Vitrectomy Probe Optical Fiber Scanner for Retinal Traction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrectomy probes used in ophthalmic surgery face challenges in precision cutting and removal of vitreous humor due to undesired vibrations caused by rapid movement of mechanical cutting elements, which can lead to retinal traction and tearing.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy probe with a photodisruption element that includes a needle with a port and an optical fiber within a fiber cannula, where the optical fiber is mechanically agitated to scan a laser beam across the port, allowing for precise severing of vitreous fibrils without mechanical vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid back and forth movement of the inner member is used to cut fibrils, then cutting speed is improved, but vibrations are generated causing retinal traction and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system (inner member moving back and forth) with a photodisruption system using an optical fiber that delivers laser energy to cut vitreous fibrils. The optical fiber remains stationary while light energy performs the cutting function, eliminating mechanical vibrations and retinal traction associated with rapid mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light energy as an intermediary between the energy source and the vitreous fibrils. Instead of direct mechanical contact, light energy transmitted through the optical fiber serves as the mediator to sever fibrils, avoiding the harmful mechanical vibrations while maintaining cutting effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical cutting elements are used, then cutting function is achieved, but vibrations and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical cutting element with an optical fiber-based photodisruption system. The optical fiber delivers concentrated light energy to cut fibrils without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating vibrations and noise generated by mechanical cutting mechanisms while preserving the cutting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light energy as a non-contact copy or surrogate for mechanical cutting action. Instead of physical blades or cutting edges, the optical fiber transmits light that replicates the cutting function through photodisruption, avoiding the harmful physical vibrations and noise of mechanical systems.
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 photodisruption element enables faster and more precise cutting with reduced retinal traction, noise, and vibration, allowing for improved access and surgical outcomes, including curved probe tips for better tissue management.
Implementation Method 1
a photodisruption element extending from the body. The photodisruption element includes a needle having a main lumen extending from the body, with the needle comprising a port at an end. The photodisruption element also includes a fiber cannula within the main lumen, the fiber cannula having a fiber lumen. The photodisruption element also includes an optical fiber within the fiber lumen, the optical fiber being mechanically agitatable within the fiber lumen
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vitrectomy probe for treating an eye of a patient, the probe including a body arranged for grasping by a surgeon, and a photodisruption element extending from the body. The photodisruption element includes a needle having a main lumen extending from the body, the needle comprising a port at an end, a fiber cannula within the main lumen, the fiber cannula having a fiber lumen, and an optical fiber within the fiber lumen, the optical fiber being mechanically agitatable within the fiber lumen.