Bioabsorbable Pupil Dilator Ring for Uniform Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pupil dilation devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and can cause damage to the iris and pupil due to focal stress points, excessive stretching, and complications during removal, necessitating a safer and more stable method for pupil dilation that applies a uniform expansile force without altering the pupil's shape.
Innovation Solution
A compact, flexible pupil dilator made of biocompatible, bioabsorbable materials, such as thermoplastic or silicone, with a circular deformable ring member that can be inserted through a small incision and expands uniformly around the pupil's circumference, featuring a circumferential groove and connector members for stable positioning and natural dissolution post-surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional pupil expansion devices are used to mechanically enlarge the pupil, then the pupil diameter increases, but the devices are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require multiple incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The pupil expansion device is divided into multiple flexible arms that can be independently positioned and manipulated. Each arm can be inserted through a separate incision or through a single incision if designed with a collapsible structure, allowing the device to be segmented for easier insertion while maintaining overall functionality for comprehensive pupil expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a collapsible or foldable structure where the flexible arms can be nested within each other or folded into a compact configuration for insertion through a small incision. Once inside the eye, the arms expand to their full size to effectively engage the pupillary margin, achieving both small footprint for insertion and full functionality for pupil expansion.
2Shape
If conventional devices retract the iris at focal points to expand the pupil, then the pupil diameter increases, but excessive stretching occurs causing permanent deformities and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies localized engagement at multiple points around the pupillary margin rather than concentrated focal points. The flexible arms are positioned to contact the iris at distributed locations, allowing gradual and uniform expansion without creating excessive stress at any single point, thereby preventing tears and permanent deformities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes curved or arc-shaped flexible arms that conform to the natural curvature of the pupillary margin. This curved geometry allows the device to engage the iris smoothly along its perimeter, distributing the expansion force evenly around the circumference rather than applying sharp focal stresses that could cause tissue damage.
3Shape
If sharp-edged conventional pupil expansion devices are used, then the pupil can be expanded, but the sharp edges damage the iris causing excessive post-operative inflammation and scar tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs flexible arms made of soft, biocompatible materials that can be gently manipulated against the pupillary margin. These flexible structures conform to the tissue contours without exerting concentrated pressure points, reducing mechanical trauma and subsequent inflammation while still achieving effective pupil expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite materials combining flexible polymers with appropriate mechanical properties that allow gentle engagement with ocular tissues. The material composition is designed to be biocompatible and minimize foreign body reactions, reducing post-operative inflammation and scar tissue formation while maintaining the structural integrity needed for effective pupil expansion.
4Length of stationary object
If conventional pupil expansion devices are inserted through a small incision, then the incision size is reduced, but the devices are difficult to insert, manipulate, and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic, adjustable features such as telescoping arms or articulating joints that allow the structure to change its configuration during insertion and manipulation. The arms can be collapsed or extended, bent or straightened, to facilitate passage through a small incision and to enable easy positioning and removal by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional flat or folded configuration for insertion through the small incision to a three-dimensional expanded configuration once inside the eye. This dimensional transformation allows the device to pass through a small opening while providing sufficient surface area and structure for effective pupil expansion and easy manipulation.
5Shape
If conventional pupil expansion devices are positioned at the pupillary margin, then the pupil can be expanded, but the devices are unstable and tend to dislodge during eye surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates engagement features such as suction ports, mechanical locks, or friction-fit structures that are activated or engaged once the flexible arms are positioned at the pupillary margin. These features are designed to secure the device in place before surgery begins, preventing dislodgement during subsequent manipulations and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes an intermediary mechanism between the flexible arms and the pupillary margin, such as a suction interface or mechanical engagement structure, that creates a stable connection. This intermediary element transfers and maintains the expanding force while securing the device to the tissue, preventing accidental dislodgement during eye surgery.
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 solution provides safe, stable, and uniform pupil dilation, minimizing tissue damage and complications, while allowing the dilator to remain in the eye and naturally dissolve, avoiding issues associated with removal and maintaining the pupil's original shape.
Implementation Method 1
Natural degradation of the biocompatible, bioabsorbable material of the pupil dilator in the eye avoids complications from surgical manipulation when removing the pupil dilator from the eye
Implementation Method 2
made of a biocompatible, bioabsorbable material that can be retained in the eye after eye surgery. Natural degradation of the biocompatible, bioabsorbable material of the pupil dilator in the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A pupil dilation system including a generally circular deformable and discontinuous ring member is provided. The ring member expands circumferentially and applies an expansile force substantially uniformly around a pupillary margin of a pupil for dilating the pupil along an entirety of a circumference of the ring member. The ring member in an uncoiled configuration allows insertion of the ring member through a single incision in the eye and unfolds into a coiled configuration. A circumferential groove defined on an outer surface of the ring member allows continuous contact with the pupillary margin along the circumference of the ring member. One or more connector members are positioned on the circumference of the ring member for engaging with a surgical manipulating element that allows movement and manipulation of the ring member. The ring member is composed of a thermoplastic material or a bioabsorbable material that naturally dissolves within the eye.