Vitrectomy Probe Elastomeric Vibration Attenuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vitrectomy procedures face challenges due to the fibrous nature of vitreous humor, which can cause vibrations and require precise handling to avoid pulling on delicate eye structures, and existing probes have a cumbersome shell removal mechanism that is not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A vitrectomy probe with an ergonomic shell that is securely coupled to the housing via discrete catch extensions, allowing for user-friendly removal and featuring an interfacing component that attenuates vibrations, minimizing distraction during surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shell is tightly fitted to the probe housing to prevent accidental removal, then the security and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as surgeons cannot easily remove the shell for fine control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of shell attachmentVSAvoidease of shell removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shell removal mechanism is segmented into discrete catch extensions with associated tabs that can be independently actuated. The shell is divided into sections that can be released at specific locations, allowing controlled removal without requiring forceful prying across the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Catch extensions serve as intermediary elements between the shell and housing. These extensions with their associated tabs provide a mechanical mediation that allows easy release through tab actuation while maintaining secure attachment during normal use. The catch extensions translate small tab movements into shell release without requiring direct force application to the shell-housing interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the shell is loosely fitted to allow easy removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the shell may accidentally detach during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of shell removalVSAvoidsecurity of shell attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The catch extensions are designed to be dynamically switchable between engaged and disengaged states. During normal surgery, the extensions maintain a secure engaged state that prevents accidental detachment. When needed, the extensions can be easily transitioned to a disengaged state through tab actuation, providing on-demand shell removal capability without compromising security during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a tight interference fit is used between shell and probe, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of shell attachmentVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is segmented into discrete catch extensions rather than requiring a continuous tight interference fit around the entire probe circumference. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing separate fabrication and assembly of the catch extensions, which can be snap-fit or mechanically attached to both the shell and housing, eliminating the need for precision interference fit machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If vibration dampening material is added to the probe, then the ease of operation is improved by reducing surgeon distraction, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort during procedureVSAvoidcomplexity of probe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration dampening element is incorporated into the shell structure itself, utilizing flexible or viscoelastic material properties to attenuate vibrations. This approach integrates vibration control directly into the existing shell component rather than adding separate dampening devices, thereby minimizing increases in overall device complexity while effectively reducing surgeon distraction from probe vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively reduces vibrations transmitted to the surgeon's hand, enabling more precise and comfortable vitrectomy procedures while allowing easy shell removal without risking damage to the tool.

Implementation Method 1

the interface is of an elastomeric construction for isolation of vibration from the housing during the procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3975949B1Vitrectomy probe interfacing component

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 ALCON INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A unique vitrectomy probe with an interfacing component for attenuating vibrations during a vitrectomy procedure. The component may be of elastomeric construction tailored to attenuating the vibrations. Additionally, the component may strategically reside at an interface between the housing that accommodates moving parts of the probe and an ergonomic shell meant for resting at purlicue a surgeon's hand. In this way, vibrations are largely attenuated before reaching the shell and distracting the surgeon. Additionally, the shell, housing and interface are architecturally constructed for user-friendly shell removal for surgeons wishing to perform vitrectomy procedures in absence of the shell.