Vitrectomy Probe Tissue Sensor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microsurgical procedures, particularly those involving the removal of vitreous humor from the eye, face challenges in precision due to the risk of inadvertently aspirating and cutting non-target ocular tissues like the retina, leading to complications such as retinal tears or detachment.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy probe equipped with a tissue sensor and an actuator system that measures tissue characteristics to differentiate between target and non-target tissues, halting the cutting mechanism when non-target tissue is detected, and allowing override for intentional cutting of non-vitreous tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vitrectomy probe cuts and removes vitreous humor, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but non-target ocular tissues such as the retina may be inadvertently aspirated and cut
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of tissue type using the tissue sensor before the cutting mechanism is activated. The sensor detects tissue characteristics in advance, allowing the control system to determine whether to activate the cutter based on the identified tissue type, thereby preventing accidental cutting of non-target tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue sensor provides continuous feedback about the tissue type being aspirated to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor tissue characteristics in real-time and adjust the cutting mechanism's activation accordingly, preventing harm to non-target ocular tissues while maintaining vitreous removal efficiency
2Productivity
If the cutting mechanism is activated continuously, then vitreous humor can be removed efficiently, but the risk of cutting non-target tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sensor performs preliminary identification of tissue type before the cutting mechanism is activated. This advance detection allows the control system to make informed decisions about cutter activation, maintaining high surgical throughput while improving reliability through accurate tissue differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical cutting control with an integrated sensor-based control system. The tissue sensor provides optical or electromagnetic detection of tissue characteristics, substituting mechanical trial-and-error cutting with a more reliable, sensor-guided approach that maintains efficiency while improving accuracy
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
This system minimizes the risk of inadvertently aspirating and cutting retinal tissue during vitreous humor removal, improving surgical outcomes by enhancing precision and reducing ocular injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue sensor is configured to measure a characteristic of the tissue received within the outer port to identify when nontarget tissue enters the outer port
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing a tissue from an eye of a patient is disclosed, comprising a housing, a cutter, and an actuator. The cutter comprises an outer cutting tube coupled to the housing, an outer port formed in the outer cutting tube, an inner cutting tube slidable along the longitudinal axis within the outer cutting tube between a retracted position proximal to the outer port and an extended position distal to the outer port, and a tissue sensor positioned on the cutter and configured to measure a characteristic of the tissue received within the outer port to identify when nontarget tissue enters the outer port. The actuator within the housing is configured to reciprocate the inner cutting member between the retracted position and the extended position to open and close the outer port and cut the tissue.