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Spinoff story
Cataract Surgery Tool
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Cataract is a condition which the lens of the eye becomes opaque restricting vision and leading to potential blindness. Surgery to remove the cloudy material is necessary. Tool is tiny cutter-pump which liquefies and pumps cataract lens material from eye. Incorporated in mechanism are two passages for saline solutions, one to maintain constant pressure within the eye and the other for removal of fragmented lens material and fluids. Use of this tool is expected to reduce patient's hospital stay and recovery period significantly.