Retractable Thermal Capsulotomy Tool for Stable Lens Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques for anterior capsulotomy, such as the can-opener and capsulorrhexis methods, face challenges in creating a stable, tear-resistant opening in the lens capsule, often leading to complications like vitreous entry, zonular stress, and poor intraocular lens placement due to the difficulty in controlling the size and position of the capsular opening.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system and tool using an extendable-retractable burning element with electrically conductive bands that form a full circular burn on the lens capsule, allowing for a controlled capsulotomy through a small corneal incision, and includes a pressurized airflow feature to maintain a clear surgical site without the need for additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If can-opener technique is used to create capsulotomy, then the capsule can be opened, but small tags remain that become focal areas of least resistance leading to radial tears and posterior capsule instability
Solution Approach 1:
The incision is divided into multiple segments (first incision, second incision, third incision) that are created separately and then connected. This segmentation allows each incision to be made with controlled depth and direction, avoiding the formation of continuous weak points while ensuring complete capsule opening
Solution Approach 2:
The incisions are made in a predetermined sequence and pattern around the capsule circumference before the final opening is completed. This preliminary action ensures that the capsule is weakened uniformly at multiple points, allowing for controlled opening without unexpected radial tears
2Reliability
If capsulorrhexis is used to create a circular opening, then residual tags are eliminated, but the procedure is difficult to control and requires significant skill and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The complex capsulorrhexis procedure is broken down into three separate, simpler incision steps that are easier to control individually. Each incision can be made with standard surgical instruments and techniques, reducing the skill threshold while maintaining the benefits of a complete circular opening
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple incisions serve as intermediaries that facilitate the capsule opening process. By creating separate incisions at different locations and connecting them, the procedure becomes more controllable and less dependent on surgeon skill compared to forming a complete circle in one continuous motion
3Productivity
If a large capsular opening is created, then lens removal is facilitated, but excessive stress on the lens capsule increases risk of zonular and capsular breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The incisions are made with varying depths and orientations at different locations around the capsule. The first, second, and third incisions are positioned and angled to distribute stress locally, creating an opening that is large enough for lens removal while maintaining structural integrity at critical stress points
4Reliability
If a small corneal incision is made, then healing is promoted and astigmatism is minimized, but the surgical instrument cannot reach the anterior capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument features a nested structure with an outer tube and an inner rod that can extend relative to each other. The burning element is housed within the inner rod, which itself is within the outer tube. This nesting allows the entire assembly to pass through a small corneal incision while still providing access to the anterior capsule when extended
5Ease of manufacture
If a non-retractable burning element is used, then capsulotomy can be performed, but the tool cannot be safely removed from the eye in case of breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The burning element is designed with dynamic, movable joints connecting the outer tube and inner rod. These joints allow the burning element to flex and adapt during use, and crucially, allow the inner rod to be retracted independently into the outer tube for safe removal. The dynamic structure provides both operational flexibility and safety for tool retrieval
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 system enables a precise, tear-resistant capsulotomy with reduced risk of complications, allowing for efficient lens removal and intraocular lens placement, while the retractable design facilitates safe removal of the tool even in case of breakage, and the airflow maintains a clear surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
a burning element (30) which has been heated up using electrical current
Implementation Method 2
directing of pressurized air to a surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool, and a slidable shaping element. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a full circular, extended configuration, by pressing the shaping element against both joints of the bands, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.