Automated Capsulotomy With Iterative Image-Guided Posterior Capsule Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capsulotomy procedures require extensive training, leading to a shortage of qualified specialists and inefficiencies in performing posterior capsulotomies.

Innovation Solution

An automated capsulotomy system using a radiation source, camera, and controller that iteratively forms an opening in the posterior capsule by irradiating multiple target regions based on image processing, allowing less-trained physicians to perform the procedure efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional manual capsulotomy procedures are performed by specialists, then precision and safety are improved, but the complexity of operation and training requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsulotomy precisionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical capsulotomy with an automated laser system that uses image processing and radiation sources to perform the procedure. The system automatically designates target regions and irradiates the capsule without requiring manual surgical manipulation, thereby maintaining precision while significantly reducing operational complexity and training requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-guided operation through automated image processing and target region designation. The controller automatically processes images, identifies the capsule structure, designates target regions, and controls laser irradiation without continuous human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the critical decision-making aspects of the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual capsulotomy is performed by hand-held apparatus, then flexibility is maintained, but variability between doctors and patients increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural flexibilityVSAvoidprocedure consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time image processing feedback loops that continuously monitor the capsule structure and adjust target region designation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent application of the procedure across different patients while maintaining adaptability to individual anatomical variations through automated image analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts procedural parameters such as laser energy, pulse duration, and target region coordinates based on real-time image analysis of each patient's specific anatomy. This parameter optimization maintains procedural flexibility for different patients while ensuring consistent, standardized treatment delivery through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If iterative image-based target designation is used, then precision and radiation efficiency are improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget region precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual targeting procedures with automated image processing algorithms and computer-controlled laser delivery. The system uses software-based target region designation that automatically analyzes images and calculates precise irradiation coordinates, reducing the need for complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates efficient expansion of the opening in the posterior capsule by optimizing target region designation, enabling less-trained physicians to perform capsulotomies with improved precision and reduced radiation use.

Implementation Method 1

causing the radiation source to irradiate the designated target region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

form an opening in the capsule by irradiating multiple target regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodisruption: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12396886B2Automated capsulotomy

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 BELKIN VISION LTD

AI summary

A system (20) includes a radiation source (48) and a controller (44). The controller is configured to define a treatment zone (88) on a capsule (86) of an eye (25) of a subject (22), and to form an opening (96) in the capsule, subsequently to defining the treatment zone, by irradiating multiple target regions (94) within the treatment zone in an iterative process that includes, during each one of multiple iterations of the process, acquiring an image (98) of at least part of the capsule, designating one of the target regions based on the acquired image, and causing the radiation source to irradiate the designated target region. Other embodiments are also described.