Corneal Cutting System With Oscillating Blade And Guide Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal surgical methods, such as penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty, face challenges including long recovery times, irregular astigmatism, risk of tissue rejection, and complications like suprachoroidal hemorrhage due to exposure of the eye to atmospheric pressure, which limits the precision and safety of corneal tissue transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for cutting the cornea using a moveable member with a cutting blade that can create a pocket of uniform depth and larger width than the initial incision, allowing for precise corneal pocket formation with a small external opening, reducing exposure to atmospheric pressure and enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the eye is opened to atmospheric pressure during corneal transplantation, then the diseased cornea can be removed and donor cornea sutured, but suprachoroidal hemorrhage may occur causing blindness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of maintaining an inert environment by keeping the eye filled with fluid (inert atmosphere equivalent in biological context) rather than exposing it to atmospheric pressure. The cornea is accessed through a small incision while the interior of the eye remains filled with fluid, creating a protected environment that prevents hemorrhage while allowing surgical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a large opening is made in the cornea for tissue transplantation, then donor cornea can be implanted, but surgically induced astigmatism increases and healing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating a small incision (separating the opening function from the transplantation function) rather than making a large opening. The small incision is sufficient for implanting the donor cornea while preserving the overall regularity of the corneal surface, thereby reducing astigmatism and accelerating healing.
3Ease of operation
If manual suturing techniques are used to secure donor cornea, then transplantation can be performed, but irregularities in corneal shape occur causing astigmatism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suturing system with a sutureless implantation method. The donor cornea is secured through the small incision without requiring manual suturing, thereby eliminating the irregularities and astigmatism caused by suture placement while maintaining the ability to securely implant the donor tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cutting the cornea of an eye, includes a moveable member with a cutting blade at one end, a pivot element and a cutting guide restraint. A mechanism for oscillating the moveable member around the pivot element and a cutting guide are configured to engage the cutting guide restraint on the moveable member and thereby limit the degree of angular movement of the cutting blade as the moveable member oscillates about the pivot element. A positioning system is configured to advance the moveable member with respect to the cutting guide such that the shape of the cutting guide determines the shape of a cut made by the cutting blade. A suction ring for stabilizing the cornea and an applanating plate for flattening the cornea usually complete the system.