Haptic Optic Management With Edge Rollers for Small-Incision IOL Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic surgery techniques face challenges with smaller incision sizes for intraocular lens (IOL) insertion, leading to issues with tool size and functionality, particularly in reducing post-operation healing time and ensuring efficient delivery of the IOL into the eye.

Innovation Solution

A haptic optic management system (HOMS) is introduced, featuring a housing with a bore and cavity, arms, and edge rollers, which folds and aligns the IOL for delivery through a nozzle using a drive system, allowing for precise insertion even with small incisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the incision size is reduced to reduce post-operation healing time, then healing time is improved, but the size and functionality of the insertion tool deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-operation healing timeVSAvoidincision size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is divided into two separate components: a folded optic portion and haptic extensions. The optic is folded into a compact configuration for insertion through small incisions, while the haptics remain separate to engage with the capsular bag. This segmentation allows the insertion tool to be smaller while still achieving proper IOL implantation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL optic is folded into a nested configuration where portions of the optic are placed over other portions, creating a compact structure that fits within small incisions. The folded optic is then inserted through the small incision site into the eye.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of time

If the incision size is reduced to reduce post-operation healing time, then healing time is improved, but the functionality of the insertion tool deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-operation healing timeVSAvoidinsertion tool functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL optic is pre-folded into the correct configuration before insertion through the small incision. The folding process is performed in advance using the haptic optic management system, so that when the compact folded optic is inserted through the small incision, it is already in the proper shape for implantation, eliminating the need for complex manipulation during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic optic management system acts as an intermediary device that manages the IOL optic folding and positioning before insertion. This intermediary system allows the insertion tool to be simplified for small incisions while still achieving proper IOL implantation through the pre-folded configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the IOL is folded into a compact configuration for small incisions, then the insertion tool size is reduced, but the alignment precision of the IOL deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion tool sizeVSAvoidIOL alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL folding configuration is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The folded optic maintains a compact form for insertion but is designed to unfold and align properly once positioned in the eye. The haptic extensions provide dynamic adjustment capability to ensure proper alignment of the optic with the capsular bag after insertion through small incisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical folding and alignment process is replaced by a haptic optic management system that uses controlled folding mechanisms and haptic extensions to achieve proper IOL alignment. This substitution allows for precise alignment control even when the insertion tool itself is minimized for small incisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4385459B1Haptic optic management system utilizing edge rollers
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ALCON INC
  • EP4385459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385459B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4385459B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye may be provided. In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a haptic optic management system. The haptic management system may include a housing that includes a bore and a cavity disposed in a first surface of the housing. The cavity may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion, wherein the cavity provides access to the bore through the first surface of the housing. The haptic management system may include arms coupled to the housing. The haptic management system may include edge rollers coupled to the housing.