DE102022204957A1 - Hand-held ophthalmological device and method for adjusting a hand-held ophthalmological device - Google Patents

Abstract

An ophthalmological hand-held device, in particular vitrector, tube-guided forceps, tube-guided scissors, etc., with a handle and a, in particular tubular, active part connected to the handle, is characterized in that the active part at its end assigned to the handle is supported in the longitudinal direction of the active part movable sleeve is at least partially surrounded. Furthermore, a method for adjusting an ophthalmological handheld device is described.

Description

The invention relates to an ophthalmological hand-held device, in particular a vitrector, tube-guided forceps, tube-guided scissors, etc., with a handle and an, in particular tubular, active part connected to the handle.

The invention further relates to a method for adjusting an ophthalmological handheld device.

Basically, this is a hand-held ophthalmological device that has an active part that is inserted into the eye to manipulate tissue in the broadest sense. This can be, for example, a tube-guided forceps, a tube-guided scissors, a vitrector or any other instrument.

For example, a vitrector is used to remove tissue from the eye. With the vitrector or its active part, the tissue in the eye can be cut and suctioned out of the eye. Specifically, as part of a vitrectomy, the vitrector is used to destroy or crush the vitreous body in the eye and remove/suction it out of the eye. This instrument can also be used to remove blood, blood clots and connective tissue-like changes as well as areas of the retina as part of a retinal peeling.

As an example of the state of the art, refer to: DE 10 2010 050 337 A1 referred. A generic device is known from this publication, in which both an outer tube and an inner tube each have two lateral recesses with a double cutting function. Similar devices are from the US 5,474,532 and US 5,106,364 known.

What is typical for the known vitrectors is that there must be extremely little play between the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube, so that the respective cutting edges work together in an ideal manner. The tissue should be cut by the interaction of the cutting edges and not crushed or sheared off. The aim is to achieve ideal interaction between the cutting edges with the lowest possible play.

The devices in question here for use in eye surgery require the smallest dimensions. For example, there are vitrectors in which the inner tube has a wall thickness of four hundredths of a millimeter. The outer tube has an outside diameter in the range of 0.5 to 0.9 mm and an inside diameter of 0.35 to 0.37 mm. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the inner tube must be adapted to the inner diameter of the outer tube with the least possible play.

The ophthalmological hand-held devices known from the prior art, for example vitrectors, are offered in different diameters (gauges) so that the surgeon can select the appropriate hand-held device depending on the procedure to be carried out and his or her own preferences. However, the disadvantage is that the user is not given any further setting options to adapt the properties of the vitrector.

The problem with other ophthalmological instruments is that they cannot be adjusted to the size of the eye or the location where the procedure is to be carried out.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing an ophthalmological hand-held device in such a way that further settings of the properties of the hand-held device are possible using structurally simple means. Furthermore, a method for adjusting an ophthalmological handheld device is to be specified.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved in relation to the hand-held ophthalmological device by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, an ophthalmological hand-held device, in particular vitrector, tube-guided forceps, tube-guided scissors, etc., with a handle and an, in particular tubular, active part connected to the handle, characterized in that the active part is at its end assigned to the handle of a longitudinal direction the active part movable sleeve is at least partially surrounded.

With regard to the method, the above task is solved by the features of the independent claim 11. This provides a method for adjusting an ophthalmological handheld device, in particular an ophthalmological handheld device according to one of claims 1 to 10, preferably a vitrector, wherein an active part is at least partially surrounded at its end assigned to the handle by a sleeve which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the active part is and wherein the sleeve is moved in the longitudinal direction such that the area of the active part protruding from the sleeve has the desired length.

In accordance with the invention, it has been recognized that the adjustability of an ophthalmological handheld device can be improved in a surprisingly simple manner by adding the handle assigned end of the active part is surrounded by a sleeve which is movable in the longitudinal direction, ie along the direction of extension of the active part. This makes it easy to adjust the length of the area of the active part that protrudes from the sleeve. The user or surgeon is thus able to adjust the effectively usable length of the active part.

Advantageously, the hand-held ophthalmological device can be a vitrector. The active part can be used for cutting and suctioning tissue from the human or animal eye and has an outer tube and an inner tube arranged in the outer tube, the inner tube being displaceable and/or rotatable relative to the outer tube, the inner tube and the outer tube respectively have at least one opening with at least one cutting edge and wherein the cutting edge of the inner tube interacts in a cutting manner with the cutting edge of the outer tube when the inner tube is moved and / or twisted. The surgeon can thus adjust the effective length of the outer tube. This is particularly advantageous in retinal operations, in which the cutting device formed from the outer tube and the inner tube is often completely inserted into the eye in order to reach the border area of the retina, i.e. the rear area of the eye. For example, different membranes in the retina area are removed using the vitrector. For example, in the case of short-sighted patients, the length of the cutting device required for this is greater than in patients with normal vision due to the change in the “longer” eye. By moving or displacing the sleeve, the effective length of the outer tube or the cutting device can be adjusted to the size of the eye. It is essential that the sleeve is arranged to be movable relative to the active part or the outer tube, but it is ensured that the sleeve is arranged sufficiently firmly, particularly during use of the vitrector, so that accidental movement or displacement is prevented.

It is also conceivable that the material of the sleeve, for example its hardness, is coordinated in such a way that the rigidity of the active part, for example a cutting device formed by an outer tube and an inner tube, can be changed or adjusted.

Advantageously, a fastening area can be formed on the active part, for example on an outer tube of a vitrector, and/or on the handle, on which the sleeve is movably arranged. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a fastening area is formed between the active part, in particular the outer tube of a vitrector, and the handle, on which the sleeve is arranged in a movable or displaceable manner. The fastening area serves to secure the sleeve in a positive and/or non-positive manner.

In a further advantageous manner, an external thread can be formed on the fastening area and an internal thread can be formed on the sleeve. It is therefore possible to move the sleeve relative to the active part and thus bring it into the desired position by rotating the sleeve at the fastening area. The threaded engagement between the sleeve and the fastening area can preferably be designed in such a way that unwanted twisting and thus displacement of the sleeve during use is prevented. Alternative fastening options are also conceivable, for example the inner diameter of the sleeve in the area in which the sleeve surrounds the fastening area can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the fastening area, so that a non-positive connection is created. In particular, this must enable the sleeve to be moved manually.

In order to enable repeatable and precise adjustment, a length scale can be formed on the fastening area. The user is therefore able to move the sleeve to a precisely defined position, so that the adjustability is significantly improved.

Advantageously, at least in some areas, the inside diameter of the sleeve can be smaller than or equal to the outside diameter of the active part, in particular the outer tube of a vitrector. This creates a positive fit that counteracts unwanted adjustment of the sleeve relative to the active part. Furthermore, it prevents contaminants from getting between the active part and the sleeve.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sleeve tapers conically from its end facing the handle, at least in some areas, in the direction of the free end of the active part, in particular the outer tube of a vitrector. This design measure prevents the surgeon's view from being blocked by the sleeve.

In a further advantageous manner, the outer diameter of the sleeve at its end facing the handle can at least essentially correspond to the outer diameter of the end of the handle facing the sleeve. The surface of the sleeve thus ends with the end of the handle, so that overall a compact construction is achieved.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the sleeve can be at least partially transparent. This has the advantage that the user's view is only slightly blocked. If a length scale is provided, it can be seen through the sleeve, which makes particularly precise adjustment possible.

The ophthalmological handheld device according to the invention has features that can also have a procedural expression. The method according to the invention can have these features and advantages as described in the description and the claims dependent on claim 1.

• 1 in einer schematischen Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines ophthalmologischen Handgeräts, wobei sich die Hülse in einer Position unmittelbar am Handgriff befindet,
• 2 in einer weiteren schematischen Darstellung das ophthalmologische Handgerät gemäß 1, wobei sich die Hülse in einer von dem Handgriff entfernten Position befindet,
• 3 in einer weiteren schematischen Darstellung das ophthalmologische Handgerät gemäß 1, wobei die Hülse von der Außenröhre abgenommen ist,
• 4 in einer schematischen, vergrößerten Darstellung den Befestigungsbereich des ophthalmologischen Handgeräts gemäß 1.

There are now various ways to advantageously design and develop the teaching of the present invention. On the one hand, reference should be made to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention based on the drawing, on the basis of which the method according to the invention is also explained. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the drawing

• 1 in a schematic representation an embodiment of an ophthalmological handheld device, the sleeve being in a position directly on the handle,
• 2 in a further schematic representation the ophthalmological handheld device according to 1 , with the sleeve in a position away from the handle,
• 3 in a further schematic representation the ophthalmological handheld device according to 1 , with the sleeve removed from the outer tube,
• 4 in a schematic, enlarged representation of the attachment area of the ophthalmological handheld device 1 .

The 1 until 4 show a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmological handheld device designed as a vitrector. It is expressly pointed out that this can also be a hand-held ophthalmological device other than a vitrector.

The vitrector has an active part 1, which is formed by an outer tube and an inner tube, not shown in the figures. The outer tube 1 and the inner tube are assigned to a handle 2. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that a sleeve 3 is provided, which is arranged to be movable or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 1.

In the in 1 In the position shown, the sleeve 3 is located directly on the handle 2. The outer diameter of the sleeve 3 at its end facing the handle 2 corresponds to the outer diameter of the end of the handle 2 facing the sleeve 3. The sleeve 3 and the handle 2 are therefore flush with one another .

In the in 2 In the position shown, the sleeve 3 is arranged at a distance from the handle 2. Thus, the length of the part of the outer tube 1 protruding from the sleeve 3 is compared to that in 1 positioning of the sleeve 3 shown is reduced.

In 4 the fastening area 4 is shown enlarged. This can, for example, be connected to the sleeve 3 via a frictional connection in that the outer diameter of the fastening area 4 is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of an area of the sleeve 3. It is also conceivable that an external thread is arranged on the fastening area 4 and a complementary internal thread is arranged on the sleeve 3. The longitudinal displacement of the sleeve 3 can therefore be carried out by rotating the sleeve 3.

Continues to show 4 clear that a length scale 5 is formed on the fastening area 4. This allows the sleeve 3 to be positioned precisely.

To adjust the vitrector, only the sleeve 3 is moved along the outer tube 1 until the sleeve 3 is in the desired position, so that the area of the outer tube 1 protruding from the sleeve 3 meets the requirements. This allows the effective length of the outer tube 1 or the cutting device formed by the outer tube 1 and inner tube to be adapted to the length of the eye to be operated on. In other words, the vitrector according to the invention can enable removal of tissue in the rear area of the eye, in particular on the retina or retinal membranes, with different dimensions of an eye.

If the sleeve 1 is made of a sufficiently hard material, the rigidity of the cutting device formed by the outer tube and the inner tube can also be adjusted by positioning the sleeve 1.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, in order to avoid repetitions, the general Part of the description and reference is made to the attached claims.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the teaching according to the invention described above only serve to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiments.

Reference symbol list

1

active part

2

Handle

3

sleeve

4

Fastening area

5

Length scale

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010050337 A1 [0005]
• US 5474532 [0005]
• US 5106364 [0005]

Claims (11)

Ophthalmological hand-held device, in particular vitrector, tube-guided forceps, tube-guided scissors, etc., with a handle and a, in particular tubular, active part connected to the handle, characterized in that the active part is connected at its end assigned to the handle by a longitudinal direction of the active part movable sleeve is at least partially surrounded. Ophthalmological handheld device Claim 1 , wherein the active part is used for cutting and suctioning tissue from the human or animal eye and has an outer tube and an inner tube arranged in the outer tube, the inner tube being displaceable and/or rotatable relative to the outer tube, the inner tube and the outer tube respectively have at least one opening with at least one cutting edge and wherein the cutting edge of the inner tube interacts in a cutting manner with the cutting edge of the outer tube when the inner tube is moved and / or twisted. Ophthalmological handheld device Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that on the active part, for example the outer tube of a vitrector, a fastening area is formed on which the sleeve is movably arranged, and / or that on the handle a fastening area is formed on which the sleeve is movably arranged. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that between the active part, for example the outer tube of a vitrector, and the handle, a fastening area is formed, on which the sleeve is movably arranged. Ophthalmological handheld device Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that an external thread is formed on the fastening area and that an internal thread is formed on the sleeve. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that a length scale is formed on the fastening area. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that at least in some areas the inner diameter of the sleeve is smaller or equal to the outer diameter of the active part, for example the outer tube of a vitrector. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the sleeve tapers conically from its end facing the handle at least in some areas towards the free end of the active part, for example the outer tube of a vitrector. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the outer diameter of the sleeve at its end facing the handle corresponds at least substantially to the outer diameter of the end of the handle facing the sleeve. Ophthalmological handheld device according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the sleeve is at least partially transparent. Method for adjusting an ophthalmological handheld device, in particular an ophthalmological handheld device according to one of Claims 1 until 10 , preferably a vitrector, wherein an active part is at least partially surrounded at its end assigned to the handle by a sleeve which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the active part and wherein the sleeve is moved in the longitudinal direction in such a way that the area of the active part protruding from the sleeve is the desired one Has length.

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