Laser Capsulorrhexis with Biocompatible Dye for IOL Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing capsulorrhexis in cataract surgery face challenges such as errant tears, difficulty in visualizing and grasping the capsule, maintaining anterior chamber depth, and issues with older patients or young children due to mechanical limitations, leading to complications like posterior capsule tears and IOL misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser-assisted method involving a pulsed treatment laser beam with a biocompatible dye to create a controlled opening in the anterior lens capsule, utilizing a two-dimensional scanner to form a closed curve and achieve thermal denaturing of collagen, thereby minimizing mechanical stress and enhancing the mechanical integrity of the capsulorrhexis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual capsulorrhexis is performed using forceps or needle, then the surgeon can create a capsular opening, but errant tears and posterior capsule tears occur due to mechanical stress and difficulty in visualizing/grasping the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of forceps and needles with a laser-based system. The laser beam creates the capsulorrhexis through photothermal effects, eliminating the need for mechanical grasping and tearing that causes errant tears and posterior capsule tears.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biocompatible dye as an intermediary substance that enhances laser absorption by the lens capsule. This dye acts as a mediator between the laser energy and the capsule tissue, enabling precise cutting while minimizing mechanical stress and the risk of tears.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual capsulorrhexis is performed, then the surgeon can create an opening, but precision and symmetry are difficult to achieve due to inability to adequately visualize the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the color/absorption properties of the biocompatible dye to enhance visualization of the lens capsule during surgery. The dye's optical properties allow for better detection and measurement of the capsule structure, enabling precise centering and symmetry in the capsulorrhexis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual capsulorrhexis is performed on older patients or young children, then the procedure can be attempted, but mechanical limitations and soft elastic capsules make the procedure difficult and increase complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulation with laser energy delivery, which is not limited by the mechanical properties of the capsule. The laser system can effectively create capsulorrhexis in patients with soft, elastic capsules regardless of age, as the laser interacts with the tissue through optical absorption rather than mechanical force.
4Stability of the object's composition
If manual capsulorrhexis is performed, then the surgeon can create an opening, but maintaining anterior chamber depth is difficult leading to IOL misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The laser-based capsulorrhexis creates a more stable and predictable capsular opening with uniform thickness and smooth edges. This stability maintains anterior chamber depth more effectively compared to manual techniques, thereby preventing IOL misalignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) with an optical axis is disclosed. Two or more haptics extend from an optical element defining an anterior plane and a parallel posterior plane. The optical axis is tilted at an angle of about 5 degrees with respect to the anterior and posterior planes.