Vitrectomy probe with magnetically driven cutter

Abstract

A vitrectomy probe includes a probe body and a needle portion projecting from the probe body. The needle portion includes a tube which extends at least partially in the needle portion and at least partially in the probe body. A cutter is positioned inside the tube in the needle portion. The cutter is at least partially composed of a permanently magnetic material. A field-creation unit is adapted to create an induced magnetic field, with the cutter being movable between a first position and a second position based in part on the induced magnetic field. The tube may be at least partially composed of a temporarily magnetic material. In one embodiment, the field-creation unit includes a driving magnet positioned in the probe body and adapted to selectively magnetize the tube.

CPC Classifications