Biocompatible Hydrogel Retinal Tamponade Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tamponade agents for retinal detachment repair, such as expansile gases and silicone oil, pose issues like intraocular hypertension, incorrect gas concentrations, patient discomfort, air travel restrictions, and increased risk of cataracts and retinal re-detachment.

Innovation Solution

A biocompatible hydrogel tamponade agent is introduced, which acts as a temporary barrier to fluid flow and is slowly resorbed after a permanent seal is achieved, eliminating the need for intraocular gases or silicone oil, and is administered as a pre-hydrogel solution that converts into a hydrogel to seal the retinal detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expansile gases are used as tamponade agents, then the retinal detachment can be prevented from reforming, but intraocular hypertension occurs and patient vision is impaired for several weeks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of retinal re detachmentVSAvoidintraocular hypertension and visual impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the tamponade agent from gas to hydrogel. The hydrogel maintains a stable gel state rather than expanding like gas, eliminating intraocular hypertension while providing sustained tamponade effect for retinal reattachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel tamponade agent is designed to be temporarily effective and then naturally resorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for long-term retention or removal surgery. This disposable approach resolves the issue of prolonged visual impairment associated with gas tamponade

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If silicone oil is used as tamponade agent, then retinal detachment can be prevented, but additional surgery is required to remove the oil and cataract formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of retinal re detachmentVSAvoidneed for follow-up surgery and cataract risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel is designed to be temporarily effective and then naturally resorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for long-term retention or removal surgery. This disposable approach resolves the issue of prolonged visual impairment associated with gas tamponade

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel's biodegradability, which could be seen as a limitation compared to permanent tamponade agents, is converted into a benefit by allowing natural resorption without surgery. The breakdown products are biocompatible and eliminate the need for second surgery while reducing cataract risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If expansile gases are used, then tamponade effect is achieved, but patient air travel is restricted due to gas expansion at altitude

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamponade effectVSAvoidpatient mobility and air travel freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrogel tamponade agent reduces postoperative complications like cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, allows for improved vision and patient comfort, eliminates air travel restrictions, and avoids the need for additional surgeries, while effectively preventing fluid egress and promoting retinal reattachment.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-hydrogel solution that forms a hydrogel or a hydrogel is injected at the site of the retinal tear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

The disclosed hydrogel tamponade agent remains in place after a permanent seal is achieved and is slowly resorbed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220211912A1Hydrogel retinal tamponade agent

Publication Date: 2022.07.07 SOLIMAN SHERIF

AI summary

A hydrogel retinal tamponade agent is disclosed herein. The disclosed hydrogel tamponade agent acts as a temporary barrier to fluid flow into the subretinal space and obviates the need to use intraocular gases or silicone oil as a retinal tamponade agent in a retinal detachment repair procedure. The hydrogel tamponade agent remains in place after a permanent seal is achieved and is slowly resorbed. The hydrogel tamponade agent is preferably biocompatible.