length of the tubular body, distributing the cutting function across multiple points rather than requiring a single large blade. This dimensional distribution maintains cutting effectiveness while minimizing flow obstruction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a full tubular cutting tool is used to maintain structural stability, then buckling resistance is improved, but fluid flow is reduced and pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool transitions from a full tubular structure to a segmented structure with discrete cutting elements. This segmentation reduces the amount of material present, decreasing flow obstruction and pressure drop while maintaining structural stability through the strategic positioning and design of individual cutting elements.
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
This design enhances fluid flow by up to 30% while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the risk of buckling and preventing gas escape, thus improving the efficiency of microsurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for increased fluid flow by reducing pressure drop and maintaining structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical probe, e.g. a vitrectomy probe, and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a cutting tool that is received within the body. The tubular body may define a cutting aperture that is adjacent a first end of the body and a fluid passage that extends through the body from the cutting aperture to a second end of the body. The cutting tool may be received within the body and disposed within the fluid passage. The cutting tool is generally configured to allow fluid flow through the cutting tool. The cutting tool may include a body portion and a blade portion that is configured to cut material entering the cutting aperture. The body portion may extend only partially about an inner circumference of the tubular body.