Vitrectomy Probe Oscillatory Motion Retinal Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrectomy probes face challenges in precision due to variable suction speed and oscillating traction forces, which can cause damage to the retina during vitreous removal in eye surgery, requiring expertise and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A single-tube vitrectomy probe with a hollow tube and integrated drive unit and suction system, featuring oscillatory and reciprocating motions, and adjustable cutting edges to reduce viscosity and minimize traction forces, allowing for high flow rates and precise tissue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional two-tube vitrectomy probe with guillotine-like blade is used, then the vitreous can be removed, but the suction speed is difficult to control and operates with limited precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blade oscillate between forward and backward motions, allowing the suction speed to be dynamically adjusted during operation. The blade's oscillating movement enables continuous control of suction rate, transforming the static guillotine mechanism into a dynamic system that can adapt suction speed to surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the oscillating blade that moves back and forth in a rhythmic pattern. This periodic motion creates alternating suction and release cycles, allowing precise control over the suction speed and enabling the surgeon to adjust the rhythm and intensity of vitreous removal according to surgical requirements.
2Productivity
If the vitreous is removed using traditional suction methods, then the vitreous can be excised, but oscillating traction forces are applied to the retina causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by oscillating the blade at high frequency during vitreous removal. This vibration creates a shaking motion that prevents the blade from creating sustained traction forces on the retina, while still maintaining effective vitreous excision through the oscillating cutting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the skipping principle by using rapid oscillating motions that allow the blade to quickly move through the vitreous without sustained contact. The blade skips back and forth in rapid succession, removing vitreous efficiently while avoiding prolonged traction forces that could damage the retina.
3Productivity
If the blade moves at high speed to increase flow rate, then vitreous removal is faster, but the viscosity of vitreous varies and affects cutting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by oscillating the blade at varying speeds and amplitudes, allowing the system to adapt to the varying viscosity of the vitreous. The dynamic motion pattern enables the blade to maintain cutting precision across different viscosity conditions while achieving high flow rates through the oscillating action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the frequency and amplitude of blade oscillation based on the viscosity conditions of the vitreous. The control system adjusts these parameters in real-time to maintain optimal cutting precision while maximizing flow rate, allowing the system to handle the non-Newtonian fluid properties of vitreous effectively.
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 probe enables fast, accurate, and safe vitreous removal with reduced traction forces on the retina, facilitating smaller surgical incisions and minimizing complications, with adjustable motion frequencies and amplitudes for enhanced control.
Implementation Method 1
a sucking system suitable to suck the vitreous in the tube 2
Implementation Method 2
The drive unit defines for the tube 2 an oscillatory motion of the vibrational type A, producing pressure waves reducing the viscosity of the vitreous 1a
Data Source
AI summary
Vitrectomy probe (1) for the removal of the vitreous humour (1a) and comprising a tube (2) adapted to be put into direct contact with the vitreous (1a), defining a main axis (2a) and including an internal passage (21) and a opening (23) enabling the vitreous (1a) to enter the internal passage (21) and comprising at least one cutting edge (23a, 23b); a suction system suitable for the creation of vacuum within the internal passage (21) sucking the vitreous (1a) into the opening (23); a drive unit adapted to move the tube (2) defining a vibrational motion (A) of the tube (2) which therefore produces pressure waves reducing the viscosity of the vitreous (1a), and a reciprocating motion (B), having a frequency lower than the frequency of the vibrational motion (A), adapted to enable the cutting edges (23a, 23b) to cut the vitreous (1a)