Systems and methods for pressure-driven tool actuation

• US 10,646,375 B2
• Filed: 01/04/2018
• Issued: 05/12/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Inventors: Charles, Steven T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Simpson, Sarah A
• Application Number:
  US15/862,192
• Publication Number:
  US 20180193192A1
• Time in Patent Office: 859 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3201 Scissors for biopsy A61B10/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00225 Systems for controlling multiple different instruments, e.g. microsurgical systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00539 hydraulically
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2918 flexible handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/305 Tweezer like handles with tubular extensions, inner slidable actuating members and distal tools, e.g. microsurgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00736 Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments A61F9/008 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00763 with rotating or reciprocating cutting elements, e.g. concentric cutting needles atherectomy cutting instruments A61B17/3207; endoscopic cutting instruments A61B17/320016
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 16/2006 with direct action of electric energy on controlling means combination of electric and non-electric auxiliary G05D16/2093

Abstract

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for pressure-driven micro-surgical tool actuation. The systems and methods may encompass the use of a remote handle held by a first hand of a user as well as a surgical tool located in the eye of a patient. A primary actuator may be included in remote handle and operable to be actuated by a mechanical force exerted on the handle. Actuating the primary actuator pressurizes a fluid within a length of tubing. The pressurized fluid may be transmitted to a dynamic tool held by a second hand of the user, where the pressurized fluid may be used to actuate a subordinate actuator. Actuation of the subordinate actuator may actuate a dynamic component of the dynamic tool.

Claims

1. A system for pressure-driven tool actuation comprising:

a remote handle operable to be held by a first hand of a user and comprising;

a first end operable to be inserted in an eye; and

a primary actuator operable to be actuated by a mechanical force exerted on the remote handle;

a length of tubing comprising a fluid and connected to the remote handle such that the primary actuator is operable to apply pressure to the fluid in the length of tubing when the primary actuator is actuated, the fluid in the length of tubing operable to transmit the pressure through the fluid; and

a dynamic tool operable to be held by a second hand of the user and comprising;

a dynamic component operable to be inserted in the eye; and

a subordinate actuator connected to the length of tubing such that pressure transmitted through the fluid actuates the subordinate actuator, the subordinate actuator operable to actuate the dynamic component in the eye.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary actuator comprises a plurality of actuation levers situated around a circumference of the remote handle to define a semi-circular bearing surface, and wherein the mechanical force exerted on the remote handle is a radial force about the circumference that acts upon at least a portion of the plurality of actuation levers.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote handle comprises two semi-circular shaped elongated housing parts surrounding a push-pull rod mechanism, and wherein the mechanical force exerted on the remote handle is a radial force exerted about a circumference of the remote handle on the semi-circular shaped elongated housing parts.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote handle comprises a lever operable to apply pressure to an internal spring, which is operable to apply pressure to the fluid in the length of tubing, and wherein the mechanical force exerted on the remote handle is pressure on the lever.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary actuator comprises a pin and return spring actuator, a piston and cylinder actuator, a reciprocating piston actuator, a push-pull rod actuator, a diaphragm actuator, or a bellows actuator.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the remote handle comprises a static surgical tool.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first end of the remote handle comprises an endoilluminator.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the remote handle comprises moving parts that are not actuated by the primary actuator or the subordinate actuator.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the length of tubing is less than one meter long.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises air.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a liquid.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the subordinate actuator comprises a pin and return spring actuator, a piston and cylinder actuator, a reciprocating piston actuator, a push-pull rod actuator, a diaphragm actuator, or a bellows actuator.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic tool further comprises a sliding sleeve and wherein actuation of the subordinate actuator causes the sliding sleeve to slide over at least a portion of the dynamic component to cause actuation thereof.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the subordinate actuator further comprises a push-pull mechanism that includes a sliding ring, wherein actuation of the subordinate actuator displaces the sliding ring.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic component comprises scissors.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic component comprises forceps.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic component comprises shears.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic component is removable.