Segmented Capsular Ring for IOL Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in ophthalmology is to maintain the integrity of the capsular bag during intraocular lens implantation, as it tends to tear or collapse after the natural lens is removed, especially due to the large incision required, which hampers effective accommodation and positioning of the IOL.
Innovation Solution
A capsular ring composed of interconnected ringlets is designed to be inserted through an incision and hold the capsular bag open, allowing an intraocular lens to be properly positioned and accommodated, utilizing the natural accommodative forces of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large incision is made to remove the natural lens, then the lens material can be effectively removed, but the capsular bag becomes weakened and prone to tearing or collapsing
Solution Approach 1:
The capsular ring is divided into multiple individual ringlets that can be independently inserted and positioned. Each ringlet acts as a separate structural support element, distributing the mechanical load across multiple points rather than relying on a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows the ring to provide reinforcement while being insertable through a relatively small incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsular ring is inserted and positioned in the capsular bag before the intraocular lens implantation is completed. This preliminary placement establishes the structural support framework in advance, preventing capsular bag collapse during subsequent manipulation and IOL insertion, thereby maintaining bag integrity throughout the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the capsular bag is left intact after lens removal, then it can provide natural accommodation, but the bag tends to collapse and cannot maintain proper shape for IOL positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The capsular ring provides localized structural support at the equatorial region of the capsular bag where the zonular fibers attach. By reinforcing this specific area, the ring maintains the overall spherical shape of the capsular bag necessary for proper IOL positioning and accommodation, without restricting the dynamic shape changes needed for accommodation in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsular ring combines biological compatibility (for integration with eye tissues) with mechanical strength (to maintain capsular bag shape). The ring's material properties are designed to provide structural support while allowing the capsular bag to maintain its natural compliance and accommodation function.
3Shape
If a rigid ring structure is used to hold the capsular bag open, then the bag shape is maintained, but the structure cannot be inserted through a small incision
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring structure is divided into multiple separate ringlets that can be individually compressed and inserted through a relatively small incision. Once inside the capsular bag, the ringlets self-assemble or are positioned to form the complete circular support structure, providing the necessary shape maintenance without requiring a large incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsular ring system transitions from a compressed, insertable state to an expanded, supportive state. The ringlets are designed to be flexible during insertion but provide rigid support once positioned, adapting their mechanical properties to the different operational phases of implantation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a plurality of ringlets connected together to form a ring having a longitudinal axis. Each ringlet includes a first element and a second element. The first and second elements each extend from a first end through a central portion to a second end. The first and second ends are disposed at radially outer positions with respect to the ring than the central portion. The central portion is longitudinally displaced from the first and second ends. The first and second elements are separated and spaced apart from each other at the central portions thereof and are joined together at the first ends thereof and the second ends thereof. The ringlets are connected together such that the first ends of the elements of one ringlet are connected to the second ends of the elements of an adjacent ringlet.