Accommodating IOL Delivery Through Small Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) delivery systems are not optimally suited for accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) due to their different structural and behavioral characteristics, often requiring larger incisions and posing risks of damage during delivery.
Innovation Solution
A syringe-like mechanism with a plunger and thin film that surrounds the AIOL, using a metallic wire or plastic filament to melt or sever the film, allowing controlled delivery through a small incision, and a compartmentalization process to segment the lens for safe deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional syringe-like delivery systems are used for AIOLs, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the AIOL may be damaged during delivery due to incompatible force application
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant intermediary layer is introduced between the plunger and the AIOL. This intermediary layer is configured to distribute the pushing force from the plunger across multiple haptic structures of the AIOL, preventing concentration of force on single points that could cause damage. The intermediary acts as a mediator that translates the simple plunger motion into safe, distributed force application suitable for the delicate AIOL structure.
2Reliability
If force is directly applied to the AIOL by a plunger, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the AIOL may deform or compress excessively due to its soft liquid-filled structure
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant intermediary layer serves as a buffer between the rigid plunger and the soft AIOL. It distributes the mechanical force from the plunger across the AIOL's haptic structures, preventing excessive localized compression. This intermediary layer allows the delivery system to maintain simplicity while protecting the AIOL's structural integrity during insertion.
3Ease of operation
If a larger incision is made to deliver the AIOL, then the delivery is easier, but the tissue damage and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: a compression device for compacting the AIOL, a thin film wrapper for containment, and a delivery device for insertion. This segmentation allows the AIOL to be compressed to a small profile for insertion through minimal incisions, while each component can be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall tissue trauma.
4Length of moving object
If the AIOL is compressed for small incision delivery, then the incision size is reduced, but the AIOL may be damaged during compression
Solution Approach 1:
A thin film wrapper is used to enclose the AIOL during compression and delivery. This flexible film protects the AIOL's delicate haptic structures from direct contact with compression surfaces, distributing compressive forces evenly. The film acts as a protective shell that allows compactation for small incisions while preventing damage to the AIOL's structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film wrapper serves as an intermediary protective layer between the compression device and the AIOL. During compression, the film absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the AIOL's haptic structures. This intermediary protection enables safe compression for minimally invasive delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and controlled delivery of AIOLs into the capsular bag without damaging the eye or incision site, using a small incision and minimizing tissue impact.
Implementation Method 1
voltage is applied to the metallic wire or plastic filament causing melting or severing from the thin film
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) delivery system allows for a larger IOL, such as an Accommodating Intraocular Lens and/or a fluid-filled IOL, to be delivered into the capsular bag of an eye through a small incision in the eye in a controlled manner without damaging the eye, the lens, or the incision site. The delivery systems include a syringe-like mechanism that directly or indirectly moves the IOL through a cartridge. Various mechanisms of inserting the IOL are described, including guiding the IOL into the eye's capsular bag, or conveying the IOL into the eye's capsular bag.