Intraocular Sensor with Capacitive Faceplate for Glaucoma Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring intraocular pressure are invasive, expensive, non-portable, and provide infrequent measurements, which are inadequate for accurately detecting or monitoring glaucoma progression due to the variable nature of intraocular pressure over short periods.
Innovation Solution
Development of an implantable intraocular physiological sensor that continuously measures intraocular pressure and glucose concentration, featuring a capacitive pressure sensor with a flexible diaphragm electrode, wireless data transmission, and internal flow pathways to reduce pressure, allowing for frequent and accurate data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current non-implantable monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and monitoring frequency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a hermetically sealed housing that is implanted in the eye. The capacitive pressure sensor is integrated with the faceplate, and the entire assembly is contained within a compact housing with anchor protrusions, creating a miniaturized implantable system that maintains measurement precision while reducing external device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external mechanical monitoring systems with a capacitive pressure sensor that uses electrical fields to measure intraocular pressure. This substitution enables continuous monitoring with high precision while simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for external mechanical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If implantable sensors are used, then measurement precision and monitoring frequency improve, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hermetically sealed housing containing the capacitive pressure sensor, the anchor protrusions for secure attachment, and the integrated faceplate. This segmentation allows for simplified surgical implantation where the entire assembly can be positioned as a unit, and facilitates potential future retrieval or replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides hermetic sealing for the sensor, incorporates anchors for secure attachment to ocular tissue, and integrates the faceplate that interfaces with the eye. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both implantation and potential future operations.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time for data processing and transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive pressure sensor operates continuously while implanted, maintaining constant monitoring of intraocular pressure without interruption. This continuous operation provides high temporal resolution data for detecting pressure changes associated with glaucoma progression, enabling timely clinical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates wireless data transmission capabilities that provide feedback to external devices, allowing real-time or near-real-time monitoring of pressure data. This feedback mechanism enables clinicians to respond promptly to abnormal pressure readings, optimizing treatment timing while managing data processing efficiently.
4Stability of the object's composition
If anchors penetrate trabecular meshwork, then sensor stability improves, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor protrusions are designed with specific local characteristics: they extend from the housing to penetrate the trabecular meshwork for secure attachment, but their geometry and material properties are optimized to minimize tissue trauma. The localized penetration at specific anchor points provides stable positioning while limiting harmful effects to minimal necessary tissue interaction.
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 continuous, accurate monitoring of intraocular pressure and glucose concentration, improving early detection and management of glaucoma and diabetes, with the potential for frequent data transmission and reduced invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The physiological sensor comprises a capacitive pressure sensor. The capacitive pressure sensor comprises a flexible diaphragm electrode spaced apart from a counter electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
Intraocular physiological sensor implants include a physiological sensor, and a housing comprising a faceplate. The physiological sensor is integrated with the faceplate. The physiological sensor typically comprises an intraocular pressure sensor, such as a capacitive pressure sensor that may further include a flexible diaphragm electrode spaced apart from a counter electrode. The intraocular pressure sensor detects intraocular pressure, to identify patient conditions such as glaucoma.