Reciprocating Capsulorhexis Cutting Ring for Precise Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cataract surgery methods face challenges in accurately performing capsulorhexis, leading to potential complications such as peripheral capsular tear and mispositioning of intraocular lenses due to the adherence of the anterior lens capsule to manual cutting tools during continuous circular cuts.

Innovation Solution

A cutting apparatus and method utilizing a cutting ring with a sharp edge, coupled to a motion source generating reciprocating linear motion, which converts into high-speed back-and-forth rotational motion to create a circular aperture in the anterior lens capsule, preventing adherence and ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cutting tools are used for continuous circular cuts in the anterior lens capsule, then the surgeon can control the cutting process, but the anterior lens capsule adheres to the cutting tool causing peripheral capsular tear and mispositioning of intraocular lenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidadherence of lens capsule to cutting tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic reciprocating motion to the cutting ring instead of continuous circular motion. The cutting ring oscillates back and forth rapidly, creating periodic cutting actions that prevent the lens capsule from adhering to the cutting tool while maintaining cutting accuracy and preventing peripheral capsular tear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static continuous cutting motion into dynamic reciprocating motion. The cutting ring is coupled to a motion source that generates reciprocating linear motion, converting it into rotational reciprocating motion of the cutting ring, making the cutting process more dynamic and preventing adherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If reciprocating linear motion is converted to rotational motion of the cutting ring, then adherence is prevented and cutting accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the motion-conversion mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircular aperture precisionVSAvoidmotion-conversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a motion-conversion mechanism as an intermediary component that transforms the reciprocating linear motion from the motion source into rotational reciprocating motion of the cutting ring. This intermediary mechanism enables the desired motion conversion while maintaining device functionality and achieving precise circular aperture cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high-speed reciprocating motion is used to prevent adherence, then cutting accuracy and reproducibility are improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsulorhexis precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption of motion source

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs high-speed periodic reciprocating motion of the cutting ring to prevent lens capsule adherence and achieve precise capsulorhexis. The periodic oscillation at high frequency creates sufficient cutting action while the reciprocating nature of the motion allows for efficient energy utilization, balancing precision requirements with energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 apparatus enables precise and reproducible circular cuts in the lens capsule, reducing the risk of complications and allowing less experienced surgeons to perform capsulorhexis with high accuracy, while utilizing standard phacoemulsification probes without additional costs.

Implementation Method 1

a motion-conversion mechanism coupled to the longitudinal-motion member and to the cutting ring, and which converts the reciprocating linear motion of the longitudinal-motion member into rotational motion of the cutting ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion conversion mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

a cutting ring having a sharp cutting edge, which is shaped and sized to engage the anterior lens capsule of the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Data Source

PatentUS12458533B2Capsulorhexis apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FORSIGHT ROBOTICS LTD

AI summary

Apparatus (100) for use with a motion source that generates reciprocating linear motion. The apparatus includes a cutting ring (120) comprising a sharp cutting edge shaped and sized to engage an anterior lens capsule of the eye (20) and a longitudinal-motion member (150) coupled to the cutting ring, and that is configured to be coupled to the motion source, such that the motion source imparts reciprocating linear motion to the longitudinal motion member. The apparatus additionally includes a motion-conversion mechanism coupled to the longitudinal-motion member and to the cutting ring and configured to convert the reciprocating linear motion of the longitudinal-motion member into back-and-forth rotational motion of the cutting ring to create a circular aperture in the anterior capsule of the eye by the cutting ring. Other applications are also described.