Vitrectomy Instrument Multiple Rotating Cutting Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vitrectomy instruments are inefficient in cutting and removing vitreous fibers due to limited cutting edges and cycles, which can lead to prolonged procedures and potential damage to the eye.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy instrument with an inner tube featuring multiple forward and backward cutting edges that rotate within an outer tube, allowing for multiple cutting actions per oscillating cycle, increasing the efficiency of vitreous fiber removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single cutting edge is used in the internal cutting tube, then the instrument structure is simple, but the cutting efficiency is low with only one cutting action per cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The internal cutting tube is segmented into multiple cutting edges (at least two) arranged at different angular positions around the tube circumference. Each cutting edge can independently engage with vitreous fibers drawn through the port, enabling multiple cutting actions to occur during a single rotational cycle of the inner tube, thereby increasing cutting efficiency without requiring multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting edges are distributed in the angular dimension around the circular cross-section of the inner tube rather than being arranged linearly. This angular distribution allows multiple cutting edges to be simultaneously or sequentially engaged with material during rotation, transforming a single-point cutting action into a multi-point parallel cutting process
2Productivity
If the internal cutting tube rotates back and forth in an arc less than a full circle, then the instrument is easy to operate, but the cutting edge makes only one cutting action per cycle
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cutting function across multiple cutting edges spaced angularly around the tube, the system achieves multiple cutting actions within the same limited rotation arc. The segmentation of cutting responsibilities among multiple edges allows the rotation mechanism to remain simple while the cumulative cutting effect increases productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the inner tube circumference are equipped with cutting edges at specific angular positions optimized for engaging material during the back-and-forth rotation. This local placement of cutting functionality ensures that during each forward and backward stroke, different cutting edges are optimally positioned to cut material, maximizing utilization of the limited rotation arc
3Loss of time
If a single cutting edge passes by the port, then the instrument structure is simple, but the procedure time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting portion is segmented into multiple cutting edges that can simultaneously or sequentially process material. This segmentation allows parallel cutting operations to occur as different edges engage different portions of material drawn through the port, reducing the total time required to remove vitreous fibers compared to a single cutting edge that must sequentially process all material
Solution Approach 2:
With multiple cutting edges distributed around the tube, the cutting action becomes more continuous during rotation. As one cutting edge completes its cutting action and moves away from the port, another cutting edge is already engaging or about to engage with material, reducing idle time between cutting actions and maintaining continuous material removal
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 instrument achieves higher cutting efficiency with multiple cuts per cycle, reducing procedure time and minimizing eye damage, while also avoiding port blockage and the disadvantages of longitudinally reciprocating cutters.
Implementation Method 1
Suction is applied to draw the vitreous fibers into the port of the external tube
Implementation Method 2
the action of the cutting edge of the internal cutting tube against the vitreous fibers cuts or breaks the fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are vitrectomy instruments and related systems and methods in which example vitrectomy instruments have multiple rotating cutting edges for severing vitreous fibers. An example vitrectomy instrument may include a handle; an outer tube; and an inner tube configured to be rotated within the outer tube in multiple oscillating rotational cycles. The outer tube may include a port disposed at a distal end thereof. The inner tube may include at least first and second forward cutting edges, so that rotation in a first rotational direction results in both the first and second forward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. The inner tube may also include one or more backward cutting edges, so that rotation in a second rotational direction results in one or more backward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. Additional forward and/or backward cutting edges may be provided.