Dual-Blade Intraocular Device for Complete Trabecular Meshwork Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating glaucoma, such as goniotomy and Trabectome®, often leave residual trabecular meshwork leaflets, leading to scar formation and reduced effectiveness in lowering intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
A dual-blade device designed for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that uses a beveled platform with a ramp to elevate and precisely cut the trabecular meshwork, allowing for complete removal of the tissue without leaving leaflets behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical methods (goniotomy, Trabectome) are used to remove trabecular meshwork, then some tissue removal is achieved, but residual leaflets remain causing scar formation and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the trabecular meshwork removal into two distinct cutting actions: a first incision blade creates an initial cut, and a second incision blade creates a parallel cut, together forming a complete strip removal. This segmentation ensures no residual leaflets remain between the incisions
Solution Approach 2:
A gap-forming element is positioned between the first and second incision blades to maintain a precise distance, ensuring complete strip removal while preventing excessive tissue removal. This intermediary element acts as a spacer that guarantees complete clearance of residual leaflets
2Reliability
If wider incisions are made to remove more trabecular meshwork, then tissue removal effectiveness improves, but damage to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies cutting action only at the specific location where the trabecular meshwork strip is targeted, with the first and second incision blades positioned to cut only the necessary tissue width. The gap-forming element ensures that cutting is localized precisely to the required width, avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces conventional broad mechanical cutting with a precision dual-blade system that uses controlled incisions separated by a fixed gap. This mechanical substitution allows complete strip removal with minimal collateral damage by precisely defining the cutting boundaries
3Loss of substance
If a single blade is used for trabecular meshwork incision, then device simplicity is maintained, but complete strip removal without residual leaflets is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is segmented into two separate blades (first incision blade and second incision blade) positioned parallel to each other. This segmentation allows complete strip removal by making two coordinated incisions, eliminating residual leaflets that would remain with a single blade
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second incision blades are merged into a single integrated device platform, with both blades mounted on the same device body and positioned at a fixed distance apart. This merging achieves complete strip removal without requiring multiple separate surgical instruments, balancing completeness with device integration
Data Source
AI summary
A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the device is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.