Trephine Alignment Device with Coaxial Visual Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trephine alignment methods in ophthalmic and cadaveric surgical procedures lack accuracy and reproducibility, leading to potential corneal tissue damage and inaccuracy in scleral rim size, which can render tissue unusable for transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A trephine alignment device with coaxial alignment structures and apertures for visual confirmation, allowing for precise placement of trephines of varying diameters, and a method for attaching and securing trephines to ensure accurate alignment over the eye without contact with the cornea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment indicators (crosshairs, circles, dots) as intermediary visual elements between the operator and the trephine position. These indicators serve as a mediator that translates the complex task of precise alignment into simple visual matching, allowing operators to achieve high measurement precision through straightforward visual comparison rather than complex manual measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an optical visualization system. Instead of relying on physical measurement tools and manual estimation, the system uses visual indicators projected or displayed on the cornea surface, allowing the operator to align the trephine by visual reference rather than mechanical measurement, thereby improving precision while maintaining ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If visual alignment aids are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment indicators are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide radial alignment reference, central position reference, and depth guidance simultaneously. The same visual elements (crosshairs, circles) serve multiple purposes in the alignment process, reducing the need for separate alignment tools and minimizing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple alignment functions into a single integrated visual system. The alignment indicators incorporate both radial and central reference elements in one system, and the trephine holder integrates both the cutting function and the alignment reference function, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple alignment structures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into distinct functional components: radial alignment indicators (crosshairs, lines) and central alignment indicators (circles, dots). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The indicators are further segmented into different visual elements that can be independently adjusted or selected based on the specific alignment requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding and aligning a trephine blade includes an elongated cylindrical component, a first alignment structure and a second alignment structure. The elongated cylindrical component extends along a first axis and comprises a hollow cylinder having an open proximal end, an open distal end, an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface. The first alignment structure is integral and co-planar with the proximal end and comprises a first circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The second alignment structure is arranged parallel to the first alignment structure within the hollow cylinder above the distal end and comprises a second circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The first and second circles are coaxial with the first axis and the first circle comprises a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second circle.