Intraocular Lens Connector with Dynamic Diameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pseudophakic patients with an intact ocular capsular bag require novel methods and apparatus for the implantation and fixation of intraocular lenses, particularly after cataract surgery or lens exchange.
Innovation Solution
The use of elongate stretchable loop extension assemblies with connectors that change diameter based on stretching, allowing for the secure attachment and insertion of intraocular lenses into the eye through sclerectomies, along with a method for guiding surgical formation of symmetrical sclerectomies using a multi-diameter circular cutout for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connector is used to attach the loop extension to the intraocular lens, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to pass through sclerectomies and accommodate tissue flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a dynamic structure that transitions from a rigid state during insertion to a flexible state during positioning. The connector includes a body portion with a lumen that receives the loop extension, and this lumen is configured to flex and deform to accommodate the passage through sclerectomies while maintaining secure attachment to the intraocular lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates flexible material properties allowing the lumen and body to bend and flex during the surgical procedure. This flexibility enables the connector to pass through the sclerectomies without causing damage, while still providing sufficient structural integrity to secure the loop extension to the intraocular lens.
2Ease of operation
If the connector lumen diameter is made large to facilitate easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of positioning and sizing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lumen diameter is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the flexibility of the connector material. During insertion, the lumen can be temporarily expanded to facilitate passage through sclerectomies, then naturally constricts to provide precise positioning and secure attachment, achieving both ease of insertion and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector lumen's effective diameter changes based on the mechanical state and positioning requirements. The flexible material allows the lumen to expand during insertion for ease of operation, then contract to provide precise sizing and positioning, effectively changing the dimensional parameter as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the loop extension is made stretchable to facilitate passage through sclerectomies, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loop extension is designed with dynamic stretchability that allows it to expand during passage through sclerectomies for ease of insertion, then returns to its original configuration to provide stable fixation. The stretchable material properties enable temporary deformation during insertion followed by natural recovery to maintain secure attachment to the intraocular lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop extension undergoes a phase transition from a stretched state during insertion to a relaxed state during fixation. This transition allows the material to be flexible during passage through sclerectomies, then stabilizes to provide secure and stable fixation of the intraocular lens in its final position.
4Manufacturing precision
If the connector is designed with a narrow lumen for precise sizing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of insertion through sclerectomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector lumen is designed with dynamic dimensional properties that allow temporary expansion during insertion to facilitate passage through sclerectomies, then naturally constrict to provide precise sizing and positioning. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and precision by allowing both states to coexist in the surgical process.
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
Enables stable and secure implantation of intraocular lenses in pseudophakic patients by ensuring proper sizing and positioning, facilitating effective fixation and minimizing retraction risks.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate stretchable loop extension element, whose thickness varies as a function of an extent to which it is stretched
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for guiding surgical formation of a pair of symmetrical sclerectomies in an eye of a patient, including a multi-diameter generally circular cutout portion including at least a first and second portions having corresponding first and second diameters, the cutout portion being arranged for placement over the limbus of the eye and for centering the limbus within one of the first and second portions, thereby enabling estimating the diameter of the limbus, and at least first and second series of sclerectomy guiding apertures formed about the cutout portion, each guiding aperture of the first series having a paired guiding aperture in the second series formed 180° thereapart relative to a center of the cutout portion, the at least first and second series of sclerectomy guiding apertures together including at least one pair of guiding apertures having a diameter therebetween which is wider than at least one of the first and second portions.