Vitrectomy Probe Adjustable Cutter Port Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vitrectomy probes have a fixed port size, which limits their ability to adapt to varying tissue types and surgical needs, affecting cutting efficiency and tissue removal during vitreoretinal surgery.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy probe with a user-selectable, adjustable port size, achieved through mechanisms like piezoelectric elements, shape memory alloys, or pneumatic systems, allowing for precise control of the port size to optimize cutting efficiency and tissue flowability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed port size is used in the vitrectomy probe, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying tissue types and surgical needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic port size adjustment mechanism where the inner cutting member can be positioned at different locations along the outer cutting member to change the port opening size. This allows the probe to adapt to varying tissue types and surgical needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the port opening size by adjusting the position of the inner cutting member relative to the outer cutting member. This parameter change enables the same device to handle different tissue types effectively without requiring multiple different device designs.
2Productivity
If a fixed port size is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but cutting efficiency and tissue removal capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the port size can be adjusted during operation to optimize cutting efficiency for different tissue types. The inner cutting member can be repositioned to create the desired opening size, allowing the same manufactured device to achieve high productivity across various surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter is segmented into an outer cutting member and an inner cutting member that can move independently. This segmentation allows the port size to be adjusted by changing the overlap between the two members, enabling optimized cutting efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the port size is not adjustable, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to optimize for different tissue types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the inner cutting member can be repositioned along the outer cutting member to change the port opening size. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different tissue types while adding only minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cutting member is nested within the outer cutting member, allowing it to move along the length of the outer member to adjust the port size. This nested configuration provides adaptability for different tissue types while maintaining a compact and relatively simple device architecture.
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
Enables flexible port size adjustment, enhancing cutting efficiency and tissue removal capabilities, independent of duty cycle and cut rate, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element coupled to a lead screw. The piezoelectric element may be adapted to position the lead screw within the housing to engage the inner cutting member at a selected position defining the fully retracted position of the inner cutting member
Implementation Method 2
The first chamber portion may be in fluid communication with a first passageway, and the second chamber portion may be in fluid communication with a second passageway. The first passageway and the second passageway may be adapted to transmit a first pneumatic pressure to the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, respectively, in an alternating sequence to oscillate the first diaphragm and the inner cutting member between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position
Data Source
AI summary
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. For example, one example vitrectomy probe includes a piezoelectric element adapted to adjust the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.