Multiple Ocular Implant Delivery Through One Incision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for implanting intraocular devices, such as shunts or stents, require invasive surgical procedures, pose risks of excessive trauma to the eye, and necessitate reloading and repositioning of grasping devices for each implant, making them inefficient and risky.
Innovation Solution
A single delivery apparatus with an introducer assembly and actuation mechanism that allows for the delivery of multiple implants without removing the apparatus from the eye, featuring a singulation portion and activation portion for manual actuation, enabling the delivery of multiple implants through a single incision using an auto-retracting introducer assembly and trocar assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple implants are delivered using a single delivery apparatus, then surgical invasiveness is reduced and trauma to the eye is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to the need for singulation and actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple implants are nested within a single delivery apparatus, with each implant housed in its own chamber or position within the trocar assembly. The singulation mechanism allows sequential access to nested implants without removing the apparatus from the eye, reducing the need for multiple incisions and minimizing ocular trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery apparatus is segmented into multiple functional components including a trocar assembly with multiple implant positions, a singulation mechanism with separate control elements, and an actuation system. This segmentation allows independent control of each implant delivery while maintaining a single integrated apparatus that minimizes surgical invasiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single delivery apparatus is used to deliver multiple implants, then the number of incisions is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of singulation and actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus incorporates self-aligning and self-regulating mechanisms that reduce the skill level required for operation. The singulation portion and actuation mechanism are designed to automatically position and deliver implants in the correct sequence, minimizing the need for complex manual manipulation and reducing operational difficulty despite the increased functionality.
3Loss of time
If the delivery apparatus remains in place to deliver multiple implants, then the loss of time is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to the risk of contamination and tissue trauma from prolonged presence
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is pre-loaded with multiple implants in a sterile configuration before insertion. The singulation mechanism is pre-configured to deliver implants in a predetermined sequence, allowing rapid sequential delivery without removing the apparatus. This preliminary preparation reduces surgical time while maintaining sterility and minimizing the period the apparatus remains in the eye.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants to reduce intraocular pressure are disclosed. The ocular implants can be implanted at multiple sites within a single human eye without requiring removal of the delivery apparatus from the eye. A system for delivering multiple ocular implants can include a plurality of implants, an external housing, and an introducer assembly. The external housing can provide access to an implant singulation actuator and an implant delivery actuator. The introducer assembly can comprise an auto-retracting introducer portion. The delivery apparatus can include an infinite activation mechanism/portion and/or a manual singulation mechanism/portion.