Extendable Thermal Capsulotomy Tool for Stable Lens Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques for anterior capsulotomy, such as can-opener and capsulorrhexis, face challenges in achieving a stable, uniformly sized opening due to the risk of tears and structural instability, which can lead to complications like vitreous entry and zonular stress, and existing tools are limited by their size and inability to form a complete circular burn through small incisions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system with an extendable-retractable burning element that uses a short pulse of electrical current to create a full circular opening in the lens capsule, allowing for a capsulotomy of 4-7 mm diameter through a small corneal incision, with a design featuring electrically-conductive bands that open into a complete circular shape and include predefined points of weakness for safe removal if the tool breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If can-opener technique is used to make small connecting tears in the anterior lens capsule, then the capsule can be opened, but the small tags remain as focal areas of least resistance leading to radial tears and posterior capsule instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tearing system (cystotome and forceps) with a thermal system (heated needle or radiofrequency electrode) that creates a continuous circular capsulotomy by coagulating and separating the capsule tissue, eliminating residual tags and preventing radial tears
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the capsulotomy process from mechanical tearing to thermal coagulation and separation, using controlled heat application to create a smooth, continuous circular opening with sealed edges that prevent complications
2Reliability
If capsulorrhexis is performed to create a continuous circular opening, then residual tags are eliminated, but the procedure is difficult to control and requires significant skill to prevent radial tears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the difficult mechanical manipulation required for capsulorrhexis with a simplified thermal process where a heated needle or electrode automatically creates the circular opening through coagulation and separation, reducing the skill level required and improving control
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal system performs the capsulotomy automatically through the heating and coagulation process, with the capsule tissue separating along the heated path without requiring manual manipulation or coaxing, making the procedure more self-regulating and easier to control
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a small corneal incision is made to limit wound size, then healing is promoted and astigmatism is reduced, but existing cutting tools cannot be passed through the small incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool into a narrow-diameter shaft (1-2 mm) that can pass through the small corneal incision, with the functional element (heated needle or radiofrequency electrode) deployed from within the shaft, allowing the tool to be inserted through a small wound while still performing the capsulotomy function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested structure where the functional element (heated needle or electrode) is contained within the narrow shaft, allowing the entire assembly to be inserted through a small corneal incision while maintaining the capability to create a full circular capsulotomy opening
4Manufacturing precision
If a large burning element is used to create a complete circular burn, then a proper capsulotomy opening is formed, but the tool cannot be inserted through a small corneal incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the burning element into a narrow shaft (1-2 mm diameter) that can pass through the small incision, with the heating element (needle or radiofrequency electrode) deployed from within, separating the insertion function from the capsulotomy function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional burning ring to a three-dimensional deployable structure where the heating element can be extended or activated after insertion, allowing the functional size to be larger than the insertion size by utilizing the temporal dimension of deployment
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 stable, tear-resistant capsular opening that simplifies cataract surgery by eliminating the need for tearing with forceps and allows for efficient removal of cataract material, while ensuring safe tool removal even if it breaks during use, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
uses a short pulse of electrical current to create a full circular opening in the lens capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes 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, and a slidable shaping element. 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 full circular, extended configuration, by pressing the shaping element against both joints of the bands, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.