Vitrectomy Probe Integral Valve for High Cut Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vitrectomy probe systems have limited cut rate capacity due to the structure of the systems, which results in reduced traction and motion in the eye during ophthalmic surgical procedures, making delicate operations like vitreous removal and membrane cutting challenging.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy apparatus with a probe that includes a movable inner tube and outer tube, an actuator, and a fluidic piloted valve to control pressurized fluid flow, allowing for higher pressure and reduced fluid volume, enabling faster cut rates and reduced traction by cycling pressure proximate the probe rather than at the console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional vitrectomy probe systems with console-based actuation valves are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the cut rate capacity is limited and response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented by separating the actuation valve from the console and relocating it to the probe handle. This allows the valve to be positioned closer to the cutting site, enabling faster response times and higher cut rates while maintaining overall system manageability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation valve is relocated from the console (remote location) to the probe handle (proximal location), changing the spatial dimension of valve placement. This dimensional shift reduces fluid line length and improves response time, directly addressing the cut rate limitation without requiring complete system redesign.
2Speed
If pressure is cycled at the console through long drive lines, then the system is easy to control, but the response time is slow and cut rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A fluidic pilot signal acts as an intermediary between the console control and the actuation valve. The pilot signal travels through fluid lines to trigger the valve, which then rapidly directs pressurized fluid to the actuator. This intermediary mechanism maintains ease of console operation while achieving fast local response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic/hydraulic principles where a low-volume pilot fluid signal controls a high-pressure main fluid flow. The pilot signal modulates the actuation valve, which in turn directs the main pressurized fluid to the actuator, enabling rapid response with minimal pilot fluid volume while maintaining simple console control.
3Productivity
If high fluid volume is used to actuate the probe, then the actuator has sufficient power, but the response time increases and cut rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic piloted valve uses a small-volume pilot fluid to control a larger main fluid flow. The pilot signal requires minimal fluid volume to actuate the valve, while the main pressurized fluid provides the necessary actuator power. This pneumatic/hydraulic amplification enables high cut rates with reduced pilot fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between pilot fluid mode (for rapid valve actuation) and main fluid mode (for sustained actuator power). The valve transitions quickly between states, allowing high-frequency cycling that achieves high cut rates without requiring large volumes of fluid for each transition.
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 solution achieves higher cut rates with reduced traction and motion in the eye by providing a higher potential power source and faster response times, allowing for more precise and efficient cutting and removal of vitreous humor and membranes during ophthalmic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
A valve carried by the body may be configured to selectively direct a pressurized fluid to and from the actuator to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
Vitreous humor and/or membranes are aspirated into the open port
Data Source
AI summary
A vitrectomy apparatus for performing an ocular surgery may include a vitrectomy probe body graspable by a user and a cutter extending from the body and comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube may be moveable relative to the outer tube. The apparatus also may include an actuator within the body and configured to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. A valve may be carried by the body and may be configured to selectively direct a pressurized fluid to the actuator to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube.