Intraocular Assembly with Sharp Posterior Edges for PCO Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cataract surgery often results in posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which can compromise visual acuity and lead to IOL displacement due to residual lens epithelial cells and capsular bag contraction.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular assembly with a ring structure featuring sharp posterior edges and radially extending rims to prevent PCO, along with apertures for fluid flow and optional shutters, helps maintain the IOL in the middle, spaced from the capsules, and includes features like inclined ramps and ribs for secure mounting and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the IOL is placed close to the capsule for secure mounting, then the IOL stability is improved, but residual lens epithelial cells can migrate and cause posterior capsule opacification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intraocular assembly as an intermediary structure between the IOL and the capsule. This assembly includes a ring positioned in the capsular bag with the IOL mounted on it, creating a spatial buffer zone that prevents direct contact between residual lens epithelial cells and the IOL while maintaining secure mounting through the ring's engagement with the capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar mounting (IOL directly on capsule) to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The ring structure extends radially outward from the IOL, creating additional spatial dimensions for securing the IOL while maintaining distance from the capsule walls, thus preventing cell migration pathways.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capsular bag is allowed to contract naturally after surgery, then the IOL is secured in place, but the capsular bag contraction causes IOL displacement and visual acuity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure acts as a mediator that decouples the contraction forces of the capsular bag from the IOL. The ring absorbs and distributes the contraction forces uniformly around the IOL periphery, preventing asymmetric pulling that would cause displacement, while still allowing secure mounting through engagement with the contracting capsule.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sharp edges are added to the assembly to prevent PCO, then the effectiveness against cell migration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sharp edges only at specific critical locations on the ring structure where cell migration is most likely to occur, rather than making the entire device complex. The sharp edges are strategically positioned at the periphery of the ring to create physical barriers against epithelial cell migration, while maintaining simplicity in other areas of the assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~8G
AI summary
An intraocular assembly includes a peripheral side wall (12) that has a rim (16) sized to receive therein an intraocular device, and a posterior peripheral edge (20) that is sharp and extends out from a posteriorly- facing end face (22) of the side wall. An interior perimeter of the rim is a combination of continuous concave and convex shapes.