Microsurgical instrument

• US 20070185512A1
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Published: 08/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Novartis Ag
• Inventors: Kirchhevel, G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,187,293 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/170
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00544 pneumatically
• 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: A61B 2090/034 abutting on parts of the device itself
• 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

Abstract

A microsurgical instrument including a cutting member and a base with an actuating mechanism that provides more efficient cutting of tissue.

Claims

1. A microsurgical instrument, comprising:

a cutting member having a tubular outer cutting member with a port for receiving tissue and a tubular inner cutting member disposed within said outer cutting member; and

a base having an actuating mechanism for reciprocating actuation of said inner cutting member so that said inner cutting member opens and closes said port and cuts tissue disposed in said port, said actuating mechanism comprising;

a diaphragm chamber having a first wall portion and a second wall portion;

a rigid center support disposed in said diaphragm chamber and having a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; and

a flexible diaphragm coupled to said center support and said base;

whereby upon actuation of said inner cutting member, said first limiting surface contacts said first wall portion at an end of a cutting stroke of said inner cutting member, and said second limiting surface contacts said second wall portion at an end of a return stroke of said inner cutting member.

2. The microsurgical instrument of claim 1 wherein said first limiting surface contacts said first wall portion when said inner cutting member closes said port.

3. The microsurgical instrument of claim 2 wherein said second limiting surface contacts said second wall portion when said port is in a fully open position.

4. The microsurgical instrument of claim 1 wherein said instrument is a vitrectomy probe.