Capsule Expander Device Preventing Posterior Capsule Opacification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a frequent complication of cataract surgery, leading to decreased visual acuity and potentially requiring additional surgery, and current treatments like Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy pose risks of severe complications, especially for accommodating IOLs that require an intact posterior capsule for optimal function.
Innovation Solution
An implantable capsule expander device with a circumferentially tapered profile and raised rim portions is inserted into the lens capsule to stabilize and expand it, preventing contact between the anterior and posterior capsules and inhibiting lens epithelial cell proliferation, thereby reducing the occurrence of PCO without damaging the lens capsule or IOL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is used to clear PCO, then visual acuity is improved, but risk of severe complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule expander device is implanted during the initial cataract surgery to prevent PCO formation before it occurs. By maintaining capsule separation and preventing epithelial cell migration upfront, the need for subsequent laser capsulotomy is eliminated, thereby avoiding the complications associated with laser treatment while preserving visual acuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule expander device acts as an intermediary structure between the anterior and posterior capsules. It physically maintains the separation of the two capsules and prevents epithelial cell migration without requiring direct contact with or damage to the posterior capsule, thus clearing the visual axis safely without laser-induced complications.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If laser energy is directed through the IOL to treat PCO, then PCO is cleared, but IOL optics may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule expander is implanted during the initial surgery to prevent PCO formation before it occurs. By maintaining capsule separation and blocking epithelial cell migration pathways upfront, the device eliminates the need for subsequent laser capsulotomy, thereby protecting the IOL optics from laser-induced damage while preventing clouding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of laser treatment by providing a preventive mechanical solution instead. The capsule expander device physically prevents the harmful epithelial cell migration that causes PCO, transforming the problem from one requiring harmful laser intervention to one that is prevented entirely, thus protecting the IOL.
3Illumination intensity
If laser capsulotomy is performed to treat PCO, then visual axis is cleared, but accommodative ability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule expander device is implanted during the initial cataract surgery to prevent PCO formation before it occurs. By maintaining capsule separation and preventing epithelial cell migration upfront, the device clears and maintains the visual axis without requiring subsequent laser capsulotomy, thereby preserving the accommodative ability of accommodating IOLs.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule expander acts as an intermediary structure that maintains capsule separation and prevents epithelial cell migration without compromising the integrity or function of the posterior capsule. This allows accommodating IOLs to maintain their full accommodative ability while still preventing PCO and clearing the visual axis.
4Stability of the object's composition
If IOL contacts the posterior capsule surface, then IOL is stabilized, but lens epithelial cell proliferation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule expander device serves as an intermediary structure that maintains the separation between the anterior and posterior capsules. By preventing contact between the IOL and the posterior capsule surface, it eliminates the stimulus for lens epithelial cell proliferation while still providing stable support for the IOL through the expanded capsule structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule expander device segments the capsular space by maintaining separation between the anterior and posterior capsules. This segmentation prevents the migration and proliferation of lens epithelial cells from the equatorial region toward the posterior capsule, thereby reducing PCO while maintaining IOL stability through the expanded capsular structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implantable capsule expander device for insertion within a lens capsule of an eye of a patient. The device comprises an arcuate center portion including first and second rims and having a first height, an outermost peripheral portion including a second height that is less than the first height, and a receiving portion formed between the first and second rims. The center portion and the outermost peripheral portion are configured to stabilize the capsule expander device within the lens capsule and to expand the lens capsule. The receiving portion is sized to receive an artificial intraocular lens.