Iris Retractor With Slender Elements and Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current iris retractors used in ophthalmic surgical procedures lack an efficient mechanism for expanding the pupil, which limits the surgeon's view during procedures like phacoemulsification, and often require complex manipulation and multiple instruments for effective dilation.
Innovation Solution
An iris retractor with slender elements and iris grabbing hooks that can be manipulated between retracted and expanded positions using a handle, allowing for controlled dilation of the pupil through a simple and efficient mechanism, utilizing a retaining element such as a spring to maintain the expanded configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional iris retractors are used, then the pupil can be dilated, but the mechanism is complex and requires multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (iris grasping, retraction, and pupil dilation) into a single integrated retractor device. The retractor includes a body with a grasping element and a retraction element that work together to dilate the pupil through one instrument rather than requiring multiple separate tools, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining effective iris manipulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both iris grasping and pupil dilation tasks. The body structure incorporates both a grasping element for securing the iris and a retraction element for pulling the iris back to dilate the pupil, allowing a single device to handle multiple surgical requirements that previously needed separate instruments
2Area of stationary object
If the retractor is expanded to dilate the pupil, then the surgeon's view is improved, but the insertion through small incisions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor employs a dynamic design where the retraction element can move relative to the body between a compressed state for insertion and an expanded state for pupil dilation. The resilient element allows the retraction element to be compressed during insertion through small incisions and then expand once positioned to pull the iris back and dilate the pupil, achieving both small insertion profile and large functional opening
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor structure incorporates a nested configuration where the retraction element is housed within or alongside the body in a compact arrangement. The resilient element enables the retraction element to be stored in a compressed or nested position during insertion, then deployed outward to perform the dilation function, effectively nesting the functional components to minimize insertion size while maximizing operational size
3Ease of operation
If the slender elements are held in expanded position, then the iris can be retracted, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element automatically maintains the retraction element in its expanded position once deployed, providing self-sustaining force without requiring additional retaining mechanisms or complex locking systems. The elastic properties of the resilient element create a self-biasing system that naturally holds the retraction element outward to maintain iris retraction, eliminating the need for separate retention devices and simplifying the overall structure
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 iris retractor effectively dilates the pupil, providing a wider view for the surgeon by expanding the iris, reducing the complexity of surgical procedures and minimizing the need for multiple instruments, while maintaining a compact retracted form for easy insertion through small incisions.
Implementation Method 1
the slender elements resiliently moving between retracted and expanded positions
Implementation Method 2
the retaining element comprises a spring
Data Source
AI summary
An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configurations: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.