Lacrimal Implants for Sustained Drug Release in Glaucoma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating glaucoma, particularly open-angle glaucoma, face challenges in maintaining effective intraocular pressure reduction due to inefficiencies in drug delivery, such as topical eye drops leading to overflow and dilution, and lacrimal implants experiencing inconsistent retention and dislodgment, especially in varying punctum sizes.
Innovation Solution
The use of two latanoprost-eluting punctal implants, one in the upper and one in the lower punctum, designed to provide a sustained release of the therapeutic agent, improving retention through anatomical mimicry of the lacrimal canaliculus and utilizing a specific configuration to facilitate easy insertion and secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If topical eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, then the treatment can be administered easily, but the drug delivery efficiency is reduced due to overflow and dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The punctal implant divides the single punctum into two separate insertion sites (upper and lower puncta), allowing for dual implant placement that increases drug delivery reliability while maintaining ease of administration through a minimally invasive procedure
2Duration of action of moving object
If lacrimal implants are used to improve drug retention, then the duration of action is extended, but the implant retention becomes inconsistent and prone to dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The punctal implant features an asymmetric design with a tapered distal end for insertion and a broader proximal end for retention, creating a geometry that mimics the lacrimal canaliculus anatomy and prevents dislodgment while maintaining extended drug delivery duration
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes phase change materials or controlled release mechanisms that alter the drug release parameters over time, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels while the implant remains retained in the punctum for extended periods
3Device complexity
If a single punctal implant is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the intraocular pressure reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is segmented into two separate punctal implants placed in the upper and lower puncta, with each implant contributing to the overall intraocular pressure reduction, achieving synergistic therapeutic effect while maintaining relatively simple individual device design
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
This approach achieves a statistically significant reduction in intraocular pressure, maintaining therapeutic levels for at least two weeks with improved implant retention, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by ensuring consistent and prolonged drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
designed to provide a sustained release of the therapeutic agent
Data Source
AI summary
A method of decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in an eye of a patient in need thereof includes implanting a first lacrimal implant through a firsts punctum and into a first lacrimal canaliculus of the eye of the patient. The method may further comprise implanting a second lacrimal implant through a second punctum and into a second lacrimal canaliculus of the eye of the patient, and releasing, on a sustained basis a therapeutically effective amount of an intraocular pressure-reducing therapeutic agent.