A riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery

Abstract

The present invention discloses a riboflavin drip beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery. The beaker is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. It comprises a first annular portion at the top, a second annular portion at the bottom, and a tapered, inclined annular wall connecting the first and second annular portions. The second annular portion contacts the corneal surface, and the inclined annular wall and the second annular portion prevent riboflavin from escaping. The beaker-like design increases the volume and duration of riboflavin retention on the corneal surface, preventing leakage and improving the efficiency of corneal cross-linking surgery. This also provides improved patient comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of clinical ophthalmology, in particular to a riboflavin dropping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery. Background Art

[0002] Corneal collagen cross-linking surgery chemically cross-links the corneal fibers in patients with keratoconus. This improves corneal biomechanics and stabilizes corneal morphology, effectively preventing or delaying the progression of keratoconus. However, the standard cross-linking procedure involves soaking the cornea in a riboflavin solution for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of 365nm ultraviolet radiation. This lengthy procedure can be difficult for some patients to adhere to.

[0003] With technological innovation and equipment development, the current rapid corneal collagen cross-linking procedure has significantly shortened treatment time by varying riboflavin concentration, composition, UV power, and total energy. However, the procedure still consists of two main steps: the first is the penetration of riboflavin into the corneal collagen; the second is the UV irradiation treatment. During the first step, the patient lies flat on the operating table. The eyelids are opened with a tarsal speculum, and the corneal epithelium is removed by laser or mechanical means. The designated riboflavin solution is then dripped into the center of the cornea. Riboflavin acts as a cross-linking inducer. Adequate corneal penetration is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the procedure, so continuous dripping of riboflavin is required. This dripping procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes.

[0004] However, the current riboflavin dripping process has the following problems: 1. Riboflavin liquid quickly flows along the curvature of the cornea when dripped onto the corneal surface and is not easy to stay on the corneal surface, requiring doctors to repeatedly drip riboflavin; 2. The penetration rate of riboflavin is related to the concentration and pressure (or tension) of riboflavin on the corneal surface. The current dripping not only wastes riboflavin, but also makes it difficult to form pressure on the corneal surface that promotes penetration; 3. Although rapid corneal cross-linking has greatly shortened the treatment time compared to the standard method, patients still need to keep their eyes open for more than 10 minutes, which is difficult for many patients to do. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery, which increases the volume of riboflavin on the corneal surface and solves the problem that riboflavin is difficult to stay on the corneal surface.

[0006] The complete technical solution of the present invention includes:

[0007] A riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery is characterized in that the beaker is in the shape of a beaker that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom; it includes a first annular portion at the top, a second annular portion at the bottom, and a tapered inclined annular wall connecting the first annular portion and the second annular portion, the second annular portion contacts the corneal surface, and the inclined annular wall and the second annular portion prevent riboflavin from flowing out.

[0008] Furthermore, the diameter of the first annular portion is 11 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameter of the second annular portion is 12 mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the height of the inclined annular wall is 4 mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the positioning portion is 10.6 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the inclined annular wall is 5-15°.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner portion of the bottom surface of the second annular portion is an inclined surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the inclined surface is 0.8 mm away from the bottom end.

[0015] Furthermore, a flexible fitting portion is sleeved on the exterior of the second annular portion, and the flexible fitting portion is made of a flexible and elastic material with good biocompatibility.

[0016] Furthermore, a riboflavin dripping beaker and method for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery includes an extraction mechanism after riboflavin infiltration, the extraction mechanism includes a liquid outlet, a liquid suction channel 6 and a suction port, the area of ​​the liquid outlet is larger than the suction port, and the cross-section of the liquid suction channel gradually decreases from the liquid outlet to the suction port.

[0017] Furthermore, the second annular portion and the inner circle of the flexible fitting portion are both provided with liquid outlet holes, a hollow liquid suction channel is provided in the inclined annular wall, and a suction port 7 is provided in the middle of the inclined annular wall for connecting to a suction device.

[0018] After the infiltration is completed, when the excess riboflavin needs to be quickly transferred, the suction device at the upper end of the first annular portion is turned on, and the excess riboflavin enters the liquid suction channel of the inclined annular wall from the liquid outlet holes of the flexible fitting portion and the second annular portion and is sucked away by the suction device. Then, ultraviolet irradiation treatment is started. The area of ​​the liquid outlet hole is larger than the suction port, and the cross-section of the liquid suction channel gradually decreases from the liquid outlet to the suction port. During suction, the liquid discharge speed can be reduced, so that the riboflavin is slowly sucked out, and a little riboflavin is left on the surface of the cornea, which has the effect of replenishing the infiltration without causing discomfort to the patient.

[0019] The advantages of the present invention over the prior art are:

[0020] 1. The beaker-type design increases the volume of riboflavin on the corneal surface, making it less likely to leak and increasing surgical efficiency.

[0021] 2. By making the lower edge of the beaker into an arc shape and designing an arc-shaped inclined surface on the inner side, it can be suitable for patients with different curvatures, fit more closely with the cornea / corneoscleral limbus, and prevent the leakage of riboflavin at the bottom, thereby maximizing the time and area of ​​riboflavin staying on the corneal surface.

[0022] 3. The bottom slope is added to accommodate patients with different curvatures. The eyelid speculum can be removed after the beaker is placed, providing better patient comfort. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the dropping beaker of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional stereogram.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial diagram of the suction channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following will combine the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the implementation methods of the present application. Obviously, the described implementation methods are only for illustration and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery disclosed in the present invention is in the shape of a beaker that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, including a first annular portion 1 at the top, a second annular portion 2 at the bottom, and a tapered inclined annular wall 3 connecting the first annular portion and the second annular portion.

[0029] The diameter of the first annular portion is 11 mm, the diameter of the second annular portion is 12 mm, and the height of the inclined annular wall is 4 mm.

[0030] The inner portion of the bottom surface of the second annular portion is inclined 0.8 mm from the bottom end to accommodate patients with different curvatures. A flexible fitting portion 4 is provided on the outside of the second annular portion. This flexible fitting portion is made of a biocompatible, flexible and elastic material and allows the cross-linking ring to adhere more tightly to the cornea / corneoscleral limbus. The circular, rounded edge prevents damage to the cornea / corneoscleral limbus.

[0031] Furthermore, the second annular portion and the flexible fitting portion are both provided with liquid outlet holes 5 on the inner side, the inclined annular wall is a hollow liquid suction channel 6, and a suction port 7 is provided in the middle of the inclined annular wall for connecting a suction device.

[0032] During the first step of corneal collagen cross-linking surgery, the beaker is placed on the corneal surface, the eyelid speculum is removed, and riboflavin is dripped into the beaker. Because the flexible adhesive portion tightly adheres to the corneal surface, the riboflavin liquid remains on the corneal surface. Only one addition is required to fully infiltrate the cornea with riboflavin, avoiding waste. Furthermore, because the riboflavin liquid remains on the corneal surface, it increases surface pressure and improves the riboflavin's penetration rate.

[0033] After infiltration is complete, excess riboflavin needs to be quickly removed. At this point, the suction device at the upper end of the first annular portion is activated. Excess riboflavin flows through the outlet holes of the flexible contact portion and the second annular portion into the suction channel of the inclined annular wall, where it is removed by the suction device. Ultraviolet radiation therapy then begins. Furthermore, during actual testing, it was found that due to limited surgical space, a handheld vacuum pump with a straw was the preferred suction device. However, such devices are difficult to control and often result in excessive negative pressure, leading to excessive suction. This not only removes excess riboflavin but also aspirates the corneal surface, causing discomfort and urges the patient to blink. Therefore, the discharge mechanism was designed so that the area of ​​the discharge hole is larger than the suction port, and the cross-section of the suction channel gradually decreases from the discharge port to the suction port. This reduces the rate of discharge during suction, allowing the riboflavin to be slowly withdrawn, while leaving a small amount of riboflavin on the corneal surface, achieving a replenishing effect without causing discomfort to the patient.

[0034] After the UV irradiation treatment, take out the riboflavin and add it to the beaker.

[0035] The second annular portion and the flexible fitting portion are detachable, and the flexible fitting portion is a disposable item to avoid infection.

[0036] The above applications are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can be made, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery, the beaker being narrow at the top and wide at the bottom; comprising a first annular portion at the top, a second annular portion at the bottom, and a tapered, inclined annular wall connecting the first and second annular portions; the second annular portion contacts the corneal surface; the inclined annular wall and the second annular portion prevent riboflavin from flowing out; The second annular portion is provided with a flexible fitting portion on the outside, characterized in that: The second annular portion and the flexible fitting portion are both provided with liquid outlet holes on the inner side. The inclined annular wall is a liquid suction channel with a hollow structure. A suction port is provided in the middle of the inclined annular wall, which can be connected to a suction device. The area of ​​the liquid outlet hole is larger than the suction port, and the cross-section of the liquid suction channel gradually decreases from the liquid outlet to the suction port.

2. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the first annular portion is 11 mm.

3. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the second annular portion is 12 mm.

4. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the inclined annular wall is 4 mm.

5. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclination angle of the inclined annular wall is 5-15°.

6. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side portion of the bottom surface of the second annular portion is an inclined surface.

7. The riboflavin dripping beaker for corneal collagen cross-linking surgery according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inclined surface is 0.8 mm away from the bottom end.

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