Keratoconus Treatment Device with Continuous Hydration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmological devices for treating keratoconus, such as ocular iontophoresis devices, face the challenge of corneal surface drying during UV treatment, requiring continuous manual bathing to maintain hydration, which is inefficient and operator-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir for riboflavin solution and a system for continuous hydration of the corneal surface using an optical fibre for UV crosslinking, where a hydrating solution is administered through a metal grid during irradiation to maintain a constant film, preventing drying and ensuring efficient crosslinking of collagen fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If UV radiation is applied to the cornea for crosslinking treatment, then the corneal stiffness is improved, but the corneal surface dries out requiring continuous manual bathing
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service by incorporating an automated irrigation system that continuously bathes the corneal surface without operator intervention. The reservoir with irrigation channels and spray nozzles automatically delivers saline solution to maintain corneal hydration during UV irradiation, eliminating the need for manual bathing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary irrigation system consisting of a reservoir, channels, and spray nozzles that mediates between the UV radiation source and the corneal surface. This intermediary system delivers hydrating solution to prevent drying while allowing UV light to penetrate for crosslinking.
2Reliability
If manual bathing is used to keep corneal surface wet during UV treatment, then corneal hydration is maintained, but treatment efficiency decreases due to operator dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The automated irrigation system performs the hydration function independently without requiring operator action. The reservoir automatically dispenses saline through channels and nozzles to maintain corneal wetness throughout the UV treatment process, ensuring reliable hydration while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system ensures continuous hydration of the corneal surface throughout the entire UV treatment duration. The reservoir continuously supplies saline solution through the channel network and spray nozzles, eliminating interruptions and maintaining constant corneal wetness for optimal treatment conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If riboflavin solution is applied to cornea for iontophoresis, then drug delivery is achieved, but corneal surface may dry during subsequent UV irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system acts as an intermediary between the corneal surface and the UV radiation environment. It continuously supplies saline solution to prevent drying while allowing the previously applied riboflavin to remain absorbed in the corneal tissue for effective crosslinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous irrigation maintains corneal hydration throughout the UV irradiation phase following riboflavin application. This ensures the corneal surface remains wet and healthy during the crosslinking process without compromising the previously delivered riboflavin concentration.
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 maintains corneal hydration during UV treatment, preventing damage from drying and ensuring uniform crosslinking of collagen fibers, thereby reinforcing the cornea and improving its biomechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
the photosensitizer induces a crosslinking of the collagen fibres, thus increasing the biomechanical elasticity of the cornea
Implementation Method 2
a support 10 of an optical fibre 12 which is fed by a UV source 14 and is provided, at the end housed inside the reservoir 2, with a lens system 16
Implementation Method 3
a hydrating solution is administered from above through the grid holes 22 that touches the eye and is released through the conduit 32
Implementation Method 4
the generator 24 is switched on creating a current flow that diffuses ions of riboflavin across the epithelium of the cornea
Implementation Method 5
the vacuum is applied, by means of a syringe 42 introduced into the conduit 28, in such a way that the annular chamber 8 provides sealed adherence to the eye itself
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological device for the treatment of keratoconus includes a cylindrical reservoir made of a non-conductive material, open at the top and bottom, and formed by two telescopically engaged portions, a lower one open at the bottom and connected to a cylindrical chamber of smaller diameter, also open at the bottom and formed by an external annular chamber that is concentrically arranged around the chamber and is closed at the top, open at the bottom, and adapted to be placed on the eye; a first metallic conductor, housed in the container and connected to a terminal of a DC voltage generator, to the other terminal of which a second metallic conductor is connected; a first conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the first conduit flowing into the annular reservoir, the other end being located externally thereto, whereby vacuum may be applied through the first conduit; and a second conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the second conduit passing through the annular reservoir at its lower edge and flowing into the container, the other end being located externally to the annular reservoir. During irradiation, a hydrating solution is administered from above through the metallic conductor that touches the eye and is released through the conduit to avoid the excessive absorption of incident energy by the hydrating solution while maintaining a minimum thickness and constant hydrating solution on the ocular surface.