Voice Coil Guillotine Vitrectomy Cutter for Complete Ocular Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phacoemulsification systems face issues with incomplete cuts from electronic rotary vitrectomy cutters and the complexity and cost of pneumatic driven vitrectomy cutters, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased hardware requirements.

Innovation Solution

A disposable vitrectomy cutter that combines a rotary cutter drive with pneumatic action, utilizing a Linear Voice Coil Motor (LVCM) for a guillotine cutting mechanism, providing consistent and rapid cutting without a rotary motor or linear motor, and incorporating a bobbin wound with magnetic wiring for electromagnetic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mechanical vitrectomy cutter is used, then the vitreous body can be removed, but the risk of intraocular foreign body and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevitreous removal capabilityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutter system with an electromagnetic cutting system. The electromagnetic vitrectomy cutter uses electromagnetic fields to generate plasma, which removes vitreous tissue without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the risk of introducing mechanical foreign bodies into the eye while maintaining the ability to remove vitreous tissue efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from mechanical force to electromagnetic field parameters. By controlling electromagnetic field strength, frequency, and duration, the system achieves precise vitreous removal without mechanical trauma. The electromagnetic parameters can be adjusted to optimize cutting while minimizing thermal damage and infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical cutter is used in a closed chamber, then the procedure can be performed, but the risk of endophthalmitis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosed chamber operationVSAvoidendophthalmitis risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic cutting mechanism eliminates mechanical instruments that could introduce bacteria into the closed chamber. The plasma-based cutting process removes tissue without requiring mechanical blades or scissors that create potential contamination vectors, thereby reducing endophthalmitis risk while maintaining closed chamber operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic energy (which could cause thermal damage) into a benefit by using controlled plasma generation. The electromagnetic fields are precisely controlled to create localized plasma for cutting, while the energy is dissipated before causing thermal injury, thus eliminating mechanical contamination risk without compromising tissue safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If electromagnetic energy is applied to the vitreous body, then cutting can be achieved without mechanical contact, but thermal damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless cuttingVSAvoidthermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic cutting system uses periodic or pulsed electromagnetic energy application rather than continuous exposure. By delivering energy in controlled pulses, the system achieves effective cutting while allowing heat dissipation between pulses, preventing thermal accumulation and damage to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces plasma as an intermediary medium between the electromagnetic energy and the vitreous tissue. The electromagnetic fields generate plasma, which then interacts with the tissue to remove it. This intermediary mechanism allows contactless cutting while the plasma serves as a controlled energy transfer medium that minimizes direct thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables a cost-effective, compact, and efficient vitrectomy cutter with precise control over cutting speed, reducing vibration and heat, and ensuring complete cuts during ocular surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic cutter is inserted into the vitreous chamber and electromagnetic energy is applied to a vitreous body to be cut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic energy is applied to a vitreous body to be cut with the result that the vitreous body is cut and removed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP3691580B1Electronic guillotine vitrectomy cutter

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC

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Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E~2H

AI summary

A vitrectomy apparatus is provided, including a disposable cutter that incorporates a linear voice coil motor to generate consistent and rapid guillotine action without the use of a rotary motor or traditional linear motor. The apparatus includes voice coil actuator to provide for a forward and backward reciprocating motion cutting blade.