Elongate Loop Lens Cutting Device Capsular Bag Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cataract surgery involves a time-consuming and challenging process of cutting and removing the lens, which can damage the delicate capsular bag due to existing lens cutting devices' inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing an elongate element with a support shaft, where the elongate element has movable ends to change the size of a loop from collapsed to expanded positions, allowing precise positioning around the lens for cutting while minimizing capsular bag damage, and can be integrated with phacoemulsification devices for irrigation and aspiration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing lens cutting devices are used, then the lens can be cut, but the capsular bag is easily damaged and the procedure is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsular bag integrityVSAvoidlens cutting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the lens cutting function into separate components: an elongate element that forms a loop around the lens and a support shaft that provides structural stability. This segmentation allows the loop to cut the lens independently while the support shaft maintains capsular bag stability, resolving the contradiction between cutting efficiency and capsular bag integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongate element acts as an intermediary between the support shaft and the lens. It transmits cutting force to the lens while being isolated from direct contact with the capsular bag, thereby protecting the capsular bag from damage during the cutting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the loop is expanded to position around the lens, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop positioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elongate element is designed to be dynamically changeable between collapsed and expanded states. When collapsed, the device is simple for introduction; when expanded, the loop achieves precise positioning around the lens. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsed elongate element is nested within the support shaft during introduction, minimizing device complexity. Once positioned, the elongate element expands outward to form the cutting loop, achieving precise positioning without requiring a permanently complex structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3531937B1Device for cutting a lens in an eye

Publication Date: 2022.12.14 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC CATARACT TECH INC

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AI summary

Devices and methods for cutting a lens in the eye are provided with a specific application being for cutting a lens while contained within the capsular bag. The device has an elongate element which forms a loop. The loop is advanced into a space between the lens and the capsular bag. The device may be used with, or incorporated into, fluid handling devices such as irrigation and aspiration devices and phacoemulsification hand pieces and disposables.