Small gauge surgical instrument with support device

[0001] This invention relates to small gauge instruments typically used for surgical procedures such as surgery of the eye. Specifically, this invention relates to small gauge surgical instruments for use in vitreous surgery.

[0002] Vitreous surgery was first performed in 1971, and involves the removal of the vitreous gel from the posterior aspect of the eye for treatment of a variety of disease states, including vitreous hemorrhage, macular disorders, retinal detachment, and many others. One common procedure involves the use of 3 incisions peripheral to the cornea to access the vitreous cavity. One port is used for infusion, one for illumination, and the third for suction/cutting instruments, as well as picks, scissors, forceps and others.

[0003] As the surgical approaches have evolved, smaller incisions are being used. The most common incision size currently is 20 gauge (1.0 mm diameter), but newer instruments as small as 25 gauge (0.49 mm diameter) are being introduced, and smaller instruments are likely in the future. The advantages of smaller incisions are multiple, including lessened trauma, faster healing, faster wound management (no sutures), and greater patient comfort.

[0004] Problems exist with the smaller instruments, however. The small diameter of the instruments makes them quite flexible, which is a disadvantage for the surgeon. With larger diameter instruments, there is very little play, so the tips of the instruments go exactly where the surgeon desires that they go. With the smaller diameter instruments, the tips can move from their intended positions due to the bending or flexing of the fine wire-like instruments, which makes the surgeon feel a loss of control.

[0005] Bending or flexing of the small instruments is of particular concern during removal of peripheral vitreous, when the eye must be turned to allow viewing by the surgeon. Turning of the eye is accomplished by moving the instrument relative to the patient's head while a portion of the instrument remains inserted within a portion of the eye. Because the amount of flexing of the instrument is relatively large and unpredictable to the surgeon, precise repositioning of the eye becomes more difficult.

[0006] What is needed is an instrument design that accommodates increasingly small diameters, and still provides precise control without unwanted flexing.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a variation of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, or logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an instrument 100 including a small diameter instrument portion 110, and a support device portion 120. The small diameter instrument portion 110 includes a distal end 112 and a proximal end 114. In one embodiment, the small diameter instrument portion 110 includes a hollow tube. Other embodiments include, but are not limited to small diameter instrument portions such as fiber optic probes, laser guides, suction/cutting tools, forceps, scissors, etc. The small diameter instrument portion 110 shown in the Figures is drawn without specific detail of the selected instrument, however, one of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that several small diameter instruments are possible. The small diameter instrument portion 110 and the support device portion 120 are adjustable relative to each other, allowing the surgeon to selectively provide support at different locations along a length of the small diameter instrument portion 110.

[0011] In one embodiment, a support device portion 120 of adequate stiffness is positioned along the shaft of the small diameter instrument portion 110 (25 gauge or the like). The support device portion 120 stabilizes the instrument so the surgeon using it has a greater sense of security regarding the position of the tip inside the eye. The support device portion 120 is adjustable so that the full length of the small diameter instrument portion 110 can be selectively inserted into the eye for posterior work. Posterior work typically requires minimal twisting motion by the surgeon, therefore a lower need for stabilization. Although a 25 gauge device is used as an example, the invention is not so limited. One of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that any instrument of a smaller or larger diameter than a 25 gauge instrument will benefit from increased support depending on the forces and tolerances within a given procedure.

[0012] For peripheral vitrectomy the support device portion 120 could be moved down the shaft of the small diameter instrument portion 110 to provide increased support. With the support device portion 120 moved closer to the distal end 112, less play would be present at the distal end 112 of the small diameter instrument portion 110 when the eye is twisted and turned by the surgeon.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support device portion 120 design includes a 20 gauge cylinder 124 of a strong material such as stainless steel, to go around the small diameter instrument portion 110 (25 gauge or so). The cylinder 124 is attached to a strong shaft 122 that runs parallel to the small diameter instrument portion 110, and sits in a track 132 embedded in a handpiece 130. Although a single shaft 122 is shown, multiple shaft 122 embodiments are also within the scope of the invention. The handpiece 130 is directly attached to the small diameter instrument portion 110. The shaft 122 is of such a length that an amount of travel along the small diameter instrument portion 110 is available (for example, 10-15 mm). The amount of travel is selectable by the surgeon. A knob or other control device 126 is attached to the shaft 122, and the position of the cylinder 124 (i.e. how far down the shaft of the fine instrument it rests) is controlled by the surgeon.

[0014] In one embodiment, a number of stops lock the strut 122 in position at preset lengths, giving the surgeon varying levels of control over the flex of the small diameter instrument portion 110, while concurrently allowing the small diameter instrument portion 110 to enter the eye to various lengths, depending on the strut position. In one embodiment a clutch or set screw locks the strut 122 in position relative to the small diameter instrument portion 110.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an instrument 200. In FIG. 2, a fine instrument portion 210 is the adjustable portion relative to the handpiece 230, and the support device portion 220 is fixed relative to the handpiece 230. In one embodiment, the fine instrument portion 210 is made to move within a 20 gauge or similar cylinder. Similar to embodiments described above, the fine instrument portion 210, in selected embodiments is controlled with a knob, or other control 214 within a channel 232, moved as desired by the surgeon.

[0016] Thus has been shown, a support device which diminishes the play in very small and flexible instruments, such as instruments for vitreous surgery. Embodiment described above include designs where characteristics such as stiffness can be adjusted by the surgeon. Embodiments described above also include adjustments so access is possible to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown above provide features to make surgical procedures safer. Embodiments described above also increase the variety of cases for which small, more flexible instruments can be used. Although vitreous surgery is discussed above as an example procedure, embodiments of the invention described above and in the following claims are not so limited. Other surgical procedures will also benefit from the advantages that these device configurations provide.

[0017] While a number of advantages of embodiments described herein are listed above, the list is not exhaustive. Other advantages of embodiments described above will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, having read the present disclosure. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.