Small Diameter Fragmatome for Minimally Traumatic Lens Fragment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing retained lens fragments during cataract surgery require large incisions and suturing, leading to increased patient trauma and prolonged healing time due to the use of large-diameter fragmatomes, which are not suitable for small-gauge instrumentation.

Innovation Solution

A small-diameter fragmatome with a tubular member of 23-gauge or less in diameter, capable of delivering emulsification energy and suction, is used through incisions no larger than 0.8 mm, allowing for minimally traumatic removal of lens fragments without the need for suturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fragmatomes are used for lens fragment removal, then complete removal of lens fragments is achieved, but large incisions requiring suturing are required causing increased patient trauma and prolonged healing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete removal of lens fragmentsVSAvoidpatient trauma and healing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the critical parameter of fragmatome diameter from conventional large sizes (20-gauge or larger, approximately 0.81 mm or more) to small sizes (23-gauge or smaller, approximately 0.57 mm or less). This parameter change enables the instrument to pass through small self-sealing incisions without requiring suturing, thereby reducing patient trauma and accelerating healing while maintaining the capability to effectively remove lens fragments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fragmatome system with a miniaturized version that uses ultrasonic or laser energy for emulsification. This substitution allows the instrument to achieve effective lens fragment removal through a smaller profile, eliminating the need for large incisions and suturing while maintaining therapeutic efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional combination fragmatome-aspirator is used, then lens fragments can be emulsified and removed simultaneously, but the larger operational profile requires even larger incisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous emulsification and removalVSAvoidincision size and patient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent miniaturizes the combination fragmatome-aspirator instrument, changing its operational profile from large conventional sizes to small 23-gauge or smaller dimensions. This parameter change enables the instrument to pass through small self-sealing incisions while maintaining the dual functionality of simultaneous emulsification and aspiration, thereby reducing patient trauma without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the aspirator function within the fragmatome instrument itself, creating a nested configuration where the aspiration lumen is incorporated into the fragmatome shaft. This nesting allows both emulsification and aspiration functions to be performed through a single small-profile instrument, eliminating the need for separate large instruments and reducing incision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 reduces patient trauma and shortens recovery time by enabling the use of smaller incisions that do not require suturing, facilitating the removal of lens fragments with reduced trauma and faster healing.

Implementation Method 1

The tubular apparatus emulsifies the lens, typically with ultrasonic or laser energy provided at the tip, causing the natural lens, once lifted toward the front of the eye, to break apart.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic energy: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The tubular apparatus emulsifies the lens, typically with ultrasonic or laser energy provided at the tip, causing the natural lens, once lifted toward the front of the eye, to break apart.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser energy: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The tubular member may also be in suction communication with a suction source disposed to deliver suction at the distal end of the tubular member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9050171B2Small diameter fragmatome for minimally traumatic retained lens fragments removal

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 FOSTER WILLIAM J

AI summary

A medical instrument is disclosed, comprising a tubular member with proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the tubular member provides an elongated section having a substantially constant outside diameter of no more than 23-gauge (about 0.57 mm). The tubular member is in energy communication with an emulsification energy source disposed to deliver emulsification energy at the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member may also be in suction communication with a suction source disposed to deliver suction at the distal end of the tubular member. The medical instrument may be used in a method to remove lens fragments from the eye, through incisions in the eye that are small enough not to require suturing after the operation.