Elastomeric Goniotomy Tip Abrading Trabecular Meshwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for performing goniotomy procedures, which treat congenital glaucoma by clearing trabecular meshwork blockages, lack simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy in abrading or scraping the trabecular meshwork to restore aqueous humor drainage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument featuring a hand grip with an elongated configuration and a tip portion made of an elastomeric element with a base and a free end that tapers inwardly, having a relatively abrasive surface, preferably with diamond particles or surface-roughening, designed to engage the trabecular meshwork effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid scraping instrument is used to remove trabecular meshwork, then the ability to clear obstruction is improved, but the risk of damaging delicate eye structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible elastomeric element instead of a rigid scraping instrument. The elastomeric tip can conform to the delicate eye structures while maintaining sufficient firmness to clear trabecular meshwork obstruction, thus resolving the contradiction between clearing effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the instrument tip by using an elastomeric material with specific durometer properties. This allows the tip to be soft enough to avoid damage yet firm enough to effectively scrape the meshwork, resolving the contradiction between clearing ability and safety.
2Productivity
If an abrasive element is used to abrade trabecular meshwork, then the effectiveness of clearing blockage is improved, but the harshness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by incorporating an abrasive element only at the specific location where it is needed - the tip of the elastomeric element that contacts the trabecular meshwork. The rest of the instrument remains smooth and non-abrasive, allowing effective blockage clearance while minimizing overall procedure harshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric base material with an abrasive component. This composite allows the instrument to have both the softness of elastomer for safety and the abrasiveness needed for effective blockage clearance, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and harshness.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex instrument design is used to achieve precise abrasion, then the accuracy of trabecular meshwork removal is improved, but the cost and simplicity of the instrument deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by dividing the instrument into simple functional segments: an elastomeric element with an abrasive tip mounted on a handle. This segmented design achieves precise abrasion capability while maintaining overall instrument simplicity and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to integrated complex designs.
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 through the trabecular meshwork by gently abrading clogged areas, halting and reversing optic nerve damage, and potentially improving visual acuity, while being simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The free end has a relatively abrasive surface for engaging the eye... effectively restores normal drainage through the trabecular meshwork by gently abrading clogged areas
Data Source
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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 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 has a relatively abrasive surface.