Indian Patents. 278865:MODULAR DESIGN FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL PROBE

Title of Invention	MODULAR DESIGN FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL PROBE
Abstract	An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Full Text	MODULAR DESIGN FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL PROBE Field of the Invention The present invention generally pertains to microsurgical instruments. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention pertains to microsurgical instruments used in posterior segment ophthalmic surgery, such as vitrectomy probes. Description of the Related Art Many microsurgical procedures require precision cutting and/or removal of various body tissues. For example, certain ophthalmic surgical procedures require the cutting and/or removal of the vitreous humor, a transparent jelly-like material that fills the posterior segment of the eye. The vitreous humor, or vitreous, is composed of numerous microscopic fibers that are often attached to the retina. Therefore, cutting and removal of the vitreous must be done with great care to avoid traction on the retina, the separation of the retina from the choroid, a retinal tear, or, in the worst case, cutting and removal of the retina itself. The use of microsurgical cutting probes in posterior segment ophthalmic surgery is well known. Such vitrectomy probes are typically inserted via an incision in the sclera near the pars plana. The surgeon may also insert other microsurgical instruments such as a fiber optic illuminator, an infusion cannula, or an aspiration probe during the posterior segment surgery. The surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the eye under a microscope. Conventional vitrectomy probes typically include a hollow outer cutting member, a hollow inner cutting member arranged coaxially with and movably disposed within the hollow outer cutting member, and a port extending radially through the outer cutting member near the distal end thereof. Vitreous humor is aspirated into the open port, and the inner member is actuated, closing the port. Upon the closing of the port, cutting surfaces on both the inner and outer cutting members cooperate to cut the vitreous, and the cut vitreous is then aspirated away through the inner cutting member. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,577,629 (Martinez); 5,019,035 (Missirlian et al.); 4,909,249 (Akkas et al.); 5,176,628 (Charles et al.); 5,047,008 (de Juan et al.); 4,696,298 (Higgins et al.); and 5,733,297 (Wang) all disclose various types of vitrectomy probes, and each of these patents is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Conventional vitrectomy probes include "guillotine style" probes and rotational probes. A guillotine style probe has an inner cutting member that reciprocates along its longitudinal axis. A rotational probe has an inner cutting member that rotates about its longitudinal axis. In both types of probes, the inner cutting members are actuated using various methods. For example, the inner cutting member can be moved from the open port position to the closed port position by pneumatic pressure against a piston or diaphragm assembly that overcomes a mechanical spring. Upon removal of the pneumatic pressure, the spring returns the inner cutting member from the closed port position to the open port position. As another example, the inner cutting member can be moved from the open port position to the closed port position using a first source of pneumatic pressure, and then can be moved from the closed port position to the open port position using a second source of pneumatic pressure. As a further example, the inner cutting member can be electromechanically actuated between the open and closed port positions using a conventional rotating electric motor or a solenoid. U.S. Patent No. 4,577,629 provides an example of a guillotine style, pneumatic piston / mechanical spring actuated probe. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,909,249 and 5,019,035 disclose guillotine style, pneumatic diaphragm / mechanical spring actuated probes. U.S. Patent No. 5,176,628 shows a rotational dual pneumatic drive probe. In many conventional vitrectromy probes, the engine and the shell or skin are tied together to yield a functional probe. A disadvantage to this is that the skin serves as both an ergonomic component as well as a part that is responsible for function. Changing between different probe types (i.e. 20, 23, 25 gage probes) requires that the internal features of the skin be changed to accommodate the corresponding functional interfaces such as seal design and tip geometry. This results in less flexibility. Therefore, a need exists for an improved vitrectomy probe that exhibits more flexibility. Such flexibility should enable future design and manufacturing flexibility, utilize a number of common components in overall probe design, and be able to convert to multiple gage size probes using the same engine parts. Summary of the Invention The present invention is an ophthalmic surgical probe having a skin removably coupled to an engine, a needle holder, a needle, and a cutter. The engine has a drive shaft support member and a drive shaft extending axially from the engine. The needle holder has a bushing disposed therein and an opening for removably engaging the drive shaft support member. The needle has a first coupling rigidly coupled thereto. The first coupling is for removably engaging the bushing. The cutter has a second coupling rigidly coupled thereto. The cutter is slidably disposed within the needle, and the second coupling is for removably engaging the drive shaft. Brief Description of the Drawings For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of the ophthalmic surgical probe of the present invention; and Figure 2 is an exploded, sectional view of the ophthalmic surgical probe of Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to Figures 1-2 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. Vitrectomy probe 10 consists of engine 12, shell or skin 14, needle holder 16, drive shaft 18, cutter 20, and needle 24. Although the ophthalmic surgical probe of the present invention is described herein in connection with a vitrectomy probe 10, the present invention is applicable to other ophthalmic or other surgical probes, instruments, and handpieces. Cutter coupling 22 is integrally formed on the proximal end of cutter 20. Needle coupling 26 is integrally formed on the proximal end of needle 24. Drive shaft 18 extends axially from engine 12. Distal end of drive shaft 18 removably engages cutter coupling 22 of cutter 20. Drive shaft support member 34 removably engages opening 36 of needle holder 16. Drive shaft support member 34, drive shaft 18, and cutter coupling 22 are disposed within needle holder 16. Bushing 28 within needle holder 16 removably engages needle coupling 26 of needle 24, such that cutter 20 is slidably disposed within needle 24. Needle coupling 26, needle holder 16, cutter coupling 22, drive shaft 18, and drive shaft support member 34 are disposed entirely within skin 14. Skin 14 contains opening 38 which removably engages body 40 of engine 12. Needle 24 extends through opening 42 in skin 14. Engine 12 may be any type of engine suitable for driving vitrectomy probe 10, but is most preferably a pneumatic engine. Drive shaft 18 may be made of any suitable material, but is most preferably stainless steel. Needle 24 and cutter 20 may be made of any material suitable for posterior segment ophthalmic surgery, but are most preferably made from surgical stainless steel. Skin 14, needle coupling 26, and cutter coupling 22 are most preferably made from a lightweight material such as aluminum or rigid plastic. During manufacturing assembly, the modular design of probe 10 allows a worker to quickly and easily switch between building probes of various needle gages, such as a probe 10 with a 20 gage needle 24, a 23 gage needle 24, or a 25 gage needle 24. More specifically, the ability to quickly attach and remove skin 14 from body 40 of engine 12, to quickly couple different gages of needle 24 with needle holder 16 and cutter 20 via needle coupling 26 and bushing 28, and to quickly couple cutter 20 to drive shaft 18 via cutter coupling 22 greatly increases manufacturing flexibility and simplifies the assembly process of probe 10. It is believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus and methods shown or described above have been characterized as being preferred, various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. What is claimed is: 1. An ophthalmic surgical probe, comprising: a skin removably coupled to an engine, said engine having a drive shaft support member and a drive shaft extending axially from said engine; a needle holdeT having a bushing disposed therein and an opening for removably engaging said drive shaft support member; a needle having a first coupling rigidly coupled thereto, said first coupling for removably engaging said bushing; and a cutter having a second coupling rigidly coupled thereto, said cutter being slidably disposed within said needle, and said second coupling for removably engaging said drive shaft. 2. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said engine comprises a pneumatic engine. 3. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said engine comprises an electric engine. 4. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said drive shaft support member, said drive shaft, and said needle holder are disposed entirely within said skin. 5. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said probe is a vitrectomy probe. An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Full Text

MODULAR DESIGN FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL PROBE
Field of the Invention
The present invention generally pertains to microsurgical instruments. More
particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention pertains to microsurgical
instruments used in posterior segment ophthalmic surgery, such as vitrectomy probes.
Description of the Related Art
Many microsurgical procedures require precision cutting and/or removal of
various body tissues. For example, certain ophthalmic surgical procedures require the
cutting and/or removal of the vitreous humor, a transparent jelly-like material that fills the
posterior segment of the eye. The vitreous humor, or vitreous, is composed of numerous
microscopic fibers that are often attached to the retina. Therefore, cutting and removal of
the vitreous must be done with great care to avoid traction on the retina, the separation of
the retina from the choroid, a retinal tear, or, in the worst case, cutting and removal of the
retina itself.
The use of microsurgical cutting probes in posterior segment ophthalmic surgery
is well known. Such vitrectomy probes are typically inserted via an incision in the sclera
near the pars plana. The surgeon may also insert other microsurgical instruments such as
a fiber optic illuminator, an infusion cannula, or an aspiration probe during the posterior
segment surgery. The surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the eye under a
microscope.
Conventional vitrectomy probes typically include a hollow outer cutting member,
a hollow inner cutting member arranged coaxially with and movably disposed within the

hollow outer cutting member, and a port extending radially through the outer cutting
member near the distal end thereof. Vitreous humor is aspirated into the open port, and
the inner member is actuated, closing the port. Upon the closing of the port, cutting
surfaces on both the inner and outer cutting members cooperate to cut the vitreous, and
the cut vitreous is then aspirated away through the inner cutting member. U.S. Patent
Nos. 4,577,629 (Martinez); 5,019,035 (Missirlian et al.); 4,909,249 (Akkas et al.);
5,176,628 (Charles et al.); 5,047,008 (de Juan et al.); 4,696,298 (Higgins et al.); and
5,733,297 (Wang) all disclose various types of vitrectomy probes, and each of these
patents is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
Conventional vitrectomy probes include "guillotine style" probes and rotational
probes. A guillotine style probe has an inner cutting member that reciprocates along its
longitudinal axis. A rotational probe has an inner cutting member that rotates about its
longitudinal axis. In both types of probes, the inner cutting members are actuated using
various methods. For example, the inner cutting member can be moved from the open
port position to the closed port position by pneumatic pressure against a piston or
diaphragm assembly that overcomes a mechanical spring. Upon removal of the
pneumatic pressure, the spring returns the inner cutting member from the closed port
position to the open port position. As another example, the inner cutting member can be
moved from the open port position to the closed port position using a first source of
pneumatic pressure, and then can be moved from the closed port position to the open port
position using a second source of pneumatic pressure. As a further example, the inner
cutting member can be electromechanically actuated between the open and closed port
positions using a conventional rotating electric motor or a solenoid. U.S. Patent No.
4,577,629 provides an example of a guillotine style, pneumatic piston / mechanical spring
actuated probe. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,909,249 and 5,019,035 disclose guillotine style,

pneumatic diaphragm / mechanical spring actuated probes. U.S. Patent No. 5,176,628
shows a rotational dual pneumatic drive probe.
In many conventional vitrectromy probes, the engine and the shell or skin are tied
together to yield a functional probe. A disadvantage to this is that the skin serves as both
an ergonomic component as well as a part that is responsible for function. Changing
between different probe types (i.e. 20, 23, 25 gage probes) requires that the internal
features of the skin be changed to accommodate the corresponding functional interfaces
such as seal design and tip geometry. This results in less flexibility.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved vitrectomy probe that exhibits more
flexibility. Such flexibility should enable future design and manufacturing flexibility,
utilize a number of common components in overall probe design, and be able to convert
to multiple gage size probes using the same engine parts.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is an ophthalmic surgical probe having a skin removably
coupled to an engine, a needle holder, a needle, and a cutter. The engine has a drive shaft
support member and a drive shaft extending axially from the engine. The needle holder
has a bushing disposed therein and an opening for removably engaging the drive shaft
support member. The needle has a first coupling rigidly coupled thereto. The first
coupling is for removably engaging the bushing. The cutter has a second coupling rigidly
coupled thereto. The cutter is slidably disposed within the needle, and the second
coupling is for removably engaging the drive shaft.

Brief Description of the Drawings
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further
objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the ophthalmic surgical probe of the present
invention; and
Figure 2 is an exploded, sectional view of the ophthalmic surgical probe of Figure
1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best
understood by referring to Figures 1-2 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like
and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
Vitrectomy probe 10 consists of engine 12, shell or skin 14, needle holder 16,
drive shaft 18, cutter 20, and needle 24. Although the ophthalmic surgical probe of the
present invention is described herein in connection with a vitrectomy probe 10, the
present invention is applicable to other ophthalmic or other surgical probes, instruments,
and handpieces. Cutter coupling 22 is integrally formed on the proximal end of cutter 20.
Needle coupling 26 is integrally formed on the proximal end of needle 24. Drive shaft 18
extends axially from engine 12. Distal end of drive shaft 18 removably engages cutter
coupling 22 of cutter 20. Drive shaft support member 34 removably engages opening 36
of needle holder 16. Drive shaft support member 34, drive shaft 18, and cutter coupling
22 are disposed within needle holder 16. Bushing 28 within needle holder 16 removably
engages needle coupling 26 of needle 24, such that cutter 20 is slidably disposed within
needle 24. Needle coupling 26, needle holder 16, cutter coupling 22, drive shaft 18, and

drive shaft support member 34 are disposed entirely within skin 14. Skin 14 contains
opening 38 which removably engages body 40 of engine 12. Needle 24 extends through
opening 42 in skin 14.
Engine 12 may be any type of engine suitable for driving vitrectomy probe 10, but
is most preferably a pneumatic engine. Drive shaft 18 may be made of any suitable
material, but is most preferably stainless steel. Needle 24 and cutter 20 may be made of
any material suitable for posterior segment ophthalmic surgery, but are most preferably
made from surgical stainless steel. Skin 14, needle coupling 26, and cutter coupling 22
are most preferably made from a lightweight material such as aluminum or rigid plastic.
During manufacturing assembly, the modular design of probe 10 allows a worker
to quickly and easily switch between building probes of various needle gages, such as a
probe 10 with a 20 gage needle 24, a 23 gage needle 24, or a 25 gage needle 24. More
specifically, the ability to quickly attach and remove skin 14 from body 40 of engine 12,
to quickly couple different gages of needle 24 with needle holder 16 and cutter 20 via
needle coupling 26 and bushing 28, and to quickly couple cutter 20 to drive shaft 18 via
cutter coupling 22 greatly increases manufacturing flexibility and simplifies the assembly
process of probe 10.
It is believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be
apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus and methods shown or
described above have been characterized as being preferred, various changes and
modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
1. An ophthalmic surgical probe, comprising:
a skin removably coupled to an engine, said engine having a drive shaft
support member and a drive shaft extending axially from said engine;
a needle holdeT having a bushing disposed therein and an opening for
removably engaging said drive shaft support member;
a needle having a first coupling rigidly coupled thereto, said first coupling
for removably engaging said bushing; and
a cutter having a second coupling rigidly coupled thereto, said cutter being
slidably disposed within said needle, and said second coupling for removably engaging
said drive shaft.
2. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said engine comprises a
pneumatic engine.
3. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said engine comprises
an electric engine.
4. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said drive shaft support
member, said drive shaft, and said needle holder are disposed entirely within said skin.
5. The ophthalmic surgical probe of claim 1 wherein said probe is a
vitrectomy probe.

An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Documents:

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Patent Number

278865

Indian Patent Application Number

820/KOLNP/2009

PG Journal Number

01/2017

Publication Date

06-Jan-2017

Grant Date

31-Dec-2016

Date of Filing

03-Mar-2009

Name of Patentee

ALCON, INC.

Applicant Address

P.O. BOX 62, BOSCH 69, CH-6331 HUNENBERG

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	VALENCIA, SALOMON	43 RAVEN LANE, ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656
2	AULD, JACK, R.	28282 EL SUR LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677
3	LOPEZ, JOSE, LUIS	10332 WHIRLAWAY STREET, CYPRESS, CA 90630

PCT International Classification Number

A61M 1/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/US2007/074433

PCT International Filing date

2007-07-26

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	11/554,812	2006-10-31	U.S.A.