Patient-Specific Eye Socket Grid with Optical Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye socket covering grids are often too large and not adapted to individual cranial bones, making them difficult to fit and adapt to specific defects, particularly in the orbital floor and lateral orbital walls, and can obstruct the eyeball support.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific eye socket covering grid with optically identifiable channels for precise positioning, a rib-forming, perforated main body with continuous slits, and navigation stops to facilitate atraumatic insertion and improved compatibility, along with a method for manufacturing using 3D modeling and selective laser sintering to create a customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard eye socket covering grid is used, then the grid can be easily manufactured and supplied, but it is too large and not adapted to individual cranial bones, making it difficult to fit and adapt to specific defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating patient-specific 3D models of the eye socket and defect areas before surgery. These digital models are used to pre-plan the exact dimensions, shape, and positioning of the covering grid, allowing customization without increasing surgical complexity. The pre-fitted design ensures optimal adaptation to individual anatomy while maintaining straightforward manufacturing through additive technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the geometric parameters of the covering grid based on patient-specific measurements and defect characteristics. The 3D modeling process allows adjustment of size, curvature, hole distribution, and overall shape to match the unique anatomy of each patient's eye socket, transforming a standardized component into a customized solution through digital parameter modification.
2Area of stationary object
If a large eye socket covering grid is used, then it can cover extensive defects, but it may obstruct the eyeball support and is not pre-fitted to the specific defect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the eye socket covering grid into multiple sections or segments that can be precisely positioned and fitted to the specific defect area. The 3D modeling process identifies the exact boundaries of the defect, allowing the grid to be segmented to cover only the necessary area while preserving surrounding healthy structures including the eyeball support, thus achieving both adequate coverage and precise fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by tailoring the properties of different regions of the covering grid to specific local requirements. The 3D model allows differentiation of grid density, hole size, and structural characteristics in various areas - with higher density over defect areas needing reinforcement and lower density in areas requiring flexibility or anatomical compatibility, ensuring precise fitting without unnecessary obstruction.
3Ease of operation
If the eye socket covering grid is inserted without precise positioning aids, then the insertion process is simpler, but position monitoring in X-ray-based imaging processes cannot be objectified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes (or more generally, optical/visual changes) by incorporating radiopaque markers, contrast elements, or visually distinct features into the covering grid design. These features are visible in X-ray and other imaging modalities, allowing objectified position monitoring during and after insertion. The markers provide clear visual feedback without complicating the insertion procedure, as they are integrated into the grid structure itself rather than requiring separate positioning devices.
4Area of stationary object
If the eye socket covering grid is too large, then it can cover the defect area, but it obstructs the eyeball support and reduces wear comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by designing the covering grid to cover only the necessary defect area rather than the entire eye socket. The 3D modeling process precisely delineates the defect boundaries, allowing the grid to be sized and shaped to cover exactly what is needed - no more, no less. This partial coverage approach ensures adequate defect protection while eliminating obstruction of the eyeball support and improving patient comfort by minimizing the implanted material volume.
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 solution enables precise, injury-free placement and improved wear comfort by ensuring the grid is pre-fitted to the defect, reducing the risk of closed spaces and secondary bleeding, while allowing for precise monitoring and adaptation to individual anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
a) creation of a first three-dimensional model of the bone structure to be covered or replaced, b) establishment of a limit area which is representative of a maximum spatial extension of the planned eye socket covering grid, c) transfer of a two-dimensional template onto the first three-dimensional model within a predefined limit area, in such a way that the geometric configuration of the first three-dimensional model is transposed onto an initial configuration of the original second model so as to result in a third three-dimensional model, d) manufacture of the eye socket covering grid on the basis of data after a separation step from the original first three-dimensional model
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an eye socket covering grid that includes a curved main body with an external closing edge, a lower side which, in the implanted state, is facing the bone or bones forming the eye socket, and an upper side distant from the lower side, wherein at least one optically identifiable linear channel for representing at least one insertion vector is formed on the upper side. The application also relates to a method for producing such an eye socket covering grid, in particular an eye socket covering grid adapted in a patient-specific manner.