Bioabsorbable Microfistula for Glaucoma Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for glaucoma, including medicinal and surgical methods, face challenges such as patient compliance issues, invasive procedures, and complications like infection and scarring, highlighting the need for a less invasive and effective solution for relieving intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implantable microfistula channel made from cross-linked bioabsorbable material, such as gelatin, which is implanted through an ab interno approach via a hollow needle, providing a controlled drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and the sub-conjunctival space without requiring incision into the conjunctiva, and a system for precise implantation using a microprocessor-based controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy are used to treat glaucoma, then effective drainage of aqueous humor is achieved, but the procedure becomes very invasive causing irreversible changes, inflammation, scarring, and formation of filtering bleb
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple components: an intraocular portion positioned in the anterior chamber, an interfacial portion at the limbus, and an extraocular portion in the subconjunctival space. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while minimizing overall invasiveness compared to traditional trabeculectomy
Solution Approach 2:
The interfacial portion of the drainage device acts as an intermediary element that bridges the intraocular and extraocular portions. This intermediary structure facilitates controlled fluid transfer between the anterior chamber and subconjunctival space while reducing the need for extensive surgical intervention and minimizing tissue disruption
2Reliability
If shunts such as Molteno, Barveldt, or Ahmed shunts are implanted, then drainage pathway is created, but chronic foreign body reactions and formation of chronic subconjunctival bleb occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device utilizes parameter changes in the form of expandable or collapsible structures that can change their configuration between implantation and operational phases. This allows the device to be inserted in a compact form and then expanded to create the drainage pathway, reducing the chronic foreign body presence and associated reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system incorporates dynamic elements that can adjust their state based on physiological conditions. The ability of the device to expand, collapse, or adjust its configuration dynamically reduces the persistent foreign body effect and minimizes chronic inflammation and bleb formation
3Reliability
If medicinal treatments are used to treat glaucoma, then production of aqueous humor is reduced or flow is increased, but patient compliance becomes an issue requiring regular daily intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device provides self-service functionality by creating a passive drainage pathway that operates automatically based on pressure gradients without requiring patient intervention. The device regulates aqueous humor outflow continuously based on intraocular pressure conditions, eliminating the need for daily medication administration and improving compliance
4Object-affected harmful factors
If less invasive surgical treatments are developed without incision into conjunctiva, then healing time is reduced and complications are minimized, but the complexity of precise implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device is pre-assembled with all components (intraocular portion, interfacial portion, extraocular portion) configured before implantation. This preliminary preparation allows for a simpler, less invasive implantation procedure where the pre-configured device is inserted through a minimally invasive approach, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining precise placement
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, system and apparatus for relieving pressure in an organ such as, but not limited to, the eye are disclosed. The method includes implanting a bioabsorbable channel into the selected area of the organ using a delivery apparatus.