Expandable Thermal Capsulotomy Tool for Precise Lens Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques for anterior capsulotomy, such as the 'can-opener' and capsulorrhexis methods, face challenges in creating a stable, tear-resistant opening in the lens capsule, often leading to complications like vitreous entry, zonular stress, and poor intraocular lens placement due to the difficulty in controlling the size and position of the capsular opening.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system and tool using a short pulse of electrical current to burn an opening in the lens capsule, combined with an expandable-retractable burning element and pressurized airflow, allowing for a controlled capsulotomy through a small corneal incision and enabling the creation of a large, circular opening without the need for multiple instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional can-opener or capsulorrhexis techniques are used to create a capsular opening, then the lens capsule can be opened to access the lens nucleus, but the opening often has irregular edges, residual tags, and poor tear resistance leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tearing and cutting methods with a thermal system that uses a short pulse of electrical current to burn a precise circular opening in the lens capsule. This thermal approach eliminates the need for mechanical forceps, cystotomes, and tearing motions, producing a clean, smooth-edged opening without residual tags that compromise capsule stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the capsule tissue through controlled thermal energy application. By delivering a precisely controlled electrical current pulse, the system transforms the capsule material through localized burning, creating a clean circular opening with smooth edges that maintains structural integrity while providing adequate access
2Area of moving object
If a large burning element is used to create a sufficient capsular opening, then adequate access is obtained for lens removal and IOL insertion, but the tool cannot pass through a small corneal incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, expandable burning element that transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded working configuration. The element is delivered through a small corneal incision in a collapsed state, then expanded within the capsular space to achieve the full circular opening diameter needed for adequate surgical access
Solution Approach 2:
The burning element is designed with a nested structure where the circular formation is collapsed into a compact delivery configuration that fits within the catheter shaft. The element nests within itself or the delivery system, allowing passage through a small incision while maintaining the capability to form a large circular opening when deployed
3Use of energy by moving object
If the burning element is made electrically conductive to deliver electrical current, then thermal energy can be applied to burn the capsule, but the non-conductive sleeve that protects the element becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and protection actions before energy delivery. The non-conductive sleeve remains in place during the approach and positioning phase, protecting the conductive burning element and surrounding tissues. The sleeve is retracted or positioned away from the capsule only at the moment of energy delivery, ensuring protection during navigation while enabling controlled thermal application when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive sleeve acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the electrically conductive burning element and the surrounding ocular structures. It allows the conductive element to be delivered and positioned safely, then is selectively removed or repositioned to enable controlled thermal energy delivery only to the intended capsule target
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple instruments are used for capsulotomy as in conventional techniques, then the procedure can be performed with established methods, but the operative time is lengthened and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate instruments and functions into a single integrated catheter system. The delivery system combines the catheter, expandable burning element, electrical current delivery mechanism, and control systems into one unified tool that performs the entire capsulotomy procedure, eliminating the need for separate cystotomes, forceps, and multiple manipulation steps
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 system provides a quick, efficient, and reproducible capsular opening that is clean and tear-resistant, simplifying the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for separate airflow tools and allowing for safe removal of the tool in case of breakage, thereby reducing operative complications and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal system and tool using a short pulse of electrical current to burn an opening in the lens capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a circular, extended configuration, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element. Optionally, predefined points of weakness allow removal of the tool should breakage occur during surgery.