Helical Corkscrew Ophthalmic Instrument for Cataract Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cataract surgical instruments are inadequate for safely and controlledly impaling and removing mature, swollen cataracts due to high intracapsular pressure, which can lead to capsule tearing and loss of cataract into the vitreous cavity.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic surgical instrument featuring a helical corkscrew with a beveled tip and 360-degree configuration that can be twisted to impale and remove cataracts, connected to an ultrasound handpiece for breaking up cataracts and a syringe for injecting viscoelastic substance to manage pressure and prevent capsule collapse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single helical corkscrew device is used to grasp the cataract, then the ability to grasp the whole cataract or piece is improved, but the control over impalement and fluid removal at different depths is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping capabilityVSAvoidcontrol over impalement and fluid removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single helical corkscrew is divided into multiple segmented corkscrews of different lengths (first, second, and third corkscrews) that can be selectively used. Each corkscrew segment provides controlled access to different depths within the cataract, enabling precise fluid removal at specific depths while maintaining reliable grasping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high intracapsular pressure is present in mature cataracts, then the cataract becomes swollen and difficult to remove, but using forceful removal methods can cause capsule tearing and loss of cataract into the vitreous cavity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidcapsule tearing and cataract loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before attempting to remove the cataract, the instrument first penetrates the capsule and removes fluid from within the cataract through the helical corkscrew structure. This preliminary fluid removal reduces intracapsular pressure and softens the cataract, making subsequent removal safer and more controlled, preventing capsule tearing and cataract loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces direct mechanical force-based removal with a fluid dynamics-based approach. By using ultrasonic vibration to emulsify the cataract and vacuum to remove the emulsified material, the system avoids the need for forceful mechanical extraction that could cause capsule tearing, while still achieving efficient cataract removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If standard cataract surgical instruments are used, then general cataract removal can be performed, but they are too large and coarse for delicate eye surgery, causing more damage than good

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneral removal capabilityVSAvoidsurgical damage to eye structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument employs a nested structure where multiple corkscrews of different lengths are integrated within a single handle assembly. The first, second, and third corkscrews are arranged concentrically or in nested configuration, allowing the surgeon to select appropriate corkscrew lengths for different surgical needs while maintaining a compact, delicate instrument suitable for eye surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables controlled impalement and removal of swollen cataracts, reducing the risk of capsule tearing and allowing for effective fluid drainage and piece-by-piece extraction, thereby preventing the Argentinian flag sign during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

The helical corkscrew is twisted such that the tip rotates inside of the cataract allowing removal of the fluid at different depths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical rotation: Archimedes Screw

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic instrument is used to break up a cataract into small pieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

remove the cataract using vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20240189144A1Ophthalmic surgical instrument for cataract removal and methods of use

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 LABBE THAD ANTHONY

AI summary

An ophthalmic surgical instrument for cataract removal and methods of use are disclosed. The ophthalmic surgical instrument includes a housing, a wire connecting the housing, and a helical corkscrew extending from the wire. The helical corkscrew has one or two 360 degrees turn configurations. The helical corkscrew has an interior passage and a beveled tip. The tip impales a cataract by creating an opening in the cataract. The helical corkscrew is twisted such that the tip rotates inside of the cataract allowing removal of the fluid at different depths, and pushes up pieces of the cataract for removal. The housing connects to an ultrasound handpiece for transmitting ultrasound waves to break up the cataract and suck out the pieces of the cataract. The housing connects to a syringe body for injecting a viscoelastic into the eye through said helical corkscrew to keep the eye from collapsing during the use.