Laser Capsulotomy Alignment Nubs for Precise Toric IOL Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for presbyopia and cataracts, such as artificial accommodative Intraocular Lenses (IOLs), offer limited accommodative amplitude and are invasive, posing risks to patients, while existing surgical techniques for cataracts are inefficient and risky for those with presbyopia.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a therapeutic laser to create a capsulotomy pattern with alignment nubs on the astigmatic axis of the eye, facilitating precise insertion and alignment of toric IOLs by forming a capsular rim with defined nubs for accurate placement, utilizing specific laser parameters and optics to ensure precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If artificial accommodative IOLs are used to treat presbyopia, then accommodation function is restored, but the surgical procedure is invasive and carries risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation functionVSAvoidsurgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser creates alignment nubs and capsulotomy patterns in advance before IOL insertion, establishing precise alignment references and proper capsular opening geometry beforehand. This preliminary structuring ensures accurate IOL placement while minimizing surgical manipulation and associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical techniques with laser-based methods for creating capsulotomy and alignment features. The laser delivers precise energy to form nubs and capsular openings without mechanical contact, reducing tissue trauma and surgical complexity while maintaining functional outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional surgical techniques are used for cataract removal, then the procedure is effective, but it is inefficient and risky for patients with presbyopia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser system performs multiple functions in a single integrated process: creating the capsulotomy opening, forming alignment nubs, and establishing astigmatic axis references. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple surgical steps into one efficient procedure, improving productivity without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser parameters (energy, duration, focal position) are precisely controlled and adjusted to optimize tissue interaction. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves clean capsulotomy cuts and well-defined nubs with minimal thermal damage, improving surgical efficiency and outcomes for presbyopic patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment of toric IOLs is achieved, then astigmatism correction is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIOL alignment precisionVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment nubs serve as self-aligning references that guide IOL orientation automatically during insertion. The nubs' geometric features and positioning create natural alignment cues that simplify the surgical process, allowing precise toric IOL placement without complex alignment instruments or techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The astigmatic axis markers and alignment nubs are created beforehand during the laser capsulotomy phase, establishing the reference framework before IOL insertion. This preliminary alignment infrastructure reduces the complexity of the actual IOL implantation step while ensuring high precision orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the efficacy of IOL placement by providing a stable capsular rim for toric IOL alignment, improving accommodative amplitude and reducing surgical risks, while maintaining capsular strength and minimizing tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

A therapeutic laser is used to create a capsulotomy pattern with alignment nubs on an astigmatic axis of the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12533261B2Laser methods and systems for the aligned insertion of devices into a structure of the eye

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 LENSAR INC

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus for replacement of cataractous lenses, the insertions of devices into the eye, and the alignment of IOLs, including toric IOLs. Systems, methods and apparatus for forming laser cut capsulotomies having alignment nubs that are aligned with an astigmatic axis of the eye.