Elastomeric Goniotomy Instrument with Roughened Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for goniotomy procedures, used to treat glaucoma, lack simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness in massaging the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal to improve aqueous humor drainage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an elastomeric tip portion featuring a roughened surface, including abrasive protrusions and a movable knife element, designed to massage and dislodge deposits within the trabecular meshwork, coupled with a vibratory handpiece and irrigation system for enhanced drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex surgical instruments are used for goniotomy procedures, then the effectiveness of massaging trabecular meshwork may be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a hand grip portion for operator control, a tip portion for surgical intervention, and an elastomeric element with specific massaging features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument employs a simple, inexpensive design that can be manufactured at low cost, making it economically viable for single-use or limited-use applications in goniotomy procedures.
2Device complexity
If simple and inexpensive instruments are used for goniotomy procedures, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the effectiveness in massaging trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric element features a roughened surface specifically at the free end that contacts the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, while other portions of the instrument remain smooth. This localized roughness provides effective massaging action exactly where needed without compromising overall instrument simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element is designed with a curved or tapered geometry that conforms to the anatomical structures of the anterior chamber, enabling effective contact and massaging of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal despite the instrument's overall simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastomeric element has a smooth surface, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to dislodge deposits from trabecular meshwork is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Only the free end of the elastomeric element that contacts the trabecular meshwork is roughened, while the base and hand grip portions remain smooth. This localized roughness can be achieved through simple manufacturing processes such as abrasion or coating applied only to the tip surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element combines a base elastomeric material with a roughened surface layer or coating, creating a composite structure that provides both the flexibility of elastomer and the deposit-dislodging capability of a rough surface.
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 instrument effectively restores normal drainage by abrasively massaging the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, reducing intraocular pressure and improving visual acuity, while being simple and cost-effective to use.
Implementation Method 1
The free end includes a relatively abrasive surface... to massage the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal within the anterior chamber of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical instrument includes an instrument hand grip portion having an elongated configuration with proximal and distal ends, and a tip portion extending from the distal end. The hand grip portion includes a reservoir for containing an irrigation fluid and a button to selectively provide an irrigation fluid (i) through the instrument, or (ii) around the instrument when coupled with an irrigation sleeve arranged around the instrument. The tip portion has the form of an elastomeric element having a base secured to the distal end of the hand grip portion and a free end extending from the base. The free end is configured for massaging the trabecular meshwork and outer wall of the canal of Schlemm in the eye to improve aqueous outflow for the reduction of intraocular pressure.