Leaf Spring Implant Delivery Device for Minimally Invasive Ocular Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering therapeutic implants into the eye are invasive, traumatic, and difficult to reproduce, often requiring surgical procedures and extensive handling, which can damage fragile polymer-based implants and lead to inconsistent drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A novel implant delivery device featuring an elongated body with a cannula, mandrel, front shuttle, dispense button, and leaf spring, allowing for a less invasive and controlled ejection of implants from the cannula, reducing the need for surgical incisions and enhancing reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical methods are used to deliver implants into the eye, then the implant can be placed into the eye, but the procedure is invasive and traumatic requiring surgical incisions and extensive handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delivery device as an intermediary tool that mediates between the surgeon and the implant. The device includes a cannula for minimally invasive insertion, a mandrel for controlled implant ejection, and a shuttle mechanism for precise positioning, thereby reducing direct trauma while maintaining delivery effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cannula for insertion, a mandrel for implant support and ejection, a shuttle for positioning, and a button for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with precision, reducing overall procedural trauma
2Ease of operation
If extensive handling is performed during implant placement, then the implant can be positioned, but the fragile polymer-based implant may be damaged or broken-off
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-loaded into the cannula during device assembly, and the mandrel is pre-positioned within the cannula. This preliminary arrangement ensures the implant is protected and ready for delivery without requiring extensive handling during the actual surgical procedure, thereby preserving its structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel serves as an intermediary carrier that holds the fragile implant securely during delivery. The implant remains protected within the mandrel-cannula assembly throughout the procedure, reducing exposure to damaging handling while still enabling precise placement
3Ease of operation
If manual grasping devices are used to deposit the implant, then the implant can be placed into the vitreous, but the implant may be damaged and placement becomes difficult to reproduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual grasping devices with a controlled mechanical ejection system. The button-actuated shuttle mechanism provides precise, repeatable force application to eject the implant through the cannula, eliminating the variability inherent in manual manipulation and improving placement reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed so that the implant is automatically ejected through the cannula when the button is pressed. This self-ejecting mechanism eliminates the need for manual grasping and deposition operations, providing consistent, reproducible placement results while reducing the risk of implant damage
4Ease of operation
If an incision is made through the sclera for implant delivery, then the implant can be accessed, but the incision requires suturing and increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula acts as an intermediary that provides a controlled access pathway through the sclera. Once inserted, the cannula serves as a stable conduit for implant delivery, eliminating the need for complex suturing while maintaining precise access to the target location
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 facilitates a more convenient, less traumatic, and controlled delivery of implants into the eye, minimizing damage and ensuring consistent placement, thereby improving the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of implant therapy.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the leaf spring spans between the dispense button and the front shuttle... moving the dispense button from the extended position to the depressed position, thereby deflecting the leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices and methods for delivering medical implants into a patient, such as intravitreally. In one exemplary implementation, an implant delivery device includes an elongated body, cannula, mandrel, front shuttle, dispense button and leaf spring. The cannula is carried by the body and configured to receive an implant. The mandrel is slidably received within the cannula. The front shuttle is coupled to the mandrel. The leaf spring has at least a portion that spans between the dispense button and the front shuttle. The delivery device is configured to be operated by a user moving the dispense button from an extended position to a depressed position, thereby deflecting the leaf spring and urging the front shuttle towards the distal end of the body and causing the mandrel to move from a retracted position to a distally advanced position to eject the implant from a distal portion of the cannula.