Sutureless IOL Support Structure for Stable Intraocular Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for supporting intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the absence of sufficient capsular or zonular support, such as anterior chamber IOLs, iris suturing, and scleral suturing, are associated with complications like UGH syndrome, endothelial cell loss, glaucoma, and suture breakage, and require non-ideal lens types and additional surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lens support structure and fixation arms that can be implanted suturelessly, providing artificial zonular fixation and creating an artificial anterior capsule, allowing secure IOL placement without sutures, reducing the risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anterior chamber IOL is used to support the lens, then the lens can be placed in the anterior chamber, but it causes UGH syndrome, endothelial cell loss, and corneal decompensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate support structure (capsular tension ring or scleral-fixated IOL) that mediates between the lens and the anterior chamber, preventing direct contact between the lens and corneal endothelium while still providing stable lens support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the lens support from the anterior chamber dimension to the scleral or capsular dimension, placing the support structure in a different spatial location (scleral wall or capsular bag) that does not interfere with corneal function
2Reliability
If iris suturing is used to fixate the IOL, then the lens can be secured, but it causes iris pigment loss and glaucoma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suture material from the iris tissue and relocates the fixation point to the scleral wall or capsular bag, eliminating the harmful interaction between sutures and iris while maintaining lens fixation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fixation structure (scleral flange or capsular tension ring) that acts as a mediator between the IOL and the ocular wall, preventing direct suture placement in the iris and eliminating pigment loss and glaucoma risks
3Reliability
If scleral suturing with islets is used to secure the lens, then the lens can be fixedated, but it risks rotation, suture breakage, and lens subluxation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reusable but fragile suture-islet system with a single-piece scleral-fixated IOL that has integrated fixation elements, eliminating the need for separate sutures that can break or loosen over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lens, fixation elements, and scleral anchoring components into a single integrated device, eliminating the interface between separate components (lens and suture) that could fail and causing rotation or subluxation
4Reliability
If modified capsule tension rings are used for sutured scleral support, then partial capsule support can be provided, but the technique is complex and requires off-label use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the scleral-fixated IOL with self-positioning and self-fixation features that allow the device to automatically stabilize in the correct position without requiring complex suture techniques or off-label modifications of other devices
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable device for supporting an intraocular lens in an eye including a lens support structure having a central aperture; and one or more fixation arms coupled to the lens support structure and configured to locate and stabilize the device within the eye. Related tools, systems, and methods are provided.