Flexible Envelope Retinal Implant Delivery Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retinal implants are prone to damage due to their thin and brittle nature, often getting jammed during delivery, which complicates the insertion process and increases mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a flexible envelope and a rigid internal sliding member that minimizes mechanical stress on the implant by ensuring only one contact point with the pusher, and the envelope's dimensions are chosen to securely hold the implant until actuation, preventing premature release or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retinal implants are delivered using conventional delivery devices with complex mechanical parts, then the implant can be delivered to the target site, but the implant is prone to getting jammed and damaged due to its thin and brittle nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible envelope made of a compliant material that can deform to accommodate the retinal implant during delivery. The envelope's flexibility allows it to conform to the implant's shape and size, preventing mechanical damage while maintaining secure containment until deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is divided into distinct functional components: a flexible envelope for containment, an internal sliding member for actuation, and a delivery catheter for navigation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the delivery device uses a rigid pusher to advance the implant, then the implant can be pushed forward, but the implant experiences increased mechanical stress and may get jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible envelope acts as a cushion between the rigid internal sliding member and the fragile retinal implant. When the internal sliding member pushes against the envelope, the flexible material distributes the mechanical stress uniformly, preventing concentrated forces that could damage the implant or cause jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible envelope serves as a pre-positioned cushioning layer that protects the implant before actual deployment. This cushioning mechanism is built into the delivery system structure, ensuring protection is automatically provided during the entire advancement process without requiring additional active control.
3Reliability
If the envelope dimensions are made larger to accommodate the implant, then the implant can be securely held, but the device occupies more space and may be harder to deliver
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible envelope dynamically adapts its volume to match the implant's dimensions. Rather than being a fixed-size container, the envelope's compliant walls allow it to expand or contract as needed, providing secure retention for implants of varying sizes while maintaining a compact profile during delivery through the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope's physical parameters (shape, volume, stiffness) are designed to change in response to the implant's presence and delivery conditions. The material properties are selected to allow temporary compression during delivery, then return to a stable configuration that securely holds the implant at the target site.
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tip for use with delivery devices, particularly for use in implanting retinal implants into the retinal space of an eye. The tip includes a flexible envelope and an internal sliding member. Further, the invention relates to an inserter attachment and a delivery device including said tip.