Foldable Iris Protector for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
During ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery, the unsupported iris tissue is prone to prolapse through incisions due to pressure differences, leading to potential irreparable damage, especially in patients with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, and existing tools do not effectively prevent this prolapse.
Innovation Solution
A foldable iris protector with a planar engaging portion and extending handling members is inserted through a corneal incision to rest on the iris, mechanically preventing prolapse by extending outside the eye, allowing for safe insertion and removal without causing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small incision is made in the cornea during ophthalmic surgery, then the surgical access is obtained, but the unsupported iris tissue may prolapse through the incision due to pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an iris protector as an intermediary device that is inserted through the corneal incision and positioned against the iris tissue. This mediator physically blocks the incision opening, preventing pressure-driven prolapse of the unsupported iris portions while allowing the surgical procedure to continue. The protector acts as a temporary barrier that reconciles the need for surgical access with the need to prevent harmful prolapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris protector is inserted and positioned before the main surgical procedure progresses to stages where iris prolapse risk increases. By establishing protective action in advance, the system prevents the harmful effect from occurring rather than treating it after it begins. The protector is placed through the incision first, then the surgery proceeds with reduced risk of iris prolapse.
2Adaptability or versatility
If iris hooks, Malyugin rings or pupil expanders are used to maintain iris dilation, then the iris remains dilated, but these tools do not prevent prolapse since prolapse may occur via any iris portion
Solution Approach 1:
The iris protector serves as a mediator that addresses the limitation of existing dilation tools. While hooks, rings, and expanders maintain dilation by engaging specific iris portions, the protector provides comprehensive protection by blocking the incision opening itself, preventing prolapse regardless of which iris portion is involved. This mediator approach complements dilation maintenance with actual prolapse prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris protector performs multiple functions: it maintains the patency of the incision for surgical access, prevents iris prolapse through the incision, and works in conjunction with existing dilation tools. Unlike single-function tools that only engage specific iris portions, the protector provides universal protection at the incision level, making it applicable to all iris portions and surgical scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If a spatula or blunt surgical instrument is used to mechanically reposition the iris, then the iris can be repositioned, but there is a risk of causing irremediable damage to the iris
Solution Approach 1:
The iris protector applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the harmful effect (prolapse) from occurring in the first place. Rather than needing to reposition the iris after prolapse occurs—which risks damage with spatulas or blunt instruments—the protector blocks the incision opening to prevent prolapse entirely. This proactive prevention eliminates the need for potentially damaging corrective maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector acts as an intermediary barrier that eliminates the need for direct mechanical manipulation of the iris tissue. Instead of using spatulas or blunt instruments that contact and potentially damage the iris, the protector mediates the pressure differential by blocking the incision, allowing the iris to remain in its natural position without requiring risky mechanical repositioning.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the iris protector is inserted through the incision, then the protection against prolapse is provided, but the device must be small enough to pass through the limited incision opening
Solution Approach 1:
The iris protector is designed with a nested or collapsible structure that allows it to be compressed into a compact form for insertion through the small corneal incision. Once inside the eye, the protector expands or unfolds to its full functional size to provide adequate coverage and protection. This nesting principle allows the device to pass through the limited opening while maintaining sufficient dimensions for effective prolapse prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris protector transitions from a compact, flexible state during insertion to a stable, protective state once positioned against the iris. The device is designed to be dynamic in size and shape, allowing compression for insertion through the small incision, then expanding or rigidizing to provide the necessary barrier against prolapse. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between small insertion size and large protective size.
Data Source
AI summary
An iris protector to reduce a likelihood of iris prolapse in an eye comprising an iris during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The iris protector comprises an iris engaging portion and a plurality of engaging elements configured to facilitate the insertion and the removal of the iris protector inside the eye through an incision. Once inside the eye, the iris protector mechanically prevents a portion of the iris in the vicinity of the incision from prolapsing through the incision. The iris protector may be provided as part of a sterilized kit alone or with an applicator (e.g. tweezers, etc.), a manipulator or any combination thereof.