Elastomeric Retinal Repair Device for Tear Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal detachment repair methods, such as scleral buckling surgery, can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and infection, with a lengthy recovery period, and existing non-inflatable devices lack customization for individual eye anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A non-inflatable retinal repair device is inserted between the orbital wall and sclera to apply pressure at the retinal tear site, using deformable elastomeric materials and various shapes to create a temporary indentation, allowing natural fluid resorption and reattachment, with optional laser tacking and cryopexy for adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scleral buckling surgery is performed to repair retinal detachment, then retinal reattachment is achieved, but patient discomfort, blurred vision, and infection risk increase with lengthy recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of scleral buckling (creating indentation to repair retinal detachment) while removing the harmful components. Instead of using sutures, encircling bands, or flaps that cause discomfort and infection risk, the patent uses a simple implantable member that is inserted through a small incision and positioned to create the necessary indentation, eliminating the need for extensive surgical manipulation and reducing complications
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable member is designed as a temporary device that serves its purpose during the critical healing period and then can be removed. The device is not intended for permanent implantation, allowing for simpler materials and construction that prioritize functionality over durability, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and potential long-term complications
2Reliability
If traditional scleral buckling devices are used, then retinal repair is achieved, but device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core functional requirement (creating scleral indentation) from the complex traditional buckling system. The implantable member is a simple solid or hollow structure that can be inserted through a small incision and positioned without requiring sutures, flaps, or encircling bands, thereby dramatically simplifying both the device design and surgical procedure while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable member is designed to be self-positioning once inserted. The surgeon inserts the device through a small incision and positions it adjacent to the retinal detachment site, where it automatically creates the necessary indentation. The device does not require complex manipulation, suturing, or adjustment during surgery, allowing the procedure to be performed with minimal assistance and reduced surgical complexity
3Ease of operation
If non-inflatable retinal repair devices are used, then office setting treatment is enabled, but device customization for individual eye anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable member is designed with deformable elastomeric material that allows it to adapt to different eye anatomies. The material can be deformed during insertion to fit through small incisions and then returns to its predetermined shape to create the necessary indentation. This dynamic property enables the same basic device design to accommodate variations in individual eye anatomy while maintaining the simplicity required for office setting treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials with specific viscoelastic properties that allow temporary deformation during insertion followed by shape recovery to create the therapeutic indentation. The elastomeric material's ability to change shape under stress and then return to its original form enables customization for individual anatomy without requiring multiple device variants or complex adjustment mechanisms
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 device enables effective retinal reattachment with reduced surgical complexity, shorter recovery times, and customization to fit individual eye anatomy, eliminating the need for skilled assistants and minimizing complications like infection and vision blur.
Implementation Method 1
The device may be of various different shapes and may be of non-compliant material in one embodiment, or may alternatively be of compliant or deformable material. In one embodiment, the device may be a substantially solid member or a hollow member of predetermined shape having at least partially rounded outer surfaces, and may be of a soft and deformable elastomeric material.
Implementation Method 2
Once the device is properly positioned to produce an indent or depression at the appropriate location, the fluid beneath the retina resorbs using the eye's natural retinal epithelial pigment pump, and the retina reattaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A device which may be formed of suitable elastomeric, biocompatible material is configured to be wedged into Tenon's space between the orbital and scleral walls of the eye at the location of a retinal tear or break. When positioned, the device pushes the eye wall inward to close the tear, and fluid below the retinal wall resorbs.