Capsular Sweeper Head Fluid-Powered Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing the ocular capsular space after cataract removal are inadequate, leading to potential complications such as reduced vision, lens implant tilt, and capsule opacification due to residual debris and fibrosis.
Innovation Solution
A capsular space clearing apparatus with a rotatable sweeper head powered by a flow-to-rotary converter, which is inserted through a capsular incision to sweep and clear debris from the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens capsule using irrigation and aspiration fluid flow, facilitating thorough cleaning without traumatizing the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional irrigation and aspiration methods are used to clear the capsular space, then the procedure is simple and quick, but debris and lens remnants remain causing complications such as capsule opacification and fibrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sweeping, irrigation, and aspiration) into a single integrated apparatus. The sweeper head is rotatably connected to the body that contains both irrigation and aspiration flow paths, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of all functions through one device inserted through the capsular incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs multiple functions: the sweeper head sweeps debris from capsular surfaces, the irrigation system delivers fluid to flush debris, and the aspiration system removes debris and fluid. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate instruments with one universal device.
2Reliability
If a sweeper head is added to improve clearing effectiveness, then debris removal is enhanced, but the risk of traumatizing delicate capsular tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper head features a specifically designed surface with local quality characteristics - a smooth, rounded contour that is gentle on tissue. The sweeping surface is designed to glide along the delicate capsular surfaces without sharp edges or rough features that could cause trauma, while still effectively removing debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system provides beforehand cushioning by delivering fluid to the capsular space before and during sweeping. This fluid cushion protects the delicate tissue from direct mechanical contact forces and helps lift debris away from the sweeper surface, reducing the risk of trauma while maintaining effective debris removal.
3Productivity
If separate irrigation and aspiration instruments are used, then each function is simple, but the procedure time increases and clearing completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation and aspiration functions are merged into a single integrated body with separate flow paths. Both functions operate simultaneously through one instrument, doubling the productivity of debris removal compared to sequential use of separate instruments, while the unified design keeps overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables continuous useful action by maintaining both irrigation and aspiration flows simultaneously. The irrigation fluid continuously flushes debris toward the aspiration inlet while aspiration continuously removes debris and fluid, creating an uninterrupted clearing action that maximizes productivity throughout the procedure.
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 apparatus effectively clears debris from the capsular space, reducing complications and improving post-operative outcomes by ensuring a clean environment for the lens implant, thereby minimizing risks like capsule opacification and fibrosis.
Implementation Method 1
The sweeper head is rotatably connected with the body by a flow-to-rotary converter, such as a turbine. The flow-to-rotary converter converts fluid flow motion through the body into rotational power for the sweeper head.
Implementation Method 2
The body includes apertures and flow paths for irrigating and aspirating the capsular space. The fluid flow may include fluid flow from the body into the capsular space during irrigation
Implementation Method 3
The fluid flow may include flow from the capsular space into the body during aspiration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and use thereof for clearing a capsular space following removal of a cataract or other ophthalmologic procedure. The apparatus includes a body having an irrigation outlet, an aspiration inlet, and a sweeper head rotatably connected with the body for extending a portion of the body including the irrigation outlet, the aspiration inlet, and the sweeper head into the capsular space. The sweeper head is connected with the body by a flow-to-rotary converter located in a cavity within the body for powering the sweeper head with fluid flow while irrigating the capsular space, aspirating the capsular space, or both. Sweeping a surface of the lens capsule while irrigating facilitates clearing remnants and other material from the capsular space following removal of cataracts or another ophthalmologic procedure.