Corneal Tissue Sample Assembly for DMEK Graft Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing and handling corneal tissue samples for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) procedures lack efficient systems for storage, handling, transportation, and evaluation, leading to potential tissue damage and variability in graft quality.
Innovation Solution
The development of corneal tissue sample assemblies that include a viewing chamber and a corneal tissue carrier, allowing for the storage, handling, and evaluation of DMEK grafts using preservation fluids and imaging techniques like specular microscopy and slit-lamp biomicroscopy, which helps in assessing graft quality and minimizing tissue damage during processing and shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corneal tissue samples are stored and transported using conventional methods, then handling and transportation are simple, but tissue damage occurs and graft quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The corneal tissue sample is nested within a carrier that provides structural support and protection. The carrier is then nested within a viewing chamber that allows for evaluation while maintaining protection. This nested structure enables the tissue to be protected during storage and transport while still allowing for quality assessment without removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue sample is prepared and placed in the carrier with preservation fluid before shipping occurs. Quality evaluation can be performed on the mounted sample before it leaves the preparation facility, ensuring that only quality-assured samples are transported. This preliminary action prevents the need for complex post-transport evaluation and reduces variability.
2Measurement precision
If corneal tissue samples are evaluated using conventional methods, then evaluation can be performed, but tissue damage occurs during processing and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
Quality evaluation is performed on the tissue sample while it is still in the prepared state within the carrier, before any further handling or shipping occurs. This preliminary evaluation ensures that the tissue is assessed in its optimal state without subsequent handling that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between the tissue sample and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows for optical evaluation while physically protecting the tissue from mechanical damage during handling and transport.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If corneal tissue samples are stored for extended periods, then shipping and distribution are facilitated, but endothelial cell loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation fluid continuously maintains the tissue in a viable state throughout the storage period. The sealed carrier system maintains continuous protection without requiring intermittent handling or transfer to different storage conditions, thereby preventing cell loss during extended storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is pre-filled with preservation fluid and sealed to provide continuous protective cushioning for the tissue sample throughout storage and transport. This beforehand preparation ensures that the tissue is constantly protected without exposure to damaging conditions that could accelerate cell loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies for storing, handling, transporting, viewing, evaluating, and/or shipping corneal tissue are provided. The assemblies may include a viewing chamber and a corneal tissue carrier removably coupled to an inner portion of the viewing chamber. The assemblies may further include a corneal tissue sample disposed within the corneal tissue carrier. Methods of processing a corneal tissue sample and administering the corneal tissue sample to a subject are also provided.