Flexible Capsulorhexis Electrode for Controlled Capsular Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for performing capsulorhexis during cataract surgery are challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the cutting tip, leading to radial tears, vitreous loss, and complications such as retinal detachment and infection, and often result in improper sizing or positioning of the capsular opening, which can impede lens removal and IOL insertion.
Innovation Solution
A flexible capsulorhexis electrode device with bipolar electrodes on an elastomeric ring, attachable to an insertion tool, which can be stretched for insertion through a small incision and energized to cauterize the capsule, allowing for a controlled, circular opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cutting tips are used for capsulorhexis, then the surgeon can make an initial incision, but the difficulty in controlling the cutting tip path leads to radial tears and tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting tip control system with an electrocautery-based system. Instead of manually guiding a cutting tip through the capsule, the invention uses electrodes that deliver electrical current to cauterize and separate the capsule tissue along a predetermined circular path, eliminating the difficulty of controlling the cutting tip path and reducing radial tears and tags
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from mechanical cutting to electrical cauterization. By controlling the electrical current parameters (voltage, current density, duration) applied through the electrodes, the system achieves precise tissue separation along the desired circular path without the mechanical control issues of traditional cutting tips
2Shape
If manual tearing methods are used to create a circular opening, then the incision can be shaped, but the challenging maneuver can lead to undesirable tears toward the back of the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tearing with an electrocautery system that uses electrical energy to separate tissue. The electrodes are positioned to deliver current along a circular path, automatically creating the desired circular shape without manual manipulation that could cause radial tears extending toward the posterior capsule
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces electrodes as an intermediary between the surgeon's control and the capsule tissue. The electrodes mediate the tissue separation process through controlled electrical current, providing a buffer that prevents direct mechanical contact and the associated risk of uncontrolled tearing
3Device complexity
If a small or misplaced capsular opening is created, then the initial procedure may be simpler, but the additional stresses put the eye at risk for zonular and capsular breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows precise control of the capsular opening size and position through electrical parameter control. By adjusting the electrode positioning and electrical current parameters, the surgeon can create an optimally sized and positioned circular opening that maintains capsular integrity and distributes stresses evenly, preventing zonular and capsular breakage
4Ease of manufacture
If numerous small capsular tears are created, then the initial incisions can be made easily, but the small tags can lead to radial capsular tears that destabilize the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple small mechanical incisions with a single continuous electrocautery process. The electrodes deliver electrical current along a continuous circular path, creating a smooth, tag-free capsular opening that maintains lens stability and prevents radial tears, while still being straightforward to perform
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 device reduces radial tears and tags, ensures proper capsular integrity for lens placement, and facilitates safe hydrodissection and IOL insertion, minimizing complications and the risk of secondary cataract formation.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes are energized, using a high-frequency power source, to cauterize a circular section of the anterior lens capsule
Implementation Method 2
the flexible electrode device is permitted to relax into its normal, generally circular, shape, and applied to the lens capsule
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A capsularhexis electrode device and corresponding insertion tool are disclosed. A flexible capsulorhexis electrode device comprises an elastomeric ring, first and second electrically conductive traces disposed at a first face of the elastomeric ring and extending concentrically around the elastomeric ring, and first and second electrically conductive connectors. The first and second electrically conductive connectors are electrically connected to the first and second traces, respectively, and are disposed at opposing points across the elastomeric ring from one another. An insertion tool includes first and second stretcher bars with connectors for mating to the electrode device. One of the stretcher bars translates relative to the other to elongate the flexible electrode device for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye through a small incision.