Wellcome Trust Translational Award for Warwick Design's new Surgical Instrument
Capsulorhexis
In the field of ophthalmic surgery there is no room for error. Complications harm the patient and cost the NHS. The task of removing cataracts and replacing them with artificial lenses is one of the most common operations carried out world-wide. Nevertheless it requires a very high level of skill from the surgeon to make the opening (continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis) in the anterior capsule that holds the lens. This is particularly demanding in paediatric patients.
Mr John Stokes, a top UK ophthalmic consultant at Nottingham NHS Trust, conceived a device to reduce the necessary skill level and failure rate of this procedure. The NHS Innovation East Midlands approached Warwick Design with the challenge of turning the idea into a practical instrument.
Initial concepts were developed employing micro manufacturing techniques in various high tech materials. Many difficulties in the development of the tiny self forming blade are being overcome. Warwick Design used porcine eyes to develop the device to working moulded components.
Testing of the strength (comparative stretch to rupture) of the opening in the eye is being carried out using custom devices such as is shown on the right.
The potential for this device has been recognised by the Wellcome Trust who are providing £300 000 of funding after a very rigorous evaluation process.