Descemet Membrane Transplantation Device with Separation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for introducing Descemet's membrane in DMEK operations are time-consuming, risk-prone, and prone to complications due to the membrane's tendency to form single-axis windings, which are difficult to unroll and can lead to orientation errors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separation element at the outlet opening that promotes the formation of a double-axis winding, stabilizing the membrane and preventing it from reorganizing into a single-axis winding, facilitating easier unrolling and reducing the risk of orientation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Descemet's membrane is introduced as a single-axis winding, then the introduction into the anterior chamber is simplified, but the unrolling process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane winding is segmented into multiple subwindings arranged along the longitudinal axis of the tube. Instead of a single-axis winding where the entire membrane wraps around one axis, the separation element divides the cavity to accommodate multiple subwindings, each occupying a different longitudinal position. This segmentation allows the membrane to be introduced more easily while requiring minimal unrolling time once in the anterior chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation element is introduced as an intermediary component within the tube cavity. This element protrudes from the inner wall and physically separates the cavity into distinct regions, preventing the membrane from forming a single-axis winding and instead guiding it to form multiple subwindings. The separation element acts as a mediator that transforms the winding structure during the introduction process.
2Reliability
If the membrane is manually unwound after introduction, then orientation can be maintained, but the procedure becomes more complex and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-configured into multiple subwindings within the tube before introduction. The separation element is positioned in advance to guide the membrane into this specific multi-subwinding configuration. This preliminary arrangement ensures that once the membrane is introduced into the anterior chamber, it naturally unfolds in the correct orientation without requiring complex manual manipulation, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single-axis winding is used, then the membrane structure is stable, but it resists unrolling and requires forceful manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane winding transitions from a single-axis configuration to a multi-subwinding configuration that utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the tube. Instead of all windings being concentrated around one axis, the subwindings are distributed along the longitudinal axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional change reduces the stability that makes single-axis windings resistant to unrolling, allowing easier expansion in the anterior chamber while maintaining sufficient stability for safe introduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the transplantation of a Descemet's membrane includes a longitudinal tube having an inner cavity, an inlet opening through which it is possible to introduce the Descemet's membrane into the device, and an outlet opening through which it is possible to eject the Descemet's membrane from the device, especially into the anterior eye chamber of a patient, wherein the device also includes, at least in the region of the outlet opening, a separation element which protrudes from the inner wall region of the tube into the cavity, especially a first separation element, the separation element dividing the cavity at least regionally, in particular dividing it in a region close to the separation element.