Multi-Lumen Eye Drainage Tube for Precise IOP Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) have limitations in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and require high surgical skill, often relying on fibrosis for pressure regulation, which can lead to failure or post-operative hypotony, and lack the precision to achieve the lower IOP levels needed to minimize glaucomatous progression.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen drainage device with adjustable apertures along its length, allowing for fine-tuning of fluid flow resistance to tailor IOP control, combined with a flexible, non-circular cross-section design to prevent kinking and improve tissue integration, enabling precise IOP adjustment and reduced surgical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GDDs rely on fibrosis to control pressure, then pressure regulation is achieved, but device failure or post-operative hypotony occurs and surgical skill requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter of the drainage tube by controlling the degree of radial expansion after insertion. The tube expands from a compressed insertion state to a larger operational diameter, and the expansion ratio can be controlled to adjust flow resistance. This eliminates the need for fibrosis-based pressure control while providing reliable and adjustable IOP management without requiring complex surgical techniques
2Ease of manufacture
If GDDs use fixed flow restriction, then manufacturing is simplified, but inability to achieve lower IOP levels (less than 10 mmHg) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube is designed with dynamic flow resistance that changes over time. The tube is inserted in a compressed state with high flow resistance, then gradually expands radially to a larger diameter, reducing flow resistance. This dynamic transition allows the device to adapt to different IOP targets including very low pressures (less than 10 mmHg) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece design
3Strength
If drainage tube has high hoop strength to prevent collapse, then structural integrity is improved, but flow restriction capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube utilizes time-dependent structural transformation. Initially, the tube has high hoop strength in a compressed state to maintain structural integrity during insertion and handling. After implantation, the tube gradually expands radially, reducing wall thickness and hoop strength while increasing luminal diameter. This dynamic structural change optimizes both initial structural integrity and subsequent flow capability
4Reliability
If GDDs require precise surgical technique for proper function, then device performance is optimized, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube performs self-adjustment of its flow resistance characteristics through automatic radial expansion after insertion. The tube transitions from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded operational configuration without requiring additional surgical intervention or precise positioning techniques. This self-service mechanism simplifies the surgical procedure, reducing both surgical time and complexity while maintaining optimal device performance
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 allows for precise adjustment of IOP, reducing the risk of hypotony and improving surgical ease, potentially extending device lifespan and reducing the need for further interventions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the location of the aperture defining the length of the fluid path and therefore the flow resistance and resultant pressure drop along the fluid path can be selected
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage device for use in an eye to drain aqueous humour so as to reduce intraocular pressure or for treating glaucoma. The device has a multi-lumen tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of lumen extending between the first end and the second end. At least one of the lumen is sealed at the first end. A flow through the multi-lumen tube is adjusted by forming at least one aperture open in one of the lumen through a wall of the tube and/or sealing at least one aperture open in one of the lumen. The tube has a longitudinal axis through the first end and the second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end. A cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis has a non-circular shape at the outer surface with an aspect ratio of at least 3:1.