Ophthalmological Implant Positioning via Iris Root Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current glaucoma treatments, particularly cyclodialysis implants, face challenges in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction due to anatomical variations and risks of endothelial cell loss from protruding implant edges in the anterior chamber, necessitating a safer method for implant placement without invasive external surgeries or cell loss.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmological implant is inserted between the sclera and uveal tissue with its anterior edge positioned behind the iris root, avoiding the anterior chamber, and the iris root is closed to form a channel for implant placement, allowing for reduced IOP without endothelial cell loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the implant anterior edge is positioned in the anterior chamber to maintain open channel, then aqueous humor drainage is improved, but endothelial cell loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaqueous humor drainage efficiencyVSAvoidendothelial cell loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional positioning approach by placing the implant anterior edge behind the iris root instead of in the anterior chamber. This inversion allows the implant to maintain drainage function while avoiding contact with the corneal endothelium, thus resolving the contradiction between drainage efficiency and endothelial cell preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The iris root serves as an intermediary structure that separates the implant from the anterior chamber endothelium. By positioning the implant behind the iris root, the iris root acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the implant and the corneal endothelium, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the drainage function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the implant is inserted through the iris root channel, then placement is achieved, but the iris root must be opened which may compromise its integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant placement feasibilityVSAvoidiris root structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary opening of the iris root channel only during the implant insertion phase, and then the channel is closed afterward. This preliminary action allows safe implant placement while the subsequent closing restores iris root integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of placement and structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240081973A1Method for positioning an interpositional ophthalmological implant using ab-interno approach

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 CILIATECH

AI summary

A method is provided for inserting an ophthalmological implant between a sclera and a uveal tissue in an eye of a patient. The method includes providing an ophthalmological implant having an anterior edge intended to face the anterior chamber and an posterior edge opposite the anterior edge, and making at least one opening in a corneal tissue. An opening is made in the iris root to form an insertion channel and the ophthalmological implant is inserted through the insertion channel. The ophthalmological implant is positioned between a sclera and a uveal tissue at a position, where the anterior edge of the ophthalmological implant is located in or beyond the insertion channel. The insertion channel is closed so that an iris tissue is disposed between the anterior edge and an anterior chamber of the eye of the patient.