Arcuate Eye Outflow Scaffold for Glaucoma IOP Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trabecular meshwork in the mammalian eye, particularly in glaucoma, exhibits increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow due to altered extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, leading to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and current therapies targeting this area have limitations in effectively modulating flow and pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
An arcuate scaffold is introduced into the conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway to support anatomic structures and mechanosensory mechanisms, facilitating aqueous humor flow through the trabecular meshwork to collector channels, thereby reducing resistance and regulating IOP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current therapies target the trabecular meshwork to modulate flow and pressure regulation, then treatment for glaucoma is attempted, but they have limitations in effectively reducing resistance and regulating IOP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scaffold as an intermediary device that physically supports the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal structures. This scaffold acts as a mediator between the damaged anatomical structures and the desired physiological function, providing mechanical support to restore normal aqueous humor outflow and IOP regulation without requiring complex pharmacological or surgical interventions
2Productivity
If the trabecular meshwork exhibits increased resistance due to altered extracellular matrix, then glaucoma develops with elevated IOP, but the meshwork structure becomes stiffer and less compliant
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is designed with flexible, compliant materials that can adapt to the dynamic physiological conditions within the eye. This flexibility allows the scaffold to move with the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal during normal eye function, maintaining patency and promoting aqueous humor flow without resisting the natural mechanical movements of the outflow pathway structures
3Ease of operation
If a scaffold is introduced to support anatomic structures, then aqueous humor flow is facilitated and resistance is reduced, but the device adds structural elements to the outflow pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold utilizes porous materials that allow aqueous humor to pass through while providing structural support. The porous architecture enables fluid flow through the scaffold itself, in addition to supporting the surrounding anatomical structures, thereby enhancing outflow capacity without requiring complex multi-component devices or extensive surgical implantation procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous humor outflow device comprises an arcuate scaffold that extends continuously in a circumferential direction from a first end to a second end of the aqueous humor outflow device and has a cross-sectional area that allows the arcuate scaffold to fit within a conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway of a mammalian eye. The arcuate scaffold comprises a docking station or a port within which to retain an implant device, such as a drug eluting device or a drug delivery device.