Selectable stroke cutter

Apparatus, systems, and devices are described that utilize an adjustable biological tissue cutting handpiece that is based on selectable settings. The biological tissue cutting handpiece includes a cutter tip that allows multiple duty cycles as well as multiple port configurations. For example, when working next to the retina, the port could be adjusted to be a smaller size, allowing delicate membrane dissection. When working near or in less sensitive tissue, e.g. the center of the eye, the port could be wide open. The port aperture size can be independent of cut speed, allowing a surgeon to work at high speed both next to the retina and away from the retina. High speeds have been shown to have increased tissue (e.g., vitreous) removal, e.g., in 25 and 23-gauge instruments. Duty cycle is not necessarily dependent on cut speed, allowing high cutter performance and varied flow characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Prior art biological tissue cutting handpieces, e.g., as currently available on the market, are either pneumatic or electric. Both types of such biological tissue cutting handpieces have a single port and fixed size, and typically allow only one stroke length. Spring return pneumatic handpieces have a variable duty cycle, which is reduced as speed is increased. Dual line pneumatics handpieces currently operate at a constant duty cycle and do not have adjustable port apertures. Neither of these types of biological tissue cutting handpieces allows for a selectable stroke.

Some prior art techniques have endeavored to vary the size of the port aperture, but most of these prior art techniques have varied the port with cut speed. This is essentially an extension of prior art pneumatic drive techniques/apparatus, where the duty cycle (the percentage of time the port is open) reduces as cut speed increases leading to a point where the cutter is no longer allowed to completely open. Other prior art techniques address port configurations with manual adjustments.

While such prior art techniques may be suitable for their respective intended purposes, there exists a need for techniques that provide improved adjustability of handpiece performance characteristics.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide techniques, e.g., apparatus and methods, that utilize a selectable stroke biological tissue cutting handpiece that is selectable based on machine settings. Each individual stroke can have a unique cut profile or linear trajectory of the cutting blade tip as it extends and retracts. The cut profile can be defined as the linear path of the cut. The linear path can include an acceleration profile, duty cycle, and can have the potential to use multiple strokes per rotation of the motor. To expand upon this, it is possible to have the cutter (or cutting blade tip) operate at one speed in one direction (with a unique stroke length and duty cycle), and operate at two times the speed in the opposite direction. This could be achieved with a double stroke cam. The biological tissue cutting handpiece can include a cutter tip or cutting blade tip that allows multiple duty cycles as well as multiple port configurations. For example, when working next to the retina, the port would be adjusted to be a smaller size, allowing precise tissue removal with the cutting blade tip. When working in the center of the eye, the port would be wide open. Exemplary embodiments can be used for vitrectomy procedures.

The cut profile and hence port aperture size are independent of cut speed, allowing a surgeon to work at high speed both next to the retina and away from the retina. High speeds have been shown to increase vitreous removal, e.g., in 25 and 23-gauge instruments. Furthermore, duty cycle is not dependent on cut speed, allowing high cutter performance and varied flow characteristics. When working away from the retina, the stroke length may be much larger than the port aperture. This can further increase flow because vitreous would enter the outer needle easier.

One difference between embodiments of the present disclosure e.g., instrument, and the prior art is that the drive mechanism as disclosed adjusts the stroke (and hence port configuration) automatically. One mechanism is by reversing the drive direction (e.g., from clockwise to counterclockwise). Exemplary embodiments can be applicable for a specific sinusoidal full modulation. By reversing the motor, the linear cut profile can be changed (including duty cycle, stroke length, acceleration, and any other specific for a cut profile).

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the cutter may also be used in a proportional handpiece mode, where the position of the cutter is moved in a precise method controlled by the surgeon. This may be used with specialized tips to allow membrane manipulation with the vitrectomy cutter tip (cutting blade tip). The vitrectomy cutter tip may replace the forceps for some procedures.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood upon reading and understanding the detailed description of exemplary embodiments, described herein, in conjunction with reference to the drawings.

While certain embodiments depicted in the drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments depicted are illustrative and that variations of those shown, as well as other embodiments described herein, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to techniques, e.g., apparatus and methods, that utilize a selectable stroke biological tissue cutting handpiece. The biological tissue cutting handpiece can include a cutter tip that allows multiple duty cycles as well as multiple port configurations (size), and selectable stroke length.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices/methods/apparatus that provide a selectable cut profile, which encompasses but is not limited to duty cycle, variable port size, and selectable stroke length cutter. These are independent of speed to allow full surgical control of the handpiece. The cut profile can also encompasses things like multiple strokes per revolution (e.g., by use of a speed doubler), various acceleration and deceleration paths, etc. Furthermore, innovative port configurations can be used to further optimize the cutter tip.

During vitreous surgery, a surgeon typically requires high flow rates (of tissue removal) when away from the retina and reduced flow rates for more controlled cutting when close to the retina. Furthermore, there is a need to use a biological tissue cutting handpiece to remove membranes that are close to the retina.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device having a port that can be selected to accommodate these needs. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a duty cycle that can be used to maintain flow rate with small apertures as well as large apertures. Such can allow controlled flow throughout the cut range. For example, when working next to the retina, the port would be selected to be a smaller size, allowing delicate membrane dissection.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a device, e.g., vitreous cutter tip100ofFIG. 1, that can allow easily selectable port configuration. When working close to the retina, the device aperture can be reduced allowing more precise removal. When bulk vitreous removal is desired, the port would be wide open. This can be combined with multiple port configurations to allow a reduced port aperture mode that prevents the biological tissue cutter (e.g., vitrectomy device or vitrector) from cutting the retina. For example, the cutter could have a port configuration where one port has a rectangular shape distal from the end and second port with two semicircular openings proximal the end. When the cutter is partially closed, there are two small ports. The retina may have difficulty entering the two small ports. This can allow for delicate tissue removal next to the retina. Then, as the stroke is increased, the port can open further, crossing both ports, as shown inFIG. 1thereby allowing increased vitreous removal. Exemplary embodiments of ports can include a port with a keyhole shape that has a narrow vertical section near the distal end of the tip and a wider end away from the tip, or a triangular shape.

Embodiments of the devices according to the present allows selectable duty cycle (which is one aspect/variable influencing the cut profile) independent of cut speed. Increasing flow due to more efficient high-speed cutting can be coupled with increased duty cycle for maximal removal rates. Small apertures (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) can be combined with a large duty cycle to allow predictable flow through a narrow port. When working with a reduced aperture, cutters according to the present disclosure can also be run at any speed.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure can be operated with large duty cycles at high speeds as well as low speeds. This increased variability will allow the surgeon to vary flow either with port size or with speed. Currently spring return pneumatic cutter duty cycles are solely controlled with speed. This indicates that at high speed, reduced duty cycles account for lower flow rates. With small diameter instruments (23, and 25 gauge) the surgeon must use high vacuum levels. Typically 550 mmHg are used in the 25-gauge instrumentation. Then with a pneumatic cutter, the duty cycle is lowered, reducing flow.

A cutting tip according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to work close to delicate tissue, e.g., the retina. The port can be rectangular, allowing a size change capability, or it can have additional functionality. Furthermore, the tip design can have different characteristics as the stroke increases or decreases. Referring toFIGS. 1-2, an embodiment is shown that has minor ports that only cuts vitreous when there is a small stroke (the cutter crosses two small circular holes) and also a major port. When the stroke is larger, the operation port area extends into a rectangular port that allows high tissue (e.g., vitreous) removal rates.

FIG. 1includesFIGS. 1A-1E, which depict a system100of a vitrectomy cutting tip102and cutter (cutting blade tip)104at various positions of operation, e.g., as configured and arranged for large stroke cutting, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cutting tip102of system100includes distal end102A and a proximal end102B, a major port106, and two minor ports108(1)-108(2). In some embodiments, the major port is generally a deep groove110. Certain embodiments include a rectangular port106A, and other embodiments include a triangular port106B. The cut profile of the ports,106and108(1)-108(2) can be independent of cut speed, allowing a surgeon to work at high speed both next to the retina and away from the retina. High speed cutting of vitreous has been shown to have increased vitreous removal rate, e.g., in 25 and 23-gauge instruments. Furthermore, duty cycle is not necessarily dependent on cut speed, allowing improved performance and varied flow characteristics, as an increased duty cycle increases flow rate and vice versa. For example, when working away from delicate tissue, e.g., the retina, the stroke length may be much larger than the port aperture height of the minor ports108(1)-108(2), for increased removal flow rate.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, larger stroke lengths, e.g., that extend beyond the distal end of the port major port (the end furthest away from the drive mechanism), can be implemented to further increase flow characteristics, e.g., volumetric flow rate. These strokes can be independent of cut speed allowing full control of tissue (e.g., vitreous) removal. The larger stroke can allow a lager volume chamber for the tissue to enter. This is so because the smaller inner diameter of the cutting blade tip in such a case will be further away from the port. Because of this, the tissue can enter the outer needle and flow further up the inner diameter of the outer tip.

FIG. 2includesFIGS. 2A-2C, which depict a system100with a biological tissue cutting tip and cutter similar to that ofFIG. 1(with the same reference characters) as configured and arranged for smaller stroke cutting, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 2, the stroke of the cutter (or cutting blade tip)104during its reciprocating motion can be limited to the height (extent along the longitudinal direction) of the minor ports108(1)-108(2), for which configuration flow would be decreased as the larger port106is not being opened.

The cutting tips and devices herein can be used with suitable driving motors and mechanisms. Any of multiple drive technologies can accommodate these requirements. For example, voice coil technology may be used in exemplary embodiments. For such embodiments, the voice coil will move according to voltage and frequency supplied. It should allow long displacements and accurate positioning.

In general, any suitable type of electroactive element, may be used for driving a cutting tip blade in embodiments of the present disclosure. Such driving means/drive technologies can be used in conjunction with a lever arm to increase throw of the cutter (cutting blade tip). In exemplary embodiments, piezoelectric or electrorestrictive based drives can be used. Piezo drives can provide extremely accurate distance measurements. Other techniques of increasing piezo displacements can include (but are not restricted to) using dissimilar materials for flexing/bending a lever arm. In exemplary embodiments, suitable examples of these types of drives are manufactured by MIDE of 200 Boston Ave., Suite 1000, Medford, Mass. 02155, USA.

Pneumatic Drive mechanisms can be used in exemplary embodiments. Currently many pneumatic drives are spring driven and have variable duty cycle. For such embodiments, a pressure pulse can be used to push on a diaphragm and extend the cutting blade tip distally. The pressure pulse is then removed and a spring pushing the opposite direction causes the cutting blade tip to retract. The maximum pressure of the pulse is used to extend the instrument, and a pressure equal to the atmosphere is used during retraction of the cutting blade tip. If, instead the pressure is not released to atmospheric pressure, but some intermediate between the maximum pressure and atmospheric pressure, the cutting blade tip will not completely retract. This allows for it to have multiple cut profiles.

Other drive mechanisms are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that electroactive polymers could be used for driving a cutting tip blade. The embodiments of the present disclosure rely on the movement of the cutter tip and there are multiple ways to achieve such movement. One skilled in the are will appreciate that the present disclosure should not be limited by any particular type of drives, and further that the present disclosure and claimed devices/systems will have increased utility as new drive types are subsequently enabled.

Flow will be controlled with both vacuum and cut profile. Because duty cycle does not reduce as speed increases, flow will not be reduced at increased speed. Conversely, the increased flow characteristics from rapid cutting can be coupled with a large stroke and large duty cycle to allow maximal removal rates. This is especially important in small diameter instruments (e.g., 23 and 25-gauge) where clogging effects can dominate the flow conditions.

The surgical interface, of exemplary embodiments, can be done with current dual linear foot pedals, e.g., as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,829, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, or with a controller that has basic settings. Of course, embodiments do not have to employ the use of a foot pedal for control, and may use other types of control, e.g., by the use of hand controls, or voice actuation, etc. These may be discrete settings (e.g., working for bulk removal, close to the retina, on the retina). These bulk settings can automatically adjust the stroke of the cutter, and the maximum aspiration pressure. Furthermore, the yaw component can be used to increase/decrease aspiration pressure from nominal. For example, when the pedal is in the top third of the travel bulk vitreous removal rates are used, in the middle third, the settings are reduced, and at the end of the travel retinal shaving settings are used.

Alternate modes of control include proportional motion of the inner cutter tip. This can be done for manipulating tissue (e.g., most likely no vacuum level). For instance, the surgeon can aspirate a membrane into the tip. Then the port can be mostly closed, just enough to clamp the tissue. Next the tissue can be manipulated. Furthermore, if the inner cutter tip or port were angled (e.g., so one side of the port closed before the other side), then there would be a natural clamping/gripping.

FIG. 3depicts a biological tissue cutter system300with a gripping port configured with a manipulation section (saw-tooth configuration) for tissue manipulation, in accordance with a further embodiment of the subject disclosure. A shown, system300can include a cutting tip302that is configured and arranged to receive a cutting blade tip304that moves in a reciprocating motion. Cutting tip can include a proximal end (or portion)302B and a distal end302A. An aperture or port306can be disposed in cutting tip302and may be configured and shaped as desired. In the embodiment shown, port306is with a gripping port configured with a manipulation section (saw-tooth configuration) for tissue manipulation. Other port configurations may also or alternatively be used.

FIG. 4includesFIGS. 4A-4D, which depict a system400that includes a cam mechanism and biological tissue cutting blade as connected to a cutting tip (not shown) at different positions of operation. System400includes a rotary drive (e.g. drive shaft)402, which can be driven by a suitable motor426controlled by a controller428, and a driver housing412configured to receive the drive402and to hold a cutter blade414. Cutter blade414is configured and arranged for use with a cutting tip, e.g., tip302as shown and described forFIG. 3.

With continued reference toFIG. 4, it can be seen that a ball416is held within driver housing412, e.g., in a depression or scalloped or detent region, and is received by a groove418in rotating drive402. Consequently, in operation of system400, as drive402rotates, the angular motion of drive402is converted to reciprocating linear motion of cutter blade414. This linear reciprocating motion can be seen inFIGS. 4A-4Dby noticing the change in height420, between a proximal end shown by reference line422(relative to cutter414) of the driver housing412and a reference line424. The groove418may be configured as appropriate, e.g., with a generally sinusoidal configuration, to provide a desired duty cycle for the cutting tip414.

FIG. 5includesFIGS. 5A-5E, which depict a system500with two drives (e.g., drive shafts), two cams, and locking mechanisms used with a cutting tip, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. System500is shown in the figures in different positions of operation. System500is similar to system400ofFIG. 4with the addition of a two-drive mechanism (e.g., two drive shafts or drivers) including a first driver502and a second driver503. System500also includes a locking mechanism (configured as a sleeve)505, a first drive housing512; and second drive housing520. First driver502can be securely connected to first housing512and likewise second housing520can be securely connected to cutting tip514.

As mentioned previously, system500includes two cams, which allow system500to operating with one of two different reciprocating motions. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the cams can each include a ball held by a sleeve of a drive housing and received by a groove of a driver (or drive shaft), e.g., shaft503. As shown, the first drive housing includes a detent or cup shaped depression525for receiving and holding ball522. Likewise, the second drive housing520includes a detent or cup shaped depression (not numbered) for receiving and holding ball516. It should be understood that while two drives and cams (e.g., ball and groove systems) are shown, and practical desired number of such drives and cam may be utilized to provide more than two different and selectable reciprocating motions to cutter514.

In operation, locking mechanism505slides along the drive503in the longitudinal direction. Locking mechanism may be moved by suitable means, e.g., manual adjustment by a user, pneumatic selection, solenoid actuation, etc. Referring toFIG. 5, by rotating the drive,502in the clockwise direction (as shown), the locking mechanism is pushed to the top portion (as shown), by512, preventing rotation between520and503. When the motor is rotated in the opposite direction,505is pushed down automatically by520, causing it to lock with512. This pushing motion occurs when the drive shaft moves in an opposite direction to the locking mechanism. Note that505is held in the same angular position as503, so it never rotates relative to503. In one direction, i.e., at one extreme of the longitudinal range as shown inFIG. 5, locking mechanism505prevents the second drive housing520from moving relative to the second drive503. In this situation, the ball522(secured in detent525) of the other cam travels in groove524as drive502rotates (based on motion from502), consequently driving the cutter blade514in a reciprocating motion1controlled by the configuration of groove524.

When located at the opposite direction at the other extreme of its longitudinal range (e.g., with the lower portion of505locked against drive512), the locking mechanism505prevents the bottom drive512from moving relative to the second drive503. In such a configuration, the ball516(held by associated detent) of the other (and now movable) second drive520causes the cutter blade514to move in a reciprocating motion (with a different cut profile than 1) that is controlled by the configuration of groove518in drive503. Because of such a configuration, two reciprocating cut profiles (e.g., linear motions) (with controlled plunge depth and/or acceleration in the longitudinal direction) can be controlled by the rotation of the input drive502and the geometry of the respective grooves524and518. The resulting linear motion produced by the selected cam and groove contribute with other factors (described supra) to the overall cut profile. While selection of a particular cam/profile can be operated manually, it is preferable to have this automatic, based on the direction the motor turns. Then the surgeon does not have to adjust anything by hand. Furthermore, this overcomes the limitations of previous manual designs.

FIG. 6is a photograph of a working prototype of a vitrectomy cutter device600in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, cutter600includes drive housing612connected to cutter tip602, which includes a proximal end602B (adjacent drive612) and a distal end602A. Distal end602A is useable for cutting vitreous, e.g., as through one or more ports in a housing (e.g., port306ofFIG. 3). A second drive620is located at the opposing end of the prototype and in configured to be driven by a drive603.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, between drive612and620is a two-piece locking mechanism having parts605A and605B and bias spring607. Similar to locking mechanism505ofFIG. 5, the pieces of locking mechanism (605A and605B) can be positioned at the extremes of longitudinal range along the axis of the cutter600to provide one of two different reciprocating cutting motions for cutting tip602A. For the drive shown, the locking mechanism,605B, locks with612in one direction and lets620drive, and in the opposite direction,605A locks with620, allowing612to drive.

FIG. 7is a table depicting two exemplary configurations of cutting tips according to the present disclosure. As an example, and not for limitation of the present disclosure, a cutting tip can have a thin horizontal slit702A, e.g., that is 0.004″ wide by 0.0145″ deep, may be used for various procedures such as (but not limited to) membrane removal, shaving vitreous base, and operating on a detached retina. In the second configuration, a grater tip702B is depicted, e.g., perforated with 0.008″ diameter holes. This grater can be used, for example, for shaving a retina, working close to a detached retina, and possibly for membrane removal.

FIG. 8includesFIGS. 8A-8B, which show a cutter800operating over different selectable stroke ranges, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 8A, cutter800includes a cutting tip802with a distal end802A and a proximal end802B. Inside of the cutting tip is a cutting blade tip806that moves in a reciprocating motion over a selectable stroke A. The cutting blade tip806can cut tissue introduced through ports804and/or808. The stroke A may be controlled by a cam in a drive mechanism, e.g., as shown and described forFIGS. 4-5. Views (1)-(7) depict the cutter operating over stroke A such that the active port area of the cutter is essentially limited to the holes808.

With reference toFIG. 8B, the cutter800is depicted as operating over a larger selectable stroke B. Views (1)-(9) shown the cutter806reciprocating over stroke B. The active port area, in contrast withFIG. 8A, includes not only holes808but also major port804. Such a dual stroke range capability can be provided by a two-cam driver according to the present disclosure, e.g., as shown and described forFIGS. 5A-5E.

It should be understood that in terms of the cut profile, embodiments of the present disclosure can have the ability to move two or more times per revolution on one of the strokes. This would allow the motor to drive in one direction at one speed, and in the other direction at two times the speed. This can be important with a motor drive, because motors have a limited speed range, and embodiments can accordingly double the available speed range of the motor. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have a reduced length stroke that is operated two times per revolution and a large stroke that is operated one time per revolution.

While certain embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the methods, systems, and apparatus of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof.

For example, the tip of the biological tissue cutting handpiece can be modified, e.g., to allow proportional actuation (for a proportional handpiece). Unlike prior art designs, this would be actuated quickly, eliminating the time delay associated with the old versions in the prior art. This is a possible enhancement to the drive mechanism. In exemplary embodiments, forceps could be attached to the tip. The control could be a proportional foot pedal control, or the like.

Accordingly, the embodiments described herein, and as claimed in the attached claims, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the present disclosure and not restrictive.