Concave Tip Ultrasonic Glaucoma Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for open angle glaucoma, such as pharmaceuticals, laser therapy, and surgery, are either ineffective, costly, or cause tissue damage due to their inability to safely reduce intraocular pressure by addressing blockages in the trabecular meshwork without damaging the eye.
Innovation Solution
A handheld ultrasonic device with a curved tip that applies focused ultrasonic energy to the eye to dislodge extracellular debris and initiate biochemical processes, reducing intraocular pressure without causing tissue damage, by using a concave eye-engaging surface and angled extension members to target the trabecular meshwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If ultrasonic energy is applied to dislodge built up material in the trabecular meshwork, then intraocular pressure is reduced, but tissue damage occurs due to intense ultrasonic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of ultrasonic energy application by using a lower intensity, continuous wave ultrasonic source rather than high-intensity pulsed ultrasound. The tip is held close to but not touching the cornea, delivering gentle ultrasonic energy that initiates biochemical processes without causing tissue damage or cavitation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/phacoemulsification approach with a biochemical approach. Instead of using intense mechanical ultrasonic energy to physically break up material, the device uses gentle ultrasonic energy to initiate a biochemical cascade involving heat shock proteins, cytokines, and macrophages that naturally remove debris from the trabecular meshwork.
2Stress or pressure
If laser treatment is performed on the inner trabecular meshwork, then fluid outflow is enhanced, but the outer trabecular meshwork blockage remains untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the treatment approach by applying ultrasonic energy from the outside of the eye through the cornea to reach the outer trabecular meshwork, rather than attempting to access the inner meshwork from inside the eye as with laser treatment. This external approach allows treatment of the outer blockage that laser cannot reach.
3Stress or pressure
If pharmaceutical agents are used to decrease fluid production, then intraocular pressure is reduced, but patient compliance is required and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-sustaining treatment where a single ultrasonic application initiates a biochemical cascade that continues to function autonomously. Heat shock proteins and cytokines are produced that enhance macrophage activity and fluid outflow without requiring ongoing patient intervention, eliminating the need for daily compliance that pharmaceuticals require.
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 device effectively reduces intraocular pressure by initiating a biochemical cascade that removes extracellular debris, leading to a decrease in pressure and potentially systemic effects, while avoiding tissue damage and the side effects of traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer... The ultrasonic energy is transferred from the ultrasonic transducer to the tip member
Implementation Method 2
applying ultrasonic energy to the eye to dislodge extracellular debris and initiate biochemical processes, reducing intraocular pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld device for the treatment of glaucoma that includes a casing, an ultrasonic transducer, a power supply, a transmission member operatively associated with the ultrasonic transducer, and a tip member located at the end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic energy is transferred from the ultrasonic transducer to the tip member. The tip includes a concave eye-engaging surface.