Oscillating Capsulotomy Blade for Smooth Lens Capsule Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsulotomy devices for cataract surgery often result in unintentional tears in the lens capsule due to uneven cutting forces, and there is a need for a more efficient mechanism to form a smooth and continuous aperture in the capsule during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A capsulotomy device with a cutting blade that oscillates rotationally about a central pivot through a simple mechanism involving an axially extending rod, allowing for precise cutting of the anterior lens capsule using a unitary one-piece construction with spoke members and a driving mechanism for manual or automatic activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hand-held cutting needle and forceps is used to form a continuous aperture in the capsule, then the capsule can be opened for lens removal, but unintentional tears in the capsule occur due to uneven cutting forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule opening capabilityVSAvoidcapsule integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blade is designed to oscillate between forward and backward positions during rotation, creating dynamic cutting action that allows controlled, even forces to be applied continuously to the capsule, preventing tears while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating cutting blade performs periodic forward and backward movements during each rotation cycle, ensuring that cutting forces are distributed evenly over time and across the capsule surface, thereby preventing unintentional tears while maintaining continuous aperture formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If a dedicated cutting tool with oscillating cutting element is used, then even cutting forces can be applied to avoid capsule tears, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule integrityVSAvoidcutting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillating cutting action is combined with rotational movement in a single integrated blade assembly, where the blade both rotates and oscillates simultaneously, achieving reliable capsule cutting without requiring separate complex oscillating and rotating mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting blade is designed to oscillate between forward and backward positions during rotation, creating dynamic cutting action that allows controlled, even forces to be applied continuously to the capsule, preventing tears while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components are used in the cutting mechanism, then precise control of cutting forces is achieved, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting force controlVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillating cutting action is combined with rotational movement in a single integrated blade assembly, where the blade both rotates and oscillates simultaneously, achieving reliable capsule cutting without requiring separate complex oscillating and rotating mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting blade is segmented into multiple spokes radiating from a central pivot, with each spoke containing a cutting edge, allowing precise control of cutting forces through the spoke structure while maintaining a relatively simple overall part configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a smooth and continuous cut in the lens capsule with reduced parts, minimizing unintentional tears and ensuring precise cutting during cataract surgery.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the tool holder is adapted in the device's operative state to reciprocate in the distal and proximal directions to urge oscillating rotation of the cutting blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating rotation mechanism:

Data Source

PatentEP3880140B1Capsulotomy device and method of forming a circular cutting blade
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HORUS MEDTECH SRL
  • EP3880140B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3880140B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3880140B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A capsulotomy device has a tool holder. The tool holder includes a cutting blade at its distal end and is arranged to move in a distal direction in the device to form an operative state of the device where the cutting blade projects out of a distal end of the capsulotomy device. The at least a portion of the tool holder is adapted in the device's operative state to reciprocate in the distal and proximal directions to urge rotation of the cutting blade.