Dual Fluid Injection Hub for Microsurgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microsurgical procedures for delivering therapeutic agents, such as gene therapy, require multiple injections into the eye, increasing the risk of damaging the retina and surrounding areas due to the need for separate entries and precise instrument exchange.
Innovation Solution
A dual fluid injection device with two syringes and a hub, where the syringes are actuated independently by a directional control valve, allowing for simultaneous connection to a pneumatic drive system and one-way check valves to prevent backflow, enabling the administration of different fluids through a single channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate injection means are used to create bleb and deliver therapeutic agent, then the therapeutic agent can be delivered to the subretinal area, but the number of entries into the eye increases and the risk of stretching the retina entry hole increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate injection functions into a single integrated device. The hub structure receives both the first syringe (for balanced salt solution) and the second syringe (for therapeutic agent), allowing both fluids to be administered through a single cannula insertion site. This merging eliminates the need for a second eye entry and prevents stretching of the retinal hole while maintaining the ability to deliver both the bleb-forming solution and therapeutic agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connection point for both syringes, provides a single entry point for both fluids, and enables sequential or simultaneous delivery of different substances. This multi-functional design allows the same device to perform both the bleb creation and therapeutic agent delivery functions that previously required separate instruments and insertion sites.
2Reliability
If two separate micro cannulas are used, then the bleb can be created and the therapeutic agent can be injected, but the procedure becomes cumbersome requiring exchange of instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate injection devices into a single integrated hub structure that accommodates both syringes. The hub provides a unified platform where the first syringe (for balanced salt solution) and second syringe (for therapeutic agent) can be connected and operated together, eliminating the need to exchange instruments between procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple syringes and fluids simultaneously. It provides multiple ports and connection points that allow both the bleb-creating solution and therapeutic agent to be administered through the same device, simplifying the surgical procedure and eliminating instrument exchange requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single cannula is used for both injections, then the number of entries into the eye is reduced, but the control of fluid delivery becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid delivery control by providing separate control mechanisms for each syringe while maintaining a single cannula entry point. The hub structure includes independent pathways and control valves for the first syringe (balanced salt solution) and second syringe (therapeutic agent), allowing precise control of each fluid's delivery timing and rate without compromising the single-entry advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary device between the two syringes and the single cannula. It provides a centralized control point that manages fluid flow from both syringes, using check valves and controlled pathways to ensure proper sequencing and prevention of backflow, thereby simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining single-entry benefit.
4Ease of manufacture
If the second syringe is connected directly to the hub, then the connection is simpler, but the risk of back flow of fluid into the syringe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces one-way check valves as intermediary components between the syringes and the hub. These check valves allow fluid to flow freely from the syringe toward the cannula while automatically preventing backflow into the syringe. This intermediary element maintains connection simplicity while adding reliable backflow protection without complicating the overall device architecture.
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
This system reduces the number of injections needed, minimizes damage to the eye, and allows for controlled and accurate delivery of therapeutic agents by creating a bleb with a balanced salt solution before injecting the therapeutic agent through a single entry point.
Implementation Method 1
The first syringe is connected to a first one-way check valve that is integrated in the hub to prevent back flow of fluid into the first syringe. The system further includes a second one-way check valve disposed between the second syringe and the hub to prevent back flow of fluid into the second syringe.
Implementation Method 2
The syringes are releasably coupled to a pneumatic drive system. In particular, each of the first syringe and the second syringe may be driven pneumatically to actuate a stopper disposed within each syringe.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual fluid injection device is provided that includes at least two syringes. A hub is provided, to which a first syringe and a second syringe are simultaneously connected. The hub includes a fluid delivery member at an end thereof for injection at a site. The first syringe and the second syringe are actuated independently at a directional control valve.