Nucleus Chopper

• Category: Medical Devices
• Investment Status: Pre-Seed
• Medical Field: Ophthalmology
• Patent Status: PCT
• Medical Center: Soroka

• Inventors: Professor Tova Lifshitz, Dr. Nadav Belfair, Eli Besharim
  

Cataract, the leading cause of blindness world wide, is a disorder in which the lens loses transparency leading to vision impairment and blindness. Surgically removing the effected lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is the most effective treatment for cataracts. The WHO estimates that by 2020, 32 million cataract operations will be performed globally, up from 12 million in 2000. Phacoemulsification is considered the gold standard in cataract surgery today. In order to remove a cataract and insert a new lens a continuous circular tear is made in the anterior lens capsule – Capsulorhexis. Once Capsulorhexis is done the surgeon then fragments the lens (Nucleus chopping), followed by lens material emulsification and extraction using the Phacoemulsification hand piece.

The nucleus chopping device is designed to simplify the nucleus split to one easy step while minimizing the stress on the capsular bag and zonules using a disposable and easy to use mechanical tool. The Nuc-Chop is composed of a reusable handle and a disposable tip that opens into clamps. The reusable handle includes an embedded mechanism that moves the clamp arms and creates vibrations. During the procedure the disposable tip is inserted into the eye through the cornea. With the help of mechanical vibrations, the arms hold the nucleus and separate it into smaller particles which are then extracted by the Phaco probe.

Advantages:

• One step preliminary fragmentation.
• Safe and easy to use even by less experiences surgeons.
• Low cost disposable part.
• Controlled entrance depth
• Shortens Phaco duration.
• Protects the posterior capsule from rupture.
• Minimizes the stress on the Zonules