Cannula Adapter and Catheter Control for Schlemm's Canal Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for delivering viscoelastic fluid to Schlemm's canal and other ophthalmic passages are inefficient, costly, and require complex procedures, often leading to underdelivery and the need for multiple instruments.

Innovation Solution

A device with a cannula and catheter system that allows for the delivery of viscoelastic fluid to a 360-degree circumference of Schlemm's canal in a single pass through a single incision, using a cannula adapter that integrates with standard ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, enabling precise control over fluid dispensing and catheter motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple instruments are used to deliver fluid to Schlemm's canal, then complete coverage can be achieved, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete coverage of Schlemm's canalVSAvoidnumber of instruments required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple delivery catheters into a single integrated device that can deliver fluid to different quadrants of Schlemm's canal simultaneously or sequentially through one insertion point, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining complete coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery device is designed with multiple catheters that can be selectively positioned to treat different regions of Schlemm's canal, allowing a single device to perform multiple delivery functions that previously required separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If standard ophthalmic viscosurgical devices are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing cost and procedural cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be compatible with standard ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, allowing it to interface with existing surgical equipment and procedures while providing enhanced functionality through integrated multiple catheters and controlled delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise control over fluid dispensing is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid dispensing controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides fluid delivery control into separate controllable segments for each catheter, allowing independent adjustment and positioning of each delivery pathway while maintaining overall system manageability through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4149589B1Delivery of fluid to ophthalmic passages

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GLAUKOS CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F

AI summary

A cannula adapter (1700) guiding a catheter (115) out of a cannula (120) and dispensing fluid from a reservoir (1780) is disclosed. The cannula adapter includes a first slidable member (1702) operably connected to the catheter such that a distal movement of the first slidable member causes the catheter to move within and out of the cannula. The cannula adapter includes a second slidable member (1704) operably connected to a plunger (1712) and the reservoir (1780) such that a proximal movement and a subsequent distal movement of the second slidable member dispenses fluid from the reservoir and out from the catheter.