Distal-Hook Insertion Tool for Sutureless IOL Support Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for implanting intraocular lenses (IOLs) in cases of compromised capsular or zonular support, such as those due to pseudoexfoliation, Marfan, or Weill-Marchesani syndromes, or surgical complications, often result in complications like Uveitis-Glaucoma-Hyphema syndrome, endothelial cell loss, corneal decompensation, iris pigment loss, and suture-related issues, necessitating the use of non-preferred lens types and additional surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A delivery device and method for implanting a lens support device with fixation arms that can be suturelessly secured to the sclera, using an insertion tool with a distal hook and intermediate region to stabilize the device, allowing for secure placement of IOLs in the eye without sutures, and compatible with existing IOL injectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If anterior chamber IOL is used to provide lens support in cases of compromised capsular or zonular support, then lens stability is improved, but complications such as Uveitis-Glaucoma-Hyphema syndrome, endothelial cell loss, and corneal decompensation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens stabilityVSAvoidcomplications (UGH syndrome, endothelial cell loss, corneal decompensation)

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capsular tension ring as an intermediary device that restores capsular support structure, allowing the IOL to be positioned in the posterior chamber rather than the anterior chamber. This mediator device distributes tension evenly around the capsular opening, providing stable lens support without the harmful effects of anterior chamber IOL placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the lens support system into two independent components: a capsular tension ring that provides structural support and tension distribution, and an IOL that provides refractive correction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the tension ring handling mechanical support and the IOL handling optical correction, thereby avoiding the complications associated with anterior chamber IOL design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If modified capsule tension rings are used off-label to provide sutured scleral support, then lens support is improved, but technical complexity increases and suture durability is unknown with risks of breakage and lens subluxation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens supportVSAvoidtechnical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the capsular tension ring with self-retaining features including barbs or hooks that engage with the capsular bag and self-locking mechanisms that secure the device in place without requiring sutures. The device serves itself by creating its own fixation through mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for additional suture materials and reducing technical complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If iris suturing IOL technique is used to secure lens without native supporting structures, then lens fixation is achieved, but iris pigment loss occurs causing glaucoma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens fixationVSAvoidiris pigment loss causing glaucoma

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capsular tension ring as an intermediary structure that restores the capsular support system, allowing the IOL to be secured to the restored capsule rather than directly to the iris. This mediator device eliminates the need for iris suturing, preventing iris pigment loss and subsequent glaucoma while still achieving secure lens fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If scleral suturing IOLs with islets is used to secure lens, then lens fixation is achieved, but rotation risk increases and suture durability is unknown with reported cases of breakage and lens subluxation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens fixationVSAvoidsuture durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the capsular tension ring with self-retaining barbs or hooks that mechanically engage with the capsular bag and self-locking features that secure the device without sutures. This self-service mechanism eliminates suture-related reliability issues including breakage, rotation, and subluxation, while achieving stable lens fixation through mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12447005B2Delivery devices for implantation of intraocular lens support devices and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 LONG BRIDGE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

An insertion tool for delivering an implantable lens support device into an eye having a proximal end region; a distal end region having a distal hook; and an intermediate region connecting the distal end region to the proximal end region, the intermediate region being substantially planar. The distal end region and intermediate region are sized for insertion through a clear corneal incision. Related tools, methods, and devices are provided.