Anterior Capsule Remover Thumbwheel Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating a capsulotomy in cataract surgery, such as the can-opener and capsulorrhexis techniques, are difficult to control and often result in radial tears, leading to complications like loss of capsule integrity and increased operative time, which can affect visual outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable blade actuated by a thumb wheel mechanism that allows for precise rotation to create a circular incision in the anterior capsule, reducing the risk of radial tears through controlled cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the can-opener or capsulorrhexis technique is used to create a capsulotomy, then the anterior capsule can be opened to allow access for cataract removal, but radial tears may occur leading to loss of capsule integrity and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical techniques (can-opener, capsulorrhexis) with a controlled mechanical cutting device that uses a rotating blade to create the capsulotomy. This substitution provides more precise control over the cutting process, reducing the risk of radial tears while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the cutting parameters by using a rotating blade mechanism that can be precisely controlled in terms of rotation speed, cutting depth, and path. This allows for a more reliable capsulotomy creation process that maintains capsule integrity while remaining easy to operate.
2Productivity
If traditional capsulotomy techniques are used, then the procedure can be completed, but operative time increases due to difficulty in control and potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual capsulotomy techniques with a controlled rotating blade device, the surgery becomes more efficient. The device can create the capsulotomy in a single continuous motion, reducing the time required compared to traditional methods that may require multiple attempts or corrective actions for radial tears.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for preliminary positioning and planning of the capsulotomy path before actual cutting begins. The surgeon can center the device and plan the circular cutting path, ensuring optimal results before committing to the cut, which streamlines the overall surgical process and reduces operative time.
3Manufacturing precision
If a centered and symmetric capsulotomy is achieved, then visual outcomes improve, but precise control and positioning are required which increases surgical difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning and cutting techniques with a mechanically controlled device that incorporates positioning aids and a guided cutting mechanism. This substitution maintains ease of operation while achieving superior precision in capsulotomy symmetry and centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms such as alignment marks, transparent components allowing visualization of the lens and capsule, and potentially optical guidance systems. This feedback enables the surgeon to easily center and symmetrically position the capsulotomy without increasing operational difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
An Anterior Capsule Remover (“ACR”) device allows an ophthalmologist to safely and efficiently remove an anterior portion of the lens capsule at the beginning of cataract surgery. The device allows the surgeon to safely, efficiently and consistently create a circular central opening of a predetermined diameter in the top of the lens capsule. An exemplary anterior capsule remover apparatus includes a handle and a distal shaft that holds a blade or cutter. One or more o-rings attached to a thumbwheel and to the blade allow the surgeon to easily create a circular, central opening in the anterior capsule of predetermined diameter.