Glaucoma Pump Implant Using Iris Dynamics for Active Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments rely on passive hydrostatic mechanisms for intraocular pressure reduction, which often lead to occlusion and inadequacy in reducing eye pressure due to clogging or halted drainage when pressure balances on both sides of the globe, lacking an active pumping mechanism to effectively manage intraocular fluid outflow.
Innovation Solution
The glaucoma pump implant utilizes the natural iris pump mechanism by harnessing the diameter changes of the pupil and iris to actively increase outflow through the trabecular meshwork, employing a flexible string to transmit tensile force and expand holes in the trabecular meshwork for unidirectional fluid flow, thereby reducing intraocular pressure without channel opening or clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive hydrostatic mechanism is used for intraocular pressure reduction, then surgical intervention is avoided, but occlusion occurs and drainage is halted when pressure balances on both sides of the globe
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a static passive structure to a dynamic active pump system that utilizes iris movements. The pump mechanism actively changes the volume of the trabecular meshwork through iris contraction and relaxation cycles, creating pressure differentials that drive fluid outflow continuously, preventing occlusion and maintaining reliable pressure reduction without requiring repeated surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant harnesses the body's own iris pump mechanism to drive fluid drainage. By attaching the pump to the iris tissue, the system uses the natural contraction and relaxation of the iris muscle during pupil response to light changes as the driving force for aqueous humor outflow, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
2Device complexity
If passive drainage system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but occlusion occurs and intraocular pressure does not decrease when pressure is similar on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic volume changes to the trabecular meshwork through iris-driven pumping action. The alternating compression and expansion of the meshwork creates continuous pressure differentials that drive fluid outflow, preventing the pressure equalization that causes occlusion in passive systems. This dynamic mechanism maintains reliable pressure reduction without requiring overly complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates through periodic iris contraction and relaxation cycles, creating intermittent but continuous pumping action. This periodic volume change in the trabecular meshwork ensures continuous fluid outflow by preventing pressure equalization, maintaining effective pressure reduction while keeping the mechanism relatively simple and biocompatible.
3Productivity
If channel opening surgery is performed, then drainage path is created, but clogging occurs over time requiring repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The implant creates a dynamic drainage system where the trabecular meshwork is actively compressed and expanded by iris movements. This continuous mechanical action prevents fluid stasis and clogging in the drainage channels, maintaining open pathways for prolonged periods. The active pumping mechanism ensures continuous fluid flow without requiring repeated surgical interventions to clear blocked channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism provides continuous pumping action throughout the day as the iris naturally responds to light changes. This uninterrupted volume change in the trabecular meshwork maintains continuous fluid outflow and prevents channel occlusion, extending the duration of effective drainage without the need for repeated surgeries to restore patency.
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
This active pumping mechanism effectively reduces intraocular pressure by enhancing fluid outflow through the trabecular meshwork, preventing vision loss and avoiding the limitations of passive systems, including occlusion and the need for repeated surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
the implant acts as an active pump by utilizing diameter change of pupil and iris caused by light variations
Implementation Method 2
diameter change of pupil and iris caused by light variations
Implementation Method 3
employing a flexible string to transmit tensile force and expand holes in the trabecular meshwork for unidirectional fluid flow
Implementation Method 4
This active pumping mechanism effectively reduces intraocular pressure by enhancing fluid outflow through the trabecular meshwork
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to glaucoma pump implant (100) developed for use in reducing intra ocular pressure of glaucoma patients. The invention particularly relates to a glaucoma pump implant (100) that allows the glaucoma pump implant (100) to act as an active pump by utilizing diameter changes of pupil (210) and iris (220) caused by light variations.