Shape Memory Speculum for Minimally Invasive Pupil Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ocular surgery, particularly cataract surgery, require multiple incisions and the use of bulky instruments like hooks to dilate the pupil, which can cause trauma and are technically challenging, especially in cases of small pupils or conditions like intraocular floppy iris syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A deformable speculum retractor made of shape-retentive memory material that can be inserted through a needle track without an incision, expanding within the eye to dilate the pupil and stabilize intraocular lenses, using sutures to secure it in place without the need for additional incisions or closure stitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hooks and retractors are used to dilate the pupil, then the iris can be retracted, but multiple incisions and bulky instruments are required which increases surgical complexity and trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, deformable speculum made of shape-retentive memory material that can be collapsed for insertion through a single small incision and then expands within the eye to effectively retract the iris. This eliminates the need for multiple incisions and bulky hooks, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining iris retraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum is designed to be collapsed into a compact form for insertion through the needle track and small incision, then expands to its full functional size within the eye. This nesting approach allows a single instrument to perform what would traditionally require multiple larger instruments and incisions
2Ease of operation
If mechanical methods are used to enlarge the pupil, then the pupil can be dilated, but the iris must be cut or stretched which increases the risk of trauma and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable speculum gently engages and retracts the iris through flexible deformation rather than cutting or aggressive stretching. The shape-retentive memory material allows the speculum to adapt to the iris contour while applying controlled retraction forces, reducing trauma to the iris tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hooks and cutting methods with a soft, deformable speculum that uses elastic deformation and shape memory to achieve iris retraction. This substitution of mechanical action reduces tissue damage and associated complications
3Length of stationary object
If small incisions are used for cataract surgery, then the surgical opening is minimized, but the pupil cannot be adequately dilated and the iris blocks the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum is collapsed into a small profile for insertion through the minimal incision, then expands within the eye to create sufficient space for pupil dilation and surgical access. This allows a single small incision to provide both minimal tissue disruption and adequate surgical field exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum transitions from a one-dimensional collapsed state for insertion to a three-dimensional expanded state for functional use. This dimensional transformation allows the same instrument to pass through a small incision while creating sufficient space for surgical operations
4Ease of operation
If multiple hooks and retractors are inserted through individual small incisions, then the iris can be adequately retracted, but insertion and removal become problematic and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (iris retraction, pupil dilation, and surgical site exposure) into a single integrated speculum instrument that can be inserted and removed through one small incision. This eliminates the need to manage multiple separate hooks and retractors, significantly reducing the time required for insertion and removal operations
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
This approach allows for effective pupil dilation and iris retraction without the need for multiple incisions or hooks, reducing surgical complexity and trauma, while providing stable support for intraocular lenses, thus improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
made of a deformable material that has shape retentive memory so that it can be installed in a collapsed, deformed state through a needle track into a position adjacent to the iris where it expands to its original state
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing eye surgery. A deformable body having shape memory retentive properties is formed with one or more open loops. The body is longitudinally stretched so that it can follow a needle through a small caliber needle track formed in the cornea, into the anterior chamber in front of the iris. There, the body has relaxed and reverted to its original shape. The needle is of such size that the needle track self-closes and no closure stitch is needed. Two sutures are connected to opposite ends of the body and one of the sutures connects the body to the needle. After the body is in the pupil of the iris, the loop openings face the wall of the iris and then the sutures are pulled to displace the body and press it against the wall of the iris to dilate the pupil.