Capsular Tension Ring With Fluid Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsular tension rings are inflexible, making them difficult to implant and remove, and they often require large incisions, which can lead to capsular bag shrinkage or collapse after cataract surgery.

Innovation Solution

A capsular tension ring with two fluid-filled chambers and a V-shaped groove to securely hold an intraocular lens, allowing for flexibility during implantation and removal, made from biocompatible materials like HEMA/MMA, silicone, or hydrogel, enabling stabilization and destabilization for easy insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid capsular tension ring is used, then the capsular bag is supported and shrinkage is prevented, but the ring requires large incisions for implantation and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidimplantation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capsular tension ring transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure through fluid-filled chambers. The ring can be collapsed by releasing fluid to facilitate easy implantation through small incisions, then stabilized by filling the chambers to provide capsular support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the capsular tension ring is changed by adjusting the fluid pressure in the chambers. By varying the pressure parameter, the ring can switch between a collapsed flexible state for implantation and an expanded rigid state for providing capsular support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If an inflexible capsular tension ring is used, then structural support is provided, but removal requires large incisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ring's flexibility is dynamically controlled through fluid management. For removal, the fluid is released from the chambers, transforming the ring from a stable rigid structure to a flexible configuration that can be easily extracted through small incisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidity parameter of the capsular tension ring is changed by draining the fluid from the chambers. This parameter change allows the ring to transition from a stable implanted state to a removable flexible state without requiring large incisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a rigid intraocular lens holder is used, then the lens is securely fixed, but implantation and removal become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens fixation reliabilityVSAvoidimplantation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens holder's grip on the intraocular lens is made dynamic through fluid pressure control. During implantation, the holder is collapsed to allow easy insertion, then fluid is pressurized to expand the holder and securely fix the lens in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation strength of the lens holder is adjusted by changing the fluid pressure parameter. Low pressure allows easy implantation, while high pressure provides reliable lens fixation, and pressure reduction enables easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ring effectively prevents capsular bag shrinkage, securely fixes the intraocular lens, and facilitates easy implantation and removal with minimal incision size, improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

The two chambers can be used to stabilize the capsular tension ring only after it has been implanted. Correspondingly, the chambers can also be used to destabilize an already implanted capsular tension ring in order to facilitate removal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3297574B1Capsule tensioning ring
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 FEUSI MARCO
  • EP3297574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3297574B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a capsule tensioning ring (10) for implantation into the capsular bag of an eye, said capsule tensioning ring (10) having two chambers (12, 14), each running along a circumferential direction of the capsule tensioning ring (10). Each chamber (12, 14) is designed to accommodate a fluid and the capsule tensioning ring (10) has a groove (16) that runs along the circumferential direction in order to thereby hold an intraocular lens (18) in place.