Temperature-Controlled Intraocular Lens Delivery Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing intraocular lens delivery devices lack precise temperature control, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and shape of temperature-sensitive polymers used in intraocular lenses, leading to potential brittleness or loss of shape during the implantation process.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled intraocular lens delivery device that includes a heater system to maintain the intraocular lens within a specific temperature range, ensuring it remains compressible and retains its shape during delivery through a smaller incision, using resistive type heaters embedded in the cartridge, hand piece, or plunger, with a controller for precise temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual heating methods (autoclaves or baby wipe warmers) are used to heat the intraocular lens, then the lens can be warmed to improve compressibility, but the temperature control is uncontrolled and imprecise, leading to potential brittleness or loss of shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the lens temperature and provides feedback to a controller, which adjusts the heater power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise temperature control within the optimal range, preventing both overheating (which causes gooiness and shape loss) and underheating (which causes brittleness).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the polymer lens by controlling its temperature within a specific range. By maintaining the lens temperature between approximately 37°C and 45°C, the polymer transitions to an optimal viscoelastic state that enhances compressibility for small incision delivery while preserving shape retention capabilities. The system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters to optimize lens properties.
2Ease of operation
If the intraocular lens is heated to improve compressibility for smaller incisions, then easier delivery is achieved, but the polymer may become gooey and lose shape retaining ability at higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties of the polymer by precisely controlling the temperature parameter. Within the optimal range of 37°C-45°C, the polymer achieves enhanced compressibility while maintaining adequate shape retention. The feedback control system ensures the temperature does not exceed this range, preventing the polymer from becoming too soft and losing shape memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical compression methods with thermal energy control to achieve lens compression. By using controlled heating instead of mechanical force, the system achieves more consistent and controllable compression ratios, allowing the lens to be compressed reliably through small incisions while maintaining its ability to expand to the correct shape in the eye.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the intraocular lens is kept at colder temperatures, then the polymer maintains shape, but it becomes brittle and breaks if folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cold to warm (37°C-45°C) to alter the polymer's mechanical properties. This temperature elevation transitions the polymer from a brittle state to a more ductile, rubbery state that can withstand folding and compression without fracture, while still maintaining sufficient shape retention through the feedback-controlled temperature management system.
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 device ensures the intraocular lens is delivered in a stable condition, facilitating easier insertion through smaller incisions, promoting faster healing and reducing trauma to the patient by maintaining the lens within a desired temperature range, thus enhancing the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
using resistive type heaters embedded in the cartridge, hand piece, or plunger
Implementation Method 2
Heating the polymer allows the IOL to be compressed more easily, thus allowing it to fit through a smaller incision
Implementation Method 3
allow the lens to unfold into the proper shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.