Capsularhexis Device Angled Transitional Neck Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical devices for capsularhexis lack optimal geometry for performing posterior capsularhexis, leading to complications such as radial tears, vitreous leakage, and increased risk of retinal detachment or infection, and existing devices are not well-suited for creating a smooth, continuous cut in the capsule.
Innovation Solution
A capsularhexis device featuring a resistive-heating element with a superelastic wire loop and insulating portion, allowing for controlled expansion and retraction, which can be used for both anterior and posterior capsulotomy, with a transitional neck design that minimizes gap size for precise cutting and reduced collateral thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a prior art capsularhexis device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot create a smooth continuous cut in the capsule leading to radial tears and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into multiple discrete heating segments arranged in a circular pattern. Each segment can be independently controlled, allowing precise thermal application to create a smooth continuous cut through sequential activation of segments around the capsule circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic control of the heating elements with adjustable power delivery and timing. The system can dynamically activate heating segments in sequence and control the duration and intensity of heating to optimize cut quality and prevent radial tears.
2Productivity
If numerous small capsular tears are created, then the capsularhexis can be completed, but small tags remain that lead to radial capsular tears extending into the posterior capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are activated in a continuous sequential manner around the capsule, maintaining constant thermal application to progress smoothly through the capsular tissue. This continuous action prevents formation of discrete tear tags by ensuring uninterrupted cutting action throughout the capsulotomy circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters including power level, pulse duration, and segment activation timing to optimize tissue cutting. By controlling the thermal parameters, the device achieves clean capsular separation without creating protruding tags that could lead to radial tears.
3Productivity
If the posterior capsule is punctured, then the capsularhexis procedure can be completed, but vitreous gains access to the anterior chamber leading to retinal detachment and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides controlled and uniform heating across the capsular tissue before complete penetration occurs. This preemptive controlled cutting prevents sudden capsule failure or puncture that could allow vitreous herniation. The gradual thermal cutting action cushions against abrupt structural failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical cutting forces with controlled thermal energy application. By using resistive heating elements to thermally ablate and separate capsular tissue, the device eliminates mechanical stress concentrations that could cause unpredictable capsule puncture or vitreous leakage.
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 device enables a smooth, continuous cut in the capsule with reduced risk of radial tears and vitreous leakage, facilitating safer cataract removal and intraocular lens placement by providing precise control over the cutting process and minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
a capsularhexis device with a resistive-heating element comprising an electrically resistive, superelastic wire forming a loop
Implementation Method 2
an electrically resistive, superelastic wire forming a loop with a gap between first and second ends of the superelastic wire
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1f
AI summary
Various embodiments of a capsularhexis device include a resistive-heating element comprising an electrically resistive, superelastic wire forming a loop between first and second ends of the superelastic wire. The loop may be retracted into a collapsed, retracted position or ejected into an expanded position. The first and second ends of the loop may at least partially extend at an angle from a planar face defined by the loop, to the insulating portion, to form a transitional neck between the loop and the insulating portion. The transitional neck may have a gap between the first and second ends at the insulating portion that is wider than a gap between the first and second ends on the opposing side of the transitional neck. The gap in the loop of superelastic wire may be sufficiently small to allow the loop to form a continuous cut in a capsule of an eye.