Temperature-Controlled IOL Docking Station With Electronic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting intraocular lenses (IOLs) lack precise temperature control, which is crucial for maintaining the physical integrity of temperature-sensitive polymers used in IOLs, often resulting in uncontrolled warming techniques that can lead to brittleness or loss of shape retention, affecting the success of cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system featuring a temperature-controlled docking station with electronic identification, which includes heating elements and temperature sensors to maintain optimal temperature ranges for IOLs and viscoelastic materials, ensuring precise temperature control and compatibility during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual warming methods (autoclaves or baby wipe warmers) are used to heat IOLs, then the lens becomes softer and easier to fold, but the temperature control is unprecise leading to potential brittleness or loss of shape retention
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station automatically detects the IOL type through an identification system and self-regulates the heating temperature and duration based on the specific polymer characteristics of that IOL type, eliminating the need for manual temperature estimation by the surgeon
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the IOL temperature during heating and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the heating elements accordingly to maintain the optimal temperature range for each specific IOL polymer type
2Shape
If higher temperatures are used to soften the polymer for folding, then the lens becomes more pliable, but the polymer may become gummy and lose shape retaining ability
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on the detected IOL type, maintaining it within a specific optimal range that provides sufficient pliability for folding through the incision while preserving the polymer's shape retention properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the IOL to the optimal temperature range before the folding and implantation process, ensuring the polymer achieves the right balance of pliability and shape retention capability before manipulation
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 provides controlled temperature settings for IOLs and viscoelastic materials, enhancing the integrity and successful implantation of IOLs by maintaining the optimal physical properties of temperature-sensitive polymers, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing trauma and healing time.
Implementation Method 1
docking stations may also be selectively operated to warm the injection system components within a selected range of temperatures
Implementation Method 2
A surgical system featuring a temperature-controlled docking station with electronic identification, which includes heating elements and temperature sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an exemplary surgical system employing a temperature controlled docking station. The surgical system may include an articulating arm that is selectively moveable within a range of positions. A tray for receiving items used in performing a procedure may be attached to the articulating arm. The docking station may be attached to the tray. The docking station may include a heating element for selectively heating the docking station, a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the docking station, and a reader configured for collecting information associated with an article placed in the docking station. The surgical system may also include a controller operably connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the reader. The controller may be configured to adjust a heat output of the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor and/or the reader.