Vitreoretinal Surgery Device with Selecting Unit for Instrument Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vitreoretinal surgery is hindered by the need for frequent instrument changes, leading to longer operating times and surgeon fatigue due to the requirement of looking away from the microscope during instrument replacements, which is particularly problematic for surgeons with refractive defects or presbyopia.
Innovation Solution
A vitreoretinal surgery device with a main body, needle or cannula, and multiple surgical instruments, featuring a selecting unit that allows for the reversible positioning of two or more instruments within the cannula, enabling quick and simplified instrument changes without removing the cannula from the eye, allowing the surgeon to maintain focus on the microscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical instruments are used sequentially in vitreoretinal surgery, then the surgical versatility is improved, but the operating time increases due to frequent instrument changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical instruments (vitrectome, forceps, laser probe, back-flush cannula) into a single integrated device with a common handle and shaft assembly. This merging allows the surgeon to access multiple functions through one device, eliminating the need to exchange separate instruments and thereby reducing operating time while maintaining surgical versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate and switch between different surgical instruments. The common shaft and control mechanism support multiple tool configurations, enabling a single device to perform multiple surgical functions that previously required separate specialized instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgeon extracts and replaces instruments during surgery, then the surgical maneuver capability is improved, but the surgeon's visual fatigue increases due to looking away from the microscope
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple instruments into one integrated device, the surgeon can switch between different surgical maneuvers without removing the device from the eye or looking away from the microscope. All instrument changes occur through internal mechanisms while the surgeon maintains continuous visual contact with the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-contained instrument storage and switching mechanisms within the handle assembly. The surgeon can select and switch between instruments using controls on the device itself without requiring external assistance or breaking the visual connection to the surgical field.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used in vitreoretinal surgery, then the surgical functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate instruments into a single integrated device with a unified handle, shaft, and control system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components the surgeon must manage, simplifying the overall system while preserving all necessary surgical functionalities through internal instrument switching mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vitreoretinal surgery device comprises a main body (2) defining a receiving chamber (C) therein and a needle or cannula (3) provided with an inner longitudinal cavity in connection with said receiving chamber (C). The device (1 ) comprises a plurality of instruments, of which at least a first surgical instrument (4) of elongated shape, and a second surgical instrument (5) of elongated shape, and a selecting unit (8) associated with the first (4) and second (5) surgical instruments, accommodated at least partially in said receiving chamber (C) and configured to arrange the first surgical instrument (4) in the operating position and the second surgical instrument (5) in the resting position, or vice versa, upon a command given by a user (S).