Eyeball Handling Device with Flexible Membrane Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling and transporting eyeballs for corneal transplantation are inefficient, leading to corneal damage due to instability during transportation and processing, requiring multiple receptacles and increasing sterilization costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body and retaining element featuring multiple fins that contact at least 15% of the eyeball's circumference to securely hold the eyeball in place, reducing the need for multiple receptacles and stabilizing the eyeball during transportation, observation, and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gauzes soaked with saline solution are used to support the eyeball in a glass receptacle, then the eyeball is supported to avoid overturning, but the eyeball is not effectively maintained in the desired position and corneal damages occur during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that forms a pocket to hold the eyeball, replacing the ineffective gauze support system. The membrane conforms to the eyeball shape and provides secure retention while allowing the cornea to remain exposed and protected, solving the instability problem without causing corneal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the eyeball and the rigid glass receptacle, providing a soft, conforming interface that secures the eyeball in position while preventing direct contact that could cause corneal damage during transportation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different receptacles are used for transportation and microscope observation, then the eyeball can be transported and observed, but the number of receptacles increases and sterilization costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glass receptacle with the flexible membrane is designed to serve multiple functions: transportation, microscope observation, and corneal cutting. The central opening in the membrane allows the cornea to be accessed for all these procedures, eliminating the need for separate receptacles and reducing sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transportation and observation functions into a single receptacle system. The flexible membrane with its central opening integrates the support function with the observation access function, allowing one receptacle to replace what were previously two separate receptacles.
3Ease of operation
If the eyeball is kept in the second receptacle without a lid during corneal cutting, then the cornea is accessible for cutting, but the eyeball tends to slide and the cutting becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane forms a secure pocket that holds the eyeball firmly in position during corneal cutting operations. The membrane's flexibility allows the cornea to be accessible through the central opening while the body of the membrane provides stable retention, preventing sliding during the cutting process.
4Ease of operation
If the eyeball is handled by keeping it in one hand during cutting, then the cutting can be performed, but the eyeball tends to slide due to lack of securing
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides a secure holding mechanism that replaces manual handling. The membrane pocket firmly retains the eyeball, allowing the operator to perform cutting procedures without the eyeball sliding, while the central opening maintains accessibility to the cornea.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) is provided for the handling and transportation of an eyeball (1) including: at least one base body (2) including a first housing seat or cavity (4) for housing at least partially the eyeball; at least one retaining element (3) including at least three fins (13) for retaining the eyeball in the first housing seat or cavity; and at least one lid (5) removably combinable with the base body.