Shape Memory Polymer Intraocular Lens for Minimally Invasive Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraocular lenses face challenges with haptic flexibility leading to difficult implantation, susceptibility to decentration, and trauma during deployment, along with limited ability to accommodate presbyopia and poor long-term stability, especially with larger incisions required for dual-optic lenses.

Innovation Solution

Shape-memory polymer (SMP) intraocular lenses are developed, which can be compressed to fit through small incisions, expand to a stable shape post-implantation, and have adjustable mechanical properties for optimal positioning and reduced tissue trauma, incorporating thermomechanical recovery instead of elastic expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional elastic haptics are used, then the lens can be easily inserted, but the haptics uncontrollably spring back and make implantation and positioning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidcontrol during implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional elastic material to shape memory polymer, which allows the haptic to be deformed to a small size for insertion and then recover to its original shape in a controlled manner after implantation, eliminating uncontrollable springing back

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory polymer undergoes a phase transition at its transition temperature, changing from a deformed state during insertion to a recovered state after implantation. This phase transition enables controlled shape recovery rather than immediate elastic rebound

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of operation

If conventional elastic haptics are used, then the lens can be inserted, but the haptics are susceptible to decentration from vitreous pressure and tissue pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidlong-term stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional elastic material to shape memory polymer, which provides both flexibility for insertion and stability after implantation. The shape memory effect allows the haptic to maintain its positioned shape once deployed, resisting decentration from vitreous and tissue pressures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional elastic haptics are used, then the lens can be inserted, but the elastic recoil may damage delicate local tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment capabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional elastic material to shape memory polymer, which provides controlled shape recovery instead of immediate elastic rebound. This controlled recovery significantly reduces the force applied to surrounding tissues during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory polymer is designed to recover shape in a controlled manner after implantation, cushioning the transition from compressed to deployed state and preventing sudden elastic recoil that could damage delicate ocular tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If dual-optic lenses are used, then accommodation for presbyopia is improved, but larger incisions are required reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation capabilityVSAvoidlong-term stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter to shape memory polymer with tailored transition temperatures, allowing dual-optic lenses to be inserted through smaller incisions while maintaining stability. The controlled shape recovery ensures proper positioning and long-term stability even with the more complex dual-optic design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

SMP lenses enable precise, minimally invasive implantation with high shape fixity, reduced trauma, and adjustable refractive index and curvature, improving accommodation and long-term stability, allowing for smaller incisions and tailored deployment speeds.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory polymer thermomechanical recovery: Shape Memory Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS10286105B2Shape memory polymer intraocular lenses

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 REGENTS OF UNIV OF COLORADO THE

AI summary

A shape memory polymer (SMP) intraocular lens may have a refractive index above 1.45, a Tg between 10° C. and 60° C., inclusive, de minimiz or an absence of glistening, and substantially 100% transmissivity of light in the visible spectrum. The intraocular lens is then rolled at a temperature above Tg of the SMP material. The intraocular device is radially compressed within a die to a diameter of less than or equal to 1.8 mm while maintaining the temperature above Tg. The compressed intraocular lens device may be inserted through an incision less than 2 mm wide in a cornea or sclera or other anatomical structure. The lens can be inserted into the capsular bag, the ciliary sulcus, or other cavity through the incision. The SMP can substantially achieve refractive index values of greater than or equal to 1.45.