Intraocular Injection Device with Stabilizing Support and Needle Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intravitreal injections for treating eye disorders often result in complications due to incorrect needle placement or angle, leading to injuries such as intraocular hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and cataracts, as they require experienced ophthalmologists and involve multiple devices for eye stabilization and injection.

Innovation Solution

A device with an annular support surface and directing means to stabilize and orient the eye, featuring a bore for precise needle insertion, ergonomic handle, and mechanisms to keep the eye open and minimize conjunctiva movement, ensuring reproducible and safe administration of medication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple devices are used for eye stabilization and injection, then the injection can be performed, but the procedure becomes complex and requires multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (eye stabilization, needle direction, and injection) into a single integrated device. The support element with bore structure serves both to stabilize the eye and direct the needle, eliminating the need for separate stabilization tools and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical support for eye stabilization, geometric guidance for needle insertion, and structural framework for the procedure. This universal device replaces multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the needle is inserted based on visual assessment and experience, then the procedure can be performed, but incorrect placement causes complications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidinjection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bore structure acts as an intermediary guide between the needle and the injection target. Instead of relying directly on the operator's visual assessment, the fixed geometric bore provides a physical intermediary that ensures correct needle placement, reducing complications from incorrect insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of needle placement from variable (based on operator experience) to fixed (determined by the bore geometry). The bore's predetermined position and angle parameters ensure consistent, accurate insertion across all procedures, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support element contacts the eye surface, then the device can be stabilized, but excessive contact area causes irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoideye irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support element features a localized contact surface designed with specific geometric properties. Rather than broad contact, the support surface is positioned and shaped to provide stable anchoring at specific locations on the eye surface, minimizing overall contact area and reducing irritation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2109425B1Device for intraocular administration of a substance, for example a medication, into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle
Publication Date: 2013.09.04 GONCALVES ARNALDO
  • EP2109425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2109425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2109425B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for intraocular administration of a substance, for example a medication, into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle. Until recently, intravitreal or intraocular injections, by which a substance, and more in particular a medication, is injected into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle, were only used in exceptional cases. Especially in the treatment of endophtalmitis, an infrequently occurring intraocular inflammation of the eye, antibiotics are often administered intravitreally. The object of the invention is to provide a tool which makes it possible, using one instrument, to keep the eye stationary and at the same time facilitate giving the injection, which will be carried out under identical, reproducible circumstances at all times in that case. According to the invention, the device is characterised in that it comprises a support element to be placed on the eye as well as directing means for orienting the hypodermic needle relative to the eye. Thus it is possible to carry out such eye treatments in an identical, reproducible manner, thereby preventing all kinds of traumas to the eye - resulting from undesirable incorrect insertion of the hypodermic needle - and the associated inconvenience to the patient.