Handheld Cataract Fragmentation Device With Expandable Cutting Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cataract surgery methods, such as MSICS and phacoemulsification, induce significant astigmatism and require extended recovery times, are not cost-effective, and are not suitable for treating all types of cataracts, especially in low-resource settings.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held device with a cutting element and actuating mechanism that allows for cataract fragmentation and removal through a small incision, using biocompatible materials and passive elements to stabilize and fragment the cataract into manageable pieces for safe extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If MSICS is used for cataract removal, then the procedure is simple and cost-effective, but significant surgically-induced astigmatism occurs and recovery period is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure simplicity and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidsurgically-induced astigmatism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element is divided into multiple loops (at least two loops) that can independently capture and fragment different portions of the cataract. This segmentation allows the cataract to be broken into smaller pieces that can be removed through a smaller incision, reducing surgically-induced astigmatism while maintaining procedural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting element transitions from a collapsed state during insertion to an expanded state within the eye. The loops expand radially to capture the cataract from multiple directions simultaneously, enabling effective fragmentation through a small incision without requiring a large surgical opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If phacoemulsification is used for cataract removal, then the incision size is reduced to 3 mm, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires significant capital expense

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincision sizeVSAvoidprocedure time and cost-efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element is self-actuating through passive elements that automatically deploy the loops when the device is inserted. The elastic memory alloy material self-expands the loops to capture the cataract without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms, reducing procedure time and equipment costs while maintaining small incision size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the ultrasonic energy system of phacoemulsification with a purely mechanical cutting element made of elastic memory alloy. This mechanical system achieves cataract fragmentation through loop expansion and contraction, eliminating the need for expensive ultrasonic equipment and reducing procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If phacoemulsification is used on ultra-hard, late-stage cataracts, then the cataract can be removed, but increased ultrasound power is required which may be damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecataract hardnessVSAvoiddamage from increased ultrasound power

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element is inserted through a small incision and deployed within the capsular bag to directly capture and fragment the cataract in situ. This extracts the need for high-power ultrasound energy and performs mechanical fragmentation directly on the cataract, avoiding damage to surrounding ocular structures from excessive ultrasound exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The loops of the cutting element are configured with curved geometries that conform to the spherical shape of the cataract within the capsular bag. This curved design allows uniform distribution of cutting force around the cataract, enabling effective fragmentation of hard cataracts through controlled mechanical stress rather than high-power ultrasound

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Minimizes surgically induced astigmatism, reduces recovery time, and is cost-effective, enabling safe and efficient cataract surgery across all types of cataracts without requiring additional training or capital equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The cutting element is formed from a biocompatible metal or polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic memory alloy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250281327A1Cataract fragmentation and removal devices and methods

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A low cost, handheld device, according to the present invention, enables surgeons to perform cataract surgery manually through a small incision in order to minimize surgically induced astigmatism and reduce recovery time. The present invention fragments cataracts into a number of individual fragments that can be removed manually or via irrigation through a small incision. The device has been designed for use in emerging markets, is less-invasive than current techniques, meets the cost and time constraints of high volume eye care systems, fits within the existing training and clinical paradigms, is comfortable and allows for dexterity of movement in the hands of a surgeon, and is able to fragment all grades of cataract, including mature cataracts, meeting the needs of the entire patient population.