Hydraulic IOL Insertion Tool for Consistent Lens Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual IOL insertion methods can cause sudden changes in force, leading to improper IOL placement and potential damage to eye tissue due to sudden advancement of the lens during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically-driven IOL insertion tool that uses a fluid-driven piston system, connected to a surgical console with a fluid source and aspiration pump, to provide consistent and controlled advancement of the IOL through the use of irrigation and aspiration lines, allowing for smooth and precise insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual plunger is used to advance the IOL through the insertion cartridge, then the surgeon can control the insertion process, but sudden decreases in advancing force can cause the IOL to shoot into the eye and cause improper placement or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical plunger system with a hydraulically-driven system. The hydraulic actuator uses fluid pressure to move the piston, which in turn advances the IOL through the cartridge. This substitution eliminates the sudden force variations inherent in manual operation while maintaining controlled advancement through regulated fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system consisting of a fluid source, fluid line, hydraulic chamber, and piston. Fluid introduced into the hydraulic chamber moves the piston, which is connected to the elongated member that interfaces with the IOL. This hydraulic mechanism provides smooth, continuous force application without the abrupt changes characteristic of manual plunger operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual force is applied to advance the IOL, then the surgeon can respond to resistance changes, but the force application is inconsistent and can lead to sudden IOL movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect resistance forces during IOL insertion and provide feedback to the control system. The control system adjusts the hydraulic fluid delivery based on this feedback, maintaining optimal advancing force throughout the insertion process. This closed-loop control ensures consistent force application while adapting to varying resistance conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts hydraulic system parameters including fluid pressure, flow rate, and viscosity to maintain consistent IOL advancement. The control system modifies these parameters in response to sensor feedback, ensuring that the advancing force remains within the optimal range regardless of insertion resistance variations.
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 hydraulic system ensures a smooth, consistent forward motion of the IOL, reducing the risk of improper placement and tissue damage, and can be operated using a foot pedal for hands-free control, facilitating precise control during ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a piston positioned within the chamber and arranged to move within the chamber in response to the introduction or removal of fluid from the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulically-driven Intra-Ocular Lens insertion tool (112) includes a body (202), a hydraulic chamber (204) within the body, a first fluid port (208), a second fluid port (210). Fluid may be pumped in through an irrigation line (220) connected to the hydraulic chamber through the first fluid port and/or an aspiration line (222) can be connected to the hydraulic chamber through the second fluid port. A piston (206) is positioned within the hydraulic chamber and arranged to move within the hydraulic chamber in response to the introduction or removal of fluid from the hydraulic chamber. An elongated member (212) that includes a distal end (214) comprising an intra-ocular lens interface (216) and a proximal end (218) is connected to the piston such that movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber causes corresponding movement of the elongated member. The hydraulically-driven Intra-Ocular Lens insertion tool can be connected to a surgical console (102).