Inclined Edge Trabecular Meshwork Cutting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices for glaucoma treatment, such as goniectomy, often fail to effectively remove a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue overlying Schlemm's canal, leading to potential blockage of fluid drainage and damage to the back wall of Schlemm's canal, which can compromise drainage efficacy and safety.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a shaft and distal member featuring inclined, non-parallel edges that cut the trabecular meshwork tissue while protecting the back wall of Schlemm's canal, optionally including lumens for irrigation and aspiration to facilitate fluid management and visualization during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cut is made with a classical goniotomy knife, then the procedure is simple, but all trabecular meshwork tissue remains behind causing blockage of fluid drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is segmented into multiple cutting edges (first cutting edge, second cutting edge, and optionally third and fourth cutting edges) arranged in a specific configuration. This segmentation allows the device to remove a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue effectively while maintaining procedural simplicity through a single insertion.
2Reliability
If the back wall of Schlemm's canal is protected during the procedure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier or distal surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the cutting edges and the back wall of Schlemm's canal. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the cutting device and the back wall, thereby protecting the drainage ostia while the cutting edges remove the trabecular meshwork tissue. The protective barrier acts as a mediator that enables safe tissue removal without compromising device simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the device is properly sized for ab-interno access through a small incision, then ease of operation is improved, but the working end must be precisely sized relative to Schlemm's canal anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The device exhibits local quality variations where the distal tip or working end is specifically sized and shaped to match the anatomy of Schlemm's canal, while the proximal portion of the device maintains dimensions suitable for insertion through a small corneal incision. This local differentiation allows the device to be properly sized for both access and functional requirements without requiring overall device complexity.
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 device effectively removes a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue to enhance aqueous humor drainage, lower intraocular pressure, and improve the safety of the procedure by preventing damage to the back wall of Schlemm's canal, while allowing for proper sizing and orientation for ab-interno access through a small incision.
Implementation Method 1
trabecular meshwork tissue will be cut by the right and left edges
Implementation Method 2
lumens, opening or ports and associated connectors for infusing irrigation fluid
Implementation Method 3
aspirating fluid and/or matter from the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods useable for forming opening in trabecular meshwork of mammalian eyes.