Amniotic Membrane Lens With Curable Gel Annulus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological lenses that utilize amniotic membranes for treating corneal epithelium lesions require suturing, which applies mechanical stress to the fragile membrane, risking rupture or degradation during assembly and use.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring an amniotic membrane surrounded by two layers of curable gel forming an annular structure, eliminating the need for mechanical fixation and thus avoiding stress on the membrane during assembly and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the amniotic membrane is sutured to the surface of the eyeball to hold it in place, then the membrane can be securely fixed, but mechanical stress is applied to the fragile membrane which can lead to rupture or degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane fixation stabilityVSAvoidmembrane integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suture system with a chemical bonding system. The amniotic membrane is coated with a biocompatible adhesive that chemically bonds it to the corneal surface, eliminating the need for mechanical sutures that apply stress and risk rupturing the fragile membrane tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a biocompatible adhesive as an intermediary substance between the amniotic membrane and the corneal surface. This adhesive layer provides secure fixation while distributing mechanical stresses away from the membrane tissue, preventing rupture and degradation during the healing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the amniotic membrane is used as a graft requiring surgical procedure and anesthesia, then effective treatment of corneal epithelium lesions can be achieved, but the procedure complexity and patient risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the amniotic membrane to be self-adhering through the application of biocompatible adhesive coating. This allows the membrane to attach to the corneal surface without requiring surgical suturing procedures, anesthesia, or complex surgical intervention, while maintaining effective treatment of corneal epithelium lesions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the amniotic membrane is handled carefully during assembly to avoid rupture, then membrane integrity is maintained, but the ease of operation and handling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane integrityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The biocompatible adhesive acts as a protective intermediary that allows the membrane to be handled and positioned more easily. The adhesive-coated membrane can be manipulated with greater confidence and ease, as the adhesive provides immediate bonding capability upon contact with the corneal surface, reducing the need for extremely careful handling while maintaining integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The gel-based annular structure provides a rigid support for the amniotic membrane without applying mechanical stress, enhancing its durability and ease of handling, while maintaining its biological properties for effective healing.

Implementation Method 1

an annular structure 30 integral with said membrane and arranged at the periphery thereof, characterized in that said annular structure 30 is in the form of a curable material, said material being a gel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3980087B1Biological lens comprising an amniotic membrane
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 TBF GENIE TISSULAIRE TBF
  • EP3980087B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3980087B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3980087B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to the field of biological lenses, also known as "bandage lenses", which comprise an amniotic membrane and are used in particular for medical applications, for example when treating ocular surfaces. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a biological lens and to a substrate for fitting same. The invention also relates to a method for securing a membrane to a ring.