Ophthalmic Valved Trocar Cannula with Overcap Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic trocar cannulas cause trauma to the eye due to repeated insertion and removal during surgery and fail to effectively control intraocular pressure during instrument exchange, requiring time-consuming and risky procedures to seal the cannula.

Innovation Solution

A valved trocar cannula system with an overcap and vent mechanism that prevents fluid loss and maintains intraocular pressure by using a snap-fit attachment for the overcap and a slidable vent cannula to allow fluid venting, ensuring secure instrument insertion and removal without manual sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art cannulae are used with manual plugging, then intraocular pressure can be maintained, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires additional personnel assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintraocular pressure controlVSAvoidsealing procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula system performs sealing automatically through its own integrated valve mechanism. When the cannula is inserted, the valve automatically closes to seal the cannula and maintain intraocular pressure without requiring manual intervention from surgeons or additional personnel, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged into the cannula structure itself through an integrated valve mechanism. The valve is built into the cannula body, combining the sealing function with the cannula's primary function of instrument passage, eliminating the need for separate plugging procedures and reducing dependency on additional personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of substance

If prior art cannulae are used with manual plugging, then fluid loss can be prevented, but the risk of post-operative infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid loss preventionVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula automatically seals itself through the integrated valve mechanism, preventing fluid loss without requiring manual plugging. This automated sealing reduces the number of handling steps and personnel contacts, thereby minimizing the risk of post-operative infection while effectively preventing aqueous or vitreous fluid loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cannula interior and exterior, automatically controlling fluid flow. It seals the cannula to prevent fluid loss while reducing exposure to external contaminants, thus lowering infection risk compared to manual plugging procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If instruments are repeatedly inserted and removed, then surgical procedures can be performed, but trauma to the eye at the incision site occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument exchange capabilityVSAvoidincision site trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is pre-inserted and secured in the incision site before instrument exchanges are needed. This preliminary placement creates a stable, protective channel that allows multiple instruments to be passed through without repeatedly penetrating the incision site, thereby preventing trauma while maintaining instrument exchange capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cannula serves multiple functions: it provides a stable passage for instrument exchange, protects the incision site from repeated trauma, and maintains intraocular pressure through its integrated valve. This multi-functionality allows versatile instrument use while preventing harm to the incision site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If a hubbed cannula is used to protect the incision sidewall, then instrument insertion is facilitated, but the height of the projection on the eye surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument insertion easeVSAvoidprojection height

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is divided into distinct segments: an internal hub portion that facilitates instrument insertion and an external portion that minimizes projection height. The valve mechanism is integrated into this segmented structure, allowing the functional hub to be present without creating excessive external projection that would be visible or uncomfortable on the eye surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8679064B2Ophthalmic valved trocar cannula

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 ALCON INC

AI summary

In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).