Intraocular Lens Guide Rails for Controlled Folding and Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IOL inserters fail to simultaneously roll or fold the optic and haptics of an intraocular lens properly, leading to potential damage and improper unfolding during placement in the capsular bag, which complicates the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
An insertion system featuring a pusher and an introducer device with a back sheath and a tapering front sheath containing inner peripheral guide rails that guide the IOL along its path, ensuring controlled rolling and unfolding of the optic and haptics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IOL is forced through the insertion tube using conventional inserters, then the IOL can be inserted into the eye, but the IOL may be damaged or may not unfold properly in the capsular bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the inserter with receiving chamber and compression element) between the IOL and the insertion tube. This intermediary device properly folds/compresses the IOL before insertion and controls its deployment, preventing damage and ensuring proper unfolding in the capsular bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary folding and compression of the IOL in the receiving chamber before insertion into the eye. The compression element pre-configures the IOL in a compact, damage-free state that can be safely transported through the insertion tube and then controlled to unfold at the target location.
2Device complexity
If conventional inserters without internal rolling/folding elements are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the IOL cannot be simultaneously rolled or folded properly during passage through the insertion tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (receiving, folding, compressing, and deploying the IOL) into a single integrated inserter device. The receiving chamber and compression element work together as a unified system to simultaneously manage both the optic and haptics folding, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms while achieving precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element is designed to automatically engage and compress the IOL as it is loaded into the receiving chamber, without requiring additional manual manipulation. The IOL self-folds and self-compresses under the action of the compression element, reducing the complexity of external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion system to insert an intraocular lens in a patient's eye is provided. The system includes an introducer device having a tapering front sheath. The front sheath includes a receptacle at a proximal portion thereof that is sized and configured to receive the intraocular lens and inner peripheral guide rails at an intermediate portion thereof. The inner guide rails have an arcuate configuration and include a first member separated by an inner lumen from a second opposing member. The first and second member extend further into the inner lumen at the proximal end compared to the terminal distal end of the inner peripheral rails. The front sheath of the introducer device further includes a distal tip in fluid communication with the distal end of the inner peripheral guide rails.