Flexible Implant Deployment Device Curved Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for deploying implants into the eye, particularly into the sub-retinal space, face challenges such as requiring large incisions, potential damage to fragile eye tissues, and the risk of implant buckling or crumpling due to the need for precise flat configurations, which limits their effectiveness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A device that flexes the implant into a curved configuration for easy insertion and deployment, minimizing the incision size and securing the implant firmly, while an actuator and urging member facilitate smooth, controlled deployment, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring the active agent remains undisturbed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the implant is carried in a flat configuration, then the implant can be easily inserted, but the implant may crumple or buckle under deployment force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the implant by forming it into a rolled-up configuration rather than keeping it flat. The implant is rolled into a cylindrical shape with the active agent layer on the outer surface, which prevents crumpling and buckling during deployment while maintaining structural integrity. The curved configuration allows the implant to be pushed through the delivery device without deformation.
2Area of moving object
If the implant is made large to cover the required area, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the incision size required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by rolling the implant into a compact cylindrical configuration that can be inserted through a small incision. The implant is nested within itself in a rolled-up state, allowing a large-area implant to be delivered through a minimally invasive small incision. The rolled configuration is then unrolled at the deployment site to achieve full coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the implant from a two-dimensional flat sheet to a three-dimensional rolled configuration. By adding the dimensional aspect of rolling, the implant can be compressed into a smaller profile for insertion while maintaining its large surface area for deployment, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the size contradiction.
3Strength
If the device contacts multiple surfaces of the implant, then the implant is securely held, but the active agent surface may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the delivery device to contact only specific local areas of the implant (the edges or non-active agent surfaces) while leaving the active agent surface untouched. The device structure is configured to grip the implant at designated locations that do not contain the active agent, thereby maintaining secure holding without disrupting the therapeutic substance.
4Force
If a mandrel is used to push the implant, then deployment force is provided, but the implant may crumple or buckle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the mandrel-induced crumpling problem by pre-curving the implant into a rolled configuration that matches the expected deployment path. The curved implant structure is inherently more resistant to buckling under compressive force, allowing the mandrel to push the implant through without causing crumpling or buckling of the implant material.
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
Enables reliable and efficient deployment of implants with reduced tissue damage, allowing for larger implants to be inserted through smaller incisions and maintaining the integrity of the active agent, improving the precision and safety of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end is constructed and arranged to cause the implant to be flexed into a curved configuration when in a carried position
Implementation Method 2
the device is configured to urge the flexed implant from the carried position to a deployed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to devices and methods for deploying an implant. Preferably the device deploys a flexible implant in an eye. In one embodiment, the device comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is constructed and arranged to cause said implant to be flexed into a curved configuration when in a carried position and the device is configured to urge said flexed implant from said carried position to a deployed position.The device is provided with a slider to activate the urging member.