Thermal Capsulotomy Tool with Collapsible Burning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques for creating a large circular opening in the lens capsule are challenging, often resulting in structural instability, increased risk of complications, and require multiple instruments, with existing tools unable to efficiently perform a uniform capsulotomy through a small corneal incision.
Innovation Solution
A thermal tool with an extendable-retractable burning element and integrated airflow system that uses electrical current to create a predetermined size opening in the lens capsule, allowing for a capsulotomy of 5-7 millimeters through a small corneal incision, eliminating the need for separate airflow devices and forceps tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional capsulotomy techniques (can-opener or capsulorrhexis) are used to create a large circular opening in the lens capsule, then the opening can be formed, but the procedure is difficult to control, requires significant skill and experience, and carries risks of radial tears extending to the posterior capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tearing and cutting methods with a thermal system that uses controlled heating to create the capsulotomy opening. The burnishing element applies localized heat to the lens capsule, causing controlled thermal destruction that forms a clean circular opening without the radial tears associated with mechanical techniques. This substitution of thermal energy for mechanical force significantly reduces surgical difficulty while improving opening quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the lens capsule through controlled thermal heating. By adjusting temperature parameters and heating duration, the system transforms the capsule tissue from its native state to a thermally modified state that allows clean separation. This parameter-based control enables precise regulation of the capsulotomy process, eliminating the skill-dependent variability of manual techniques.
2Reliability
If a small corneal incision (1-3 mm) is made to access the lens capsule, then healing is promoted and astigmatism is reduced, but existing cutting instruments cannot be passed through the small incision
Solution Approach 1:
The burning element is designed as a segmented, collapsible structure that can be compressed into a compact configuration for passage through the small corneal incision. Once positioned at the lens capsule, the segments expand to form the full-sized circular burning element needed for effective capsulotomy. This segmentation allows the instrument to pass through the small 1-3 mm incision while still providing the capability to create a larger 5-7 mm capsular opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The burning element employs a nested configuration where smaller components are contained within larger ones during the insertion phase. The collapsible structure allows the burning element to be nested within itself or within the delivery catheter, enabling passage through the small corneal incision. Upon deployment, the nested structure unfolds to provide the full functional size needed for capsulotomy.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate instruments are used for capsulotomy (cystotome, forceps, airflow devices), then the procedure can be performed, but the device complexity increases and operative time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate instruments into a single integrated thermal capsulotomy device. The system combines the burning element, delivery catheter, and airflow generation into one unified instrument that can be inserted through a single small corneal incision. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments (cystotome, forceps, separate airflow devices), reducing device complexity and streamlining the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal capsulotomy device performs multiple functions that previously required separate instruments. The single device can create the capsular opening, provide controlled airflow to the surgical site, and maintain sterility, all through one integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of instrument changes and simplifies the overall procedural workflow.
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 tool provides a quick, efficient, and reproducible capsular opening that is clean and tear-resistant, simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing the risk of complications by enabling a complete circular or oval-shaped searing without the need for forceps manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
uses electrical current to create a predetermined size opening in the lens capsule
Implementation Method 2
provides airflow, to the surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit providing pressurized airflow, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool including a main housing, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the main housing. The tool is in connection with the capsulotomy and movement control unit for providing electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Once in the anterior chamber, the burning element is switched to a circular, extended configuration, so as to allow performance of a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.