Self-Expanding Pupil Expander with Iris Cups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic procedures face challenges in effectively dilating the pupil, particularly in cases where pharmacological methods are ineffective and surgical approaches carry risks of complications and cosmetic issues, with existing mechanical methods like iris hooks causing tissue damage and instability during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A pupil expander device featuring a support member with radially extending iris cups that self-expand to dilate the pupil, maintaining stability without the need for sutures or tacks, utilizing shape memory materials for easy insertion and removal, and a delivery system for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical approaches (sphincterotomies, sector iridectomies) are used to dilate the pupil, then pupil dilation is achieved, but surgical complications and cosmetic consequences occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepupil dilation effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical complications and cosmetic consequences

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces surgical cutting mechanisms with a mechanical expansion system. The pupil expander uses radially extending arms with iris engagement portions that mechanically stretch and hold the iris tissue in a retracted position, eliminating the need for incisions and avoiding surgical complications while achieving reliable pupil dilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pupil expander acts as an intermediary device between the iris tissue and the surgical field. It introduces a support member with engagement portions that mediate the interaction by distributing forces across multiple iris attachment points, preventing tissue damage and avoiding the harmful effects of direct surgical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If translimbal iris hooks are used to pull back the iris, then pupil dilation is achieved, but damage to the iris tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepupil dilation effectivenessVSAvoidiris tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pupil expander divides the iris engagement function into multiple segments through several radially extending arms, each with its own engagement portion. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple attachment points on the iris, preventing concentrated stress and tissue damage while maintaining effective pupil dilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement portions of the iris hooks are designed with flexible, curved surfaces that conform to the iris tissue. This flexibility allows the hooks to engage the iris gently without causing damage, while still providing sufficient anchoring force to maintain pupil dilation throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If intraocular tacks are used to tack the iris to the sclera, then pupil dilation is achieved, but the risk of inadvertent puncture and pigment release occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepupil dilation effectivenessVSAvoidinadvertent puncture and pigment release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful puncturing function from the iris engagement mechanism. Instead of using tacks that penetrate and risk puncturing the iris, the design employs external engagement portions that contact and hold the iris from the anterior chamber side, eliminating the risk of inadvertent puncture and pigment release while maintaining secure iris retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If sutures are used to tack the retracted iris through the scleral wall, then pupil dilation is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires delicate surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepupil dilation effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex suturing mechanism with a simplified mechanical expansion system. The self-expanding support member with radially extending arms provides immediate and stable iris retraction upon deployment, eliminating the time-consuming suturing process and reducing the need for delicate surgical manipulation while achieving reliable pupil dilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 pupil expander effectively and safely maintains pupil dilation during ophthalmic procedures, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing visualization, with self-retention capabilities that eliminate the need for manual holding or sutures, ensuring stable and efficient access to the eye's interior.

Implementation Method 1

The support member is capable of self-expansion into a predetermined shape configuration sized to dilate the pupil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP2809239B1Device for pupil expansion

Publication Date: 2016.03.09 ALCON RESEARCH LTD

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AI summary

A pupil expander (100) is disclosed. The pupil expander comprises a support member (110) sized to expand a pupil and a plurality of engaging portions (120, 125). The plurality of engaging portions are coupled to and spaced about the support member. The engaging portions have a recess (210) and are shaped and sized to receive an inner margin of an iris.