Memory Material Fixation Device for Intraocular Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suturing procedures within the eye, such as intraocular lens implantation and iris repair, are challenging due to physical constraints, often requiring skilled surgeons and potentially leading to complications like glaucoma and corneal failure.
Innovation Solution
A memory material fixation device with a collapsible catch-shaped end that can be compressed and deployed within a delivery system for tissue fixation, allowing for rapid and automatic fixation without the need for knots, using materials like nitinol or polymeric memory materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suturing is performed within the eye, then tissue fixation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult due to physical constraints of the intraocular cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical suturing system (needles, threads, knots) with a memory material-based fixation device that utilizes shape memory effect and elastic deformation. The device is delivered in a compressed state through a catheter and automatically expands to engage tissue, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying and significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The memory material fixation device is pre-configured in a compressed delivery state within the catheter before insertion. Once deployed, the device automatically expands to its functional shape through shape memory effect or elastic recovery, performing the fixation action automatically without requiring the surgeon to manually manipulate sutures or tie knots during the procedure
2Reliability
If traditional suturing is performed within the eye, then tissue fixation can be achieved, but it requires focused concentration and two-handed operation by specialist surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The memory material fixation device is self-deploying and self-fixating. After insertion through the catheter, the device automatically expands to its functional configuration through shape memory effect or elastic recovery, and the expandable end automatically engages with the tissue to create fixation. This eliminates the need for complex two-handed manipulation and specialized surgical skills required for traditional suturing
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical manipulation required for traditional suturing (needle handling, thread passing, knot tying) is replaced by a simplified deployment mechanism where the fixation device is simply inserted and automatically activates through material memory effects, making the procedure accessible to non-specialist surgeons
3Reliability
If traditional suturing is performed within the eye, then tissue fixation can be achieved, but it may cause further damage to the eye such as glaucoma and corneal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device utilizes a flexible memory material structure that can be delivered through a thin catheter and expands to engage tissue with distributed, gentle forces. This avoids the concentrated mechanical stress and tissue cutting associated with traditional sutures and knots, reducing the risk of corneal failure and glaucoma while maintaining effective fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mechanical actions of traditional suturing (puncturing with needles, tightening knots that can cut tissue) are replaced by a gentle expansion mechanism where the memory material device smoothly transitions from compressed to expanded state, engaging tissue through elastic deformation rather than mechanical cutting or constriction
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 rapid, safe, and effective tissue fixation within the eye, reducing operation time and minimizing tissue damage, and can be used in various minimally invasive procedures beyond ophthalmology.
Implementation Method 1
A memory material fixation device with a collapsible catch-shaped end that can be compressed and deployed within a delivery system for tissue fixation
Implementation Method 2
a collapsible catch-shaped end that can pass through a material in a collapsed state to catch on an opposite surface of the material when in an expanded state to achieve fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A memory material fixation device is provided that is suitable for tissue fixation, including intraocular fixation, and has a main body that can be compressed elongated or shortened within a delivery system and a collapsible catch-shaped end that can pass through a material in a collapsed state to catch on an opposite surface of the material when in an expanded state to achieve fixation. A delivery system can hold the memory material fixation device in a constrained fashion, compressing the collapsible catch-shaped end in the collapsed state. Once a target structure has been traversed by the delivery system and a hole made in a material of the structure, the collapsible catch-shaped end of the fixation device is deployed from the delivery system, whereupon the collapsible catch-shaped end of the fixation device expands to take its neutral-stress shape of the expanded state to achieve fixation.