Ophthalmic Iris Ring with Open Pockets for Snag-Free Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical techniques for dilating the pupil often cause iris tissue damage, particularly in patients with small pupils, due to snagging and trauma during the use and removal of iris supporting rings, and pharmacological approaches have limitations such as decreased visualization and iris trauma.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ring with spaced supports and open pockets is designed to maintain the pupil in an extended open position during surgery, featuring a series of plates that engage the iris perimeter without sharp edges, allowing easy insertion and removal without snagging, and constructed from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene for durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional iris supporting rings are used to dilate the pupil, then the pupil can be extended to provide wide visualization, but the rings snag the incision during removal causing iris tissue damage and making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is inverted from traditional designs by positioning the flexible limb with pockets to face outwardly away from the cornea, while the smooth connecting portions face inwardly. This inversion prevents snagging of the incision edges during removal while maintaining effective iris engagement for pupil dilation and visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring incorporates a flexible limb made of elastomeric material with open pockets formed by spaced plates. This flexible structure engages the iris perimeter gently without sharp edges, providing effective dilation while minimizing tissue trauma during both insertion and removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pharmacological mydriatic eye drops are used to dilate the pupil, then chemical dilation is achieved, but visualization is decreased and iris trauma occurs due to incarceration and chafing
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure serves as a mechanical intermediary device that physically supports the iris perimeter to maintain pupil dilation. This mechanical approach replaces pharmacological methods, providing reliable visualization while the smooth flexible surfaces prevent iris incarceration and chafing trauma.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid iris retractors are used to maintain pupil opening, then stable visualization is achieved, but the rigid structure causes trauma to the iris and corneal endothelial cells
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is constructed with a flexible elastomeric limb that can adapt to the curvature of the iris and cornea. This flexibility provides stable pupil maintenance while preventing trauma to delicate corneal endothelial cells, unlike rigid retractors that cause scratching and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring features a curved C-shaped configuration with rounded connecting portions that conform to the natural curvature of the eye structures. This spherical geometry distributes pressure evenly and prevents concentrated stress points that would damage corneal cells while maintaining stable iris engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A ring (10) for dilating a pupil during an ophthalmic procedure includes a series of spaced supports for engaging an iris perimeter. The supports are plate elements which form an open pocket (12, 14, 16, 18) directed outwardly for engaging the iris (52). The sides of the ring form a primary plane, and the plates are located in respective planes above and below the primary plane. The outer periphery of the top (30) and bottom (32) plates forms a lip feature which is the opening to the pocket which retains the iris.