Handheld IOL Clamping Device with Interchangeable Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for handling intraocular lenses (IOLs) during cataract surgery, especially in the absence of capsular support, lack standardization and precision, leading to difficulties in accurate marking and selection of suture passage points.

Innovation Solution

A handheld clamping device designed for extraocular handling of IOLs, featuring an elongated clamper body with a pivot housing and clamping member, which securely holds the IOL and allows for precise marking, piercing, and suturing through interchangeable inserts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual handling methods are used for IOL, then the procedure is simple, but the precision of marking and suture passage point selection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of marking and suture passage point selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of handling device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a handle member, a clamping member with interchangeable inserts, and a receiving region. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall device manageability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping member with interchangeable inserts provides self-aligning features that guide the surgeon's actions. The inserts themselves contain the marking and piercing functions, allowing the device to serve its own precision requirements without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If standardized handling device is introduced, then the accuracy of suture placement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of suture placementVSAvoidcomplexity of clamping device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping member is designed as a universal platform that can accept multiple interchangeable inserts for different functions (marking, piercing, suturing). This multi-functionality approach consolidates several specialized tools into one device, improving accuracy while managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL is clamped and positioned in the receiving region before the actual surgical procedure. This preliminary action allows for precise pre-positioning and verification of haptic orientation, ensuring accurate suture placement during the subsequent surgical steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If IOL is handled without standardized device, then the procedure is quick, but the reliability of IOL implantation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of IOL implantationVSAvoidtime for IOL handling and marking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All critical preparation steps (clamping, marking, piercing) are performed in advance using the standardized device before the IOL is implanted. This preliminary action ensures reliability is established beforehand, and the actual implantation becomes a straightforward, time-efficient procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces manual freehand techniques with a controlled mechanical system that has built-in precision features. This substitution eliminates the variability of manual handling while maintaining efficiency through ergonomic design and intuitive operation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4563121A1A clamping device for an IOL and an interchangeable IOL insert
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SPECIAL ACCOUNT FOR RES FUNDS OF UNIV OF CRETE (SARF UOC)
  • EP4563121A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4563121A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4563121A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems and methods for marking, piercing and suturing an intraocular lens on hand, out of the eye, are described. For example, an intraocular lens, handheld clamping device may include an interchangeable insert. The interchangeable insert may define an oriented and self-guided area, so as to cause the haptics of any specific intraocular lens (IOL) being aligned at specified orientation in such a way to allow the IOL to be marked, pierced or sutured, prior to inserted in an eye.