Vitrectomy Probe Rotary Valve for Precise Air Pulse Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vitrectomy probes face challenges such as increased cost and noise due to pneumatic solenoid valves, vibration and heat in elastomeric tubing, and substantial air pressure pulse broadening, which can lead to damage to ocular tissues during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The vitrectomy probe incorporates an air turbine driven rotary valve, relocating the valving from the surgical console to the probe, which reduces air pressure pulse broadening and vibration, and allows for higher cutting rates to mitigate pulse flow-induced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic solenoid valves are used in the surgical console to power the cutter, then the cutter can be driven with pressurized air, but the cost and noise of the surgical console increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solenoid valves from the surgical console and relocates them to the vitrectomy probe itself. The probe now contains the valving mechanism that directly controls air pressure to the actuator, eliminating the need for solenoid valves in the console and thereby reducing noise and cost at the console level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotary valve as an intermediary mechanism between the air source and the actuator. This rotary valve, driven by a small motor, selectively routes pressurized air to the actuator chamber, providing a quieter and more cost-effective alternative to high-speed pneumatic solenoid valves.
2Ease of operation
If elastomeric tubing is used to carry air pressure pulses from the console to the actuator, then the system is flexible and easy to assemble, but vibration produces additional noise and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomeric tubing from the air delivery path by integrating the valving mechanism directly into the probe. Air is now delivered directly from the rotary valve to the actuator chamber without intermediate tubing, eliminating vibration-induced noise and heat while maintaining ease of operation through simple direct connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air pressure pulses are transmitted through multiple feet of elastomeric tubing, then the system allows flexible positioning, but substantial pulse broadening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the elastomeric tubing from the air delivery system by integrating the valving directly in the probe. This removes the source of pulse broadening while maintaining positioning flexibility through the probe's mechanical design and direct air connection.
4Productivity
If the cutter reciprocates at high rate to improve cutting efficiency, then productivity increases, but pulse flow damage to ocular tissues worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action of the rotary valve to deliver controlled air pressure pulses to the actuator. The valve opens and closes in a regulated manner to drive the cutter reciprocatingly, allowing high cutting rates while controlling the characteristics of pressure pulses to minimize harmful flow effects on ocular tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control through the rotary valve mechanism, which precisely timing air delivery to the actuator based on the desired cutter position and speed. This feedback control allows optimization of cutting rate while regulating pressure pulse characteristics to prevent tissue damage.
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 solution reduces noise, heat, and pulse flow issues, enhancing the precision and safety of vitreous humor removal during ophthalmic surgeries by minimizing the distance fibers are pulled before being cut.
Implementation Method 1
an air turbine disposed inside the housing. The air turbine includes a rotor and a plurality of turbine blades coupled to the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments provide a vitrectomy probe including a housing, an actuator disposed inside the housing, a cutter coupled to the actuator and extending from the housing and an air turbine disposed inside the housing. The air turbine includes a rotor and a plurality of turbine blades coupled to the rotor. The vitrectomy probe includes a valve body interfacing with the rotor. During rotation of the air turbine, air is selectively routed to and from the actuator according to a rotational position of the rotor in relation to the valve body, thereby reciprocating the cutter.