Patent ID: 8157797

Claim:
A capsularhexis device, comprising: a tubular insertion cartridge having a proximal end for engagement to a handpiece and a distal end for insertion into an eye; a shaft portion configured for longitudinal translation within the tubular insertion cartridge and comprising first and second electrical leads for electrical connection to an external power source; and a cutting portion having a connecting end, joined to the shaft portion, and a free end, the cutting portion comprising first and second superelastic electrode layers separated by an electrically insulating layer and electrically connected to the first and second electrical leads, respectively; wherein the capsularhexis device has an extended configuration, in which the cutting portion is external to the tubular insertion cartridge and forms a cutting loop with a gap in a periphery of the cutting loop, and a retracted configuration, in which the cutting portion is contained substantially within the insertion cartridge such that the connecting end is farther from the distal end of the insertion cartridge than a remainder of the cutting portion; wherein the first and second superelastic electrode layers comprise first and second elongated superelastic strips, each having a length approximately equal to or greater than the perimeter of the cutting loop, a thickness, and a height; and wherein the first and second superelastic strips sandwich the insulation layer for at least a portion of the length and height of the superelastic strips.