Capsular Retainer for Lens Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aging weakens the zonules, making it difficult to center the lens capsule during cataract surgery, as they are less reliable in maintaining the capsule's position, and surgical procedures can inadvertently damage these weak zonules.

Innovation Solution

A small, tubular instrument with a resilient strand that forms a loop or arcuate end to engage the lens capsule's equator, providing centering and support without disturbing the zonules, using a combination of a rigid stainless steel cannula and heat-formed surgical plastic suture to ensure stability and gentle pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the zonules are used to center the lens capsule, then the capsule can be supported and centered in the posterior chamber, but the weak or brittle zonules may be damaged by unnatural stresses during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule centering reliabilityVSAvoidzonule damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capsular retainer instrument as an intermediary device between the surgeon's manipulation and the lens capsule. This retainer directly supports and centers the capsule without relying on the weak zonules, thereby mediating the centering function while protecting the zonules from damaging stresses during surgical manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the centering function from the zonules by introducing a distinct capsular retainer instrument. This segmentation allows the capsule to be centered and supported by a dedicated device rather than relying on the zonules, thus protecting the zonules while achieving reliable capsule positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lens capsule is not centered during surgery, then the lens replacement becomes more difficult, but using traditional methods may damage weak zonules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens replacement easeVSAvoidzonule stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the capsular retainer instrument to preliminarily center and stabilize the lens capsule before lens extraction and implantation procedures. By establishing proper capsule positioning in advance, the subsequent lens replacement operations become easier while the retainer continues to protect the zonules from excessive manipulation stresses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The instrument effectively centers and stabilizes the lens capsule, reducing the risk of unnatural stresses on weak zonules and facilitating safer cataract surgery by providing additional support without damaging the zonules.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient strand extends from the distal part. The strand can form a resilient hook and/or it can have an arcuate free end to engage tissue such as the interior of a capsular bag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10085882B2Ocular lens capsule retainer

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 MICROSURGICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A thin resilient strand, such as medical suture material, extends from a stiffer shank. The strand can form a resilient hook and/or it can have an arcuate free end to engage tissue such as the interior of a capsular bag at approximately its equator during ophthalmic surgery.