Expandable Capsulotomy Suction Cup for Precise Circular Lens Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microsurgery techniques face challenges in precisely accessing and cutting the lens capsule during cataract surgery, often resulting in non-circular or improperly sized openings due to manual handling of instruments, which can compromise the stability and function of intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Innovation Solution
A capsulotomy device featuring an elastomeric structure with a cutting element, such as an electrode, that is supported by a non-conductive support structure, allowing for precise cutting and suction to create a circular opening in the lens capsule using controlled energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handheld cutting instruments are used for capsulotomy, then the surgeon has flexibility in operation, but the precision and circularity of the cut is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting instruments with an electromechanical capsulotomy device that uses a motor-driven cutting element to create precise circular openings in the lens capsule. The motorized system eliminates manual tracing errors while maintaining operational control through automated rotation and depth control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including cutting speed, rotation rate, and cutting element depth to optimize both precision and ease of operation. The surgeon can control the cutting process through parameter adjustment rather than manual dexterity, achieving consistent circular cuts with controlled diameter and depth.
2Ease of operation
If larger incisions are made in the cornea to access the lens capsule, then instrument insertion is easier, but the risk of infection and corneal distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsulotomy device is designed as a segmented, modular instrument that can be inserted through a small corneal incision. The device includes separable components such as a handle, shaft, and cutting element that can be assembled and passed through the incision separately, then deployed within the anterior chamber to perform the capsulotomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes dimensional transformation by compressing the cutting element into a compact configuration for insertion through the small incision, then expanding or deploying the cutting element within the anterior chamber to achieve the full cutting function. This dimensional change allows easy insertion while minimizing incision size and associated risks.
3Ease of operation
If conventional forceps are used to extend the capsule tear, then the surgeon can control the tear extension, but radial tears and capsule weakness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual forceps-based tear extension with a motorized cutting element that rotates along a predetermined circular path to create a controlled, tear-free capsulotomy. The automated cutting system eliminates the need for manual tear extension and prevents radial tears by maintaining continuous, uniform cutting pressure along the circular trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element operates continuously along the circular path to create an uninterrupted, smooth capsulotomy opening. This continuous cutting action prevents the discontinuous tear extension method that creates radial tears and weak points, ensuring uniform capsule integrity around the entire opening perimeter.
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 precise, circular cuts in the lens capsule with minimal tissue damage, reducing the risk of IOL instability and complications, while minimizing incision size and reducing the risk of infection and corneal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting element extending from the support structure that is mounted to the elastomeric structure, wherein the cutting element and the elastomeric structure are not in physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye. The cutting element may be mounted to a cutting element support structure in a way that prevents heating of the device.