Ab-interno Ocular Delivery System for Schlemm's Canal Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments, such as viscocanalostomy and canaloplasty, are invasive due to the need for deep incisions and tissue disruption to access Schlemm's canal, leading to complications and prolonged recovery times, while ab-externo approaches are challenging and risky due to the small diameter of the canal.
Innovation Solution
Development of a minimally invasive ab-interno system comprising an elongate member with a lumen and a reservoir for fluid delivery, coupled with a drive assembly and linkage mechanism, allowing for single-handed manipulation and precise delivery of a fluid composition to Schlemm's canal and trabeculotomy through a single access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ab-externo approach is used to access Schlemm's canal, then the canal can be accessed and treated, but the procedure becomes invasive requiring deep incisions and tissue disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional ab-externo approach by using an ab-interno approach, accessing Schlemm's canal from the inside of the eye through the anterior chamber rather than from the outside through scleral incisions. This reversal eliminates the need for deep scleral incisions and extensive tissue disruption while maintaining reliable access to the canal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cannula as an intermediary tool that can be advanced through the anterior chamber to reach Schlemm's canal. This intermediary device provides a minimally invasive pathway to access the canal without requiring direct incision into the sclera and surrounding tissues
2Reliability
If deep incisions are made to access Schlemm's canal, then the canal becomes accessible, but recovery time is prolonged and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the surgical approach from ab-externo to ab-interno, the procedure avoids deep incisions and extensive tissue manipulation, thereby significantly reducing both immediate surgical trauma and subsequent recovery time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the surgical approach from external to internal access, which alters the entire procedural trajectory from invasive incision-based surgery to minimally invasive catheter-based intervention, reducing both procedure complexity and recovery time
3Reliability
If ab-externo approach is used, then Schlemm's canal can be accessed, but the small diameter of the canal makes the procedure challenging and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula serves as an intermediary that navigates the anterior chamber and delivers the treatment to Schlemm's canal, making the procedure more manageable and less risky by providing controlled access rather than direct manipulation of the small-caliber canal from outside the eye
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical maneuvering required in ab-externo surgery with a more straightforward catheter-based delivery system that can be advanced through fluid-filled spaces, reducing surgical skill requirements and procedural difficulty
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe and efficient dilation of Schlemm's canal and trabecular meshwork, reducing intraocular pressure and improving aqueous humor drainage with reduced risk of complications and faster patient recovery compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal or aqueous collector channels to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by dilating the canal
Implementation Method 2
The trabeculotomy may be performed by tearing the trabecular meshwork with an elongate member
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal, for delivering a fluid composition therein, and for tearing the trabecular meshwork. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. The systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal.