Disposable vitrectomy handpiece

Abstract

Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage the oscillating drive mechanism and the oscillating drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the clutch to the reciprocating motion of the cutting tip. When the motor is at rest, the clutch retracts to allow aspiration.

1 . A vitreous cutter comprising:
 a motor configured to provide rotary motion;   a handle;   a cutter tip;   an aspiration line; and   a clutch mechanism coupled to the motor and the cutter tip, the clutch mechanism configured to expand for engaging the cutter tip when the motor is activated, and retract for aspiration through the aspiration line when the motor is at rest.   
   
   
       2 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , wherein the clutch mechanism comprises a component including a groove. 
   
   
       3 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 2 , wherein the groove is a sinusoidal groove. 
   
   
       4 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , wherein the motor is a disposable motor. 
   
   
       5 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , wherein the cutter tip is integrated into the handle. 
   
   
       6 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , wherein the aspiration line is routed through the handle. 
   
   
       7 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 6 , wherein the aspiration line is routed around the motor. 
   
   
       8 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for sensing a speed of the cutter tip. 
   
   
       9 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 8 , wherein the means for sensing the speed of the cutter tip comprises a sensor and a magnet. 
   
   
       10 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for detecting motor failure by monitoring high current draw. 
   
   
       11 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , further comprising an oscillating drive mechanism configured to convert the rotary motion of the motor to oscillatory linear motion. 
   
   
       12 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for reducing vibration in the handle. 
   
   
       13 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 12 , wherein the means for reducing vibration in the handle comprises a rubber or foam tube surrounding the motor, wherein the tube is compressed against the motor by the handle. 
   
   
       14 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 12 , wherein the means for reducing vibration in the handle comprises a compressed silicone tubing surrounding the motor. 
   
   
       15 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for preventing heat transfer from the motor to the handle. 
   
   
       16 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 15 , wherein the means for preventing heat transfer from the motor to the handle comprises an insulating material surrounding the motor. 
   
   
       17 . A vitreous cutter comprising:
 a motor configured to provide rotary motion;   a handle;   a cutter tip;   an aspiration line; and   a clutch mechanism coupled to the motor and the cutter tip, the clutch mechanism configured to expand for engaging the cutter tip when the motor is activated, and retract for aspiration through the aspiration line when the motor is at rest, the clutch mechanism comprising first and second components rotatable relative to each other.   
   
   
       18 . The vitreous cutter according to  claim 17 , wherein the clutch further comprises a ball riding in a groove in the first component, the second component maintaining the ball in the groove of the first component.