Hydraulic IOL Inserter for Low-Force Lens Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lens insertion systems face challenges in providing controlled and efficient delivery of foldable lenses due to high friction in inserter tubes, requiring excessive force and lacking effective automation, which complicates the insertion process and increases trauma to the eye.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically assisted intraocular lens insertion system using a piston rod with a hydraulic chamber and aspiration line, where hydraulic fluid displacement aids in reducing the force needed for lens delivery, allowing for controlled and automated insertion with reduced operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polymeric inserter tube is used to deliver the IOL, then the tube provides flexibility and ease of insertion, but the high coefficient of friction causes excessive resistance and requires excessive force to pass the IOL through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where a piston moves within a polymeric tube to deliver the IOL. The hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently while the polymeric tube maintains flexibility. This combination allows the tube to remain flexible for ease of insertion while the hydraulic mechanism reduces the direct frictional resistance on the IOL by providing a smooth, controlled pushing action through fluid pressure rather than direct mechanical contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inserter tube diameter is reduced to minimize surgical trauma, then the incision size is reduced, but the friction resistance increases significantly requiring more torque and force
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system enables the use of a smaller diameter polymeric tube by providing efficient force transmission. The hydraulic piston transmits force through fluid pressure, which reduces the direct frictional contact between the IOL and the narrow tube walls. This allows minimization of the incision size and surgical trauma while maintaining adequate pushing force through the hydraulic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical pushing of the IOL through the tube with a hydraulic pushing mechanism. Instead of relying solely on mechanical force applied directly to the IOL, the system uses hydraulic fluid to transmit the pushing force, which reduces friction losses and allows efficient force transmission through smaller diameter tubes.
3Extent of automation
If automation is implemented using electric screw drive motors, then precise control of IOL delivery is achieved, but the motors are too heavy and oddly shaped to be effectively associated with a surgical handpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic actuation system that can be integrated into the surgical handpiece without requiring heavy electric motors. The hydraulic piston can be actuated by various mechanisms including manual pressure, spring force, or lightweight actuators that work with the hydraulic fluid to provide the necessary pushing force on the IOL, thereby achieving automation or semi-automation with minimal weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces electric screw drive motors with a hydraulic actuation mechanism. This substitution allows for more compact and lighter design suitable for surgical handpieces, while still providing controlled and precise IOL delivery through the hydraulic piston's movement driven by fluid pressure.
4Ease of operation
If a screw-based plunger mechanism is used to assist plunger movement, then control during IOL insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic piston system that provides smooth and controlled movement of the IOL through the polymeric tube. The hydraulic mechanism inherently provides controlled delivery through fluid pressure regulation without requiring complex screw-based mechanical linkages, thereby maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
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 system facilitates the controlled insertion of intraocular lenses with reduced force, enhancing precision and ease of use, while minimizing trauma and expediting post-surgery healing by utilizing hydraulic pressure to assist the piston rod's movement.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic chamber, wherein the insertion rod moves in response to the displacement of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method that provides hydraulically assisted delivery of intraocular lenses (IOL) from a insertion tool. The IOL insertion system having an insertion rod with a tube having a first end and a second end, a piston head affixed to the insertion rod and positioned between the first and second end, a hydraulic chamber, an aspiration line communicatively connected to the hydraulic chamber, and at least one valve in fluid communication with the aspiration line, wherein the insertion rod moves in response to the displacement of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber.