Asymmetrical Capsulorhexis Forceps for 1.5 mm Incisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capsulo-rhexis forceps require a corneal incision of at least 3 mm for effective operation, making it difficult to perform the procedure through smaller openings, which limits the reduction of incision size and hampers postoperative healing and results.

Innovation Solution

Design of microsurgical capsulo-rhexis forceps with asymmetrical, elastically flexible pinching blades that can slide over each other, allowing the forceps to function through a 1.5 mm incision by maintaining a consistent width of the invasive part whether open or closed, enabling precise grasping and manipulation of the anterior capsule.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional capsulo-rhexis forceps are used, then the forceps can effectively grasp and manipulate the anterior capsule, but the corneal incision must be at least 3 mm in length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorneal incision lengthVSAvoidforceps operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pinching blades are nested one above the other in a stacked arrangement, allowing them to be introduced through a small 1.5 mm incision in close position. The blades can then slide relative to each other to provide the necessary opening distance for grasping the capsule, effectively nesting the functional components within a compact introduction profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pinching blades are oriented in a plane corresponding to the plane of approach and separation of the handling branches, rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional reorientation allows the blades to slide one over the other during opening and closing movements, enabling sufficient working distance through a smaller incision by utilizing a different spatial dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the corneal incision is reduced to 1.5 mm, then postoperative healing is improved and suturing is avoided, but the forceps cannot sufficiently open to grasp the capsule flap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorneal incision lengthVSAvoidgrasping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pinching blades are nested one above the other in a stacked arrangement, allowing them to be introduced through a small 1.5 mm incision in close position. The blades can then slide relative to each other to provide the necessary opening distance for grasping the capsule, effectively nesting the functional components within a compact introduction profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pinching blades are made of elastically flexible material, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and opening distance. This elasticity enables the blades to provide sufficient grasping strength when opened while maintaining a compact closed position for introduction through a small incision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise capsulo-rhexis through a significantly smaller incision, promoting better healing and postoperative outcomes while maintaining high precision and allowing industrial manufacturing for single-use disposable forceps.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the pinching blades is made of an elastically flexible material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2391283B1Microsurgery clamp, in particular microincision capsulorhexis clamp
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 CDI HONG KONG
  • EP2391283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2391283B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2391283B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a microsurgery clamp, in particular a microincision capsulorhexis clamp, that includes a proximal handling portion (1) including two branches (1a, 1b) connected together at their ends so as to be elastically moved towards or away from each other, and a distal nipping portion (2) including narrow and thin blades (2a, 2b) connected to the distal ends of the branches (1a, 1b) and oriented laterally relative to the latter, the distal end of each of the blades (2a, 2b) being curved in a direction opposite to that of the handle (1) so as to define a nipping tip (3a, 3b), characterised in that the blades (2a, 2b) are asymmetrical and oriented in a direction or plane (P1) corresponding to the closing-in or moving-away directions of the branches (1a, 1b), said blades (2a, 2b) being arranged above each other so that the closing-in or moving-away movement of said branches (1a, 1b) results in the closing-in or moving-away movement of said tips (3a, 3b), respectively.