Modular Intraocular Lens Attachment for Capsular Bag Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraocular lens (IOL) systems face challenges in modifying or correcting optical results post-cataract surgery without needing to remove or manipulate the capsular bag, which risks damage and complications, especially when engaging the ciliary sulcus.

Innovation Solution

A modular IOL system comprising a primary and secondary component, where the secondary component can be attached to the primary component within the capsular bag without manipulating the bag, allowing for adjustment or exchange of the secondary component to correct optical errors without disturbing the capsular bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secondary lens is placed in the ciliary sulcus to avoid capsular bag manipulation, then the risk of capsular damage is reduced, but the risk of ciliary sulcus injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsular bag integrityVSAvoidciliary sulcus injury
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A secondary lens with haptics is introduced as an intermediary device that attaches to the anterior surface of the primary IOL within the capsular bag. This mediator allows optical correction without direct engagement of the ciliary sulcus, thus avoiding both capsular manipulation and ciliary sulcus injury

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the secondary lens placement from the traditional ciliary sulcus location to the anterior surface of the primary lens, changing the spatial dimension of intervention. This allows attachment without manipulating the capsular bag or engaging the ciliary sulcus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the primary IOL is removed and replaced to correct optical errors, then the optical result can be improved, but the risk of capsular bag damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical correction accuracyVSAvoidcapsular bag integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL system is segmented into a primary lens and a secondary lens. The primary lens remains in the capsular bag providing stable support, while the secondary lens provides adjustable optical correction. This segmentation allows optical correction without removing or manipulating the capsular bag

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary lens is designed with attachment features that enable pre-attachment to the primary lens before implantation. This preliminary configuration allows the secondary lens to be positioned and attached without subsequent manipulation of the capsular bag

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If haptics engage the ciliary sulcus to secure a secondary lens, then the secondary lens can be positioned without capsular manipulation, but tissue injury and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecondary lens positioningVSAvoidtissue injury
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary lens with its haptic attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary that attaches to the primary lens rather than engaging the ciliary sulcus. This intermediary approach enables secure positioning without direct tissue engagement, eliminating the harmful effects of ciliary sulcus injury

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical engagement system is substituted from direct ciliary sulcus engagement to attachment on the primary lens surface. This replacement eliminates the need for mechanical interaction with vulnerable ciliary tissue while maintaining secure secondary lens positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10080648B2Modular intraocular lens designs, tools and methods
Publication Date: 2018.09.25 ALCON INC
  • US10080648B2 patent drawing
  • US10080648B2 patent drawing
  • US10080648B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Modular IOL removal systems and methods that cut an optic portion of an intraocular in a single motion such to facilitate removal of the optic portion from an eye through an incision, for example a corneal incision, without increasing the size of the corneal incision. Various cutting tools having one or more blades may be utilized. The cut intraocular lens may have one continuous cut or be cut into multiple smaller pieces. The single cutting step may apply balanced forces and torque to avoid damaging the surrounding eye anatomy, reducing the risk of trauma.