Single-Incision Injector for Multiple Ocular Implant Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering multiple intraocular implants require invasive surgical procedures, increase the risk of trauma and infection, and are inefficient due to the need for repeated incisions and handling of the implants.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for delivering multiple ocular implants through a single incision using an injector instrument with an energy source to propel implants at controlled speeds and trajectories, allowing for consistent delivery without removing the instrument from the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple implants are delivered through repeated incisions using traditional forceps, then each implant can be placed manually, but the procedure becomes more invasive, increases trauma risk, and requires excessive handling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple implant delivery functions into a single delivery instrument that can accommodate and deliver multiple implants through one incision. The instrument integrates multiple chambers or compartments that hold individual implants, allowing sequential delivery without removing the instrument from the eye, thereby reducing trauma and infection risk while maintaining manual placement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery instrument is pre-loaded with multiple implants before insertion into the eye. This preliminary loading allows all implants to be delivered through a single pre-formed incision, eliminating the need for repeated incisions and reducing both trauma and infection risk while maintaining the ease of manual placement that surgeons are accustomed to
2Ease of operation
If traditional forceps are used to deliver multiple implants, then each implant can be grasped and positioned, but the procedure requires reloading and repositioning between implants, increasing surgical time
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery instrument merges multiple implant holding capabilities into a single device structure. Multiple chambers or compartments are integrated within one instrument body, allowing the surgeon to access and deliver multiple implants without changing instruments or reloading, thereby maintaining ease of grasping and positioning while dramatically reducing surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument enables continuous delivery of multiple implants through a single uninterrupted procedure. Once inserted, the instrument remains in place and allows sequential access to each implant chamber, enabling continuous placement action without the interruptions of removing and reloading forceps between implants
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single incision is used to deliver multiple implants, then trauma and infection risk are reduced, but the delivery instrument must be complex enough to hold and propel multiple implants simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery instrument employs a nested structure where multiple implant chambers are positioned within a single outer housing. Each chamber is contained within the overall instrument structure, allowing multiple implants to be delivered through one incision while keeping the external profile manageable and the insertion path clear
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is segmented into multiple functional chambers or compartments, each designed to hold and deliver one implant. This segmentation allows independent access to each implant while maintaining a unified delivery mechanism, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple separate instruments while still achieving the benefit of single-incision delivery
4Device complexity
If implants are delivered without controlled speed and trajectory, then the delivery process is simpler, but placement precision and repeatability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery instrument incorporates mechanisms to control and adjust delivery parameters such as ejection force, speed, and trajectory angle. By allowing adjustment of these parameters, the system achieves precise and repeatable implant placement without requiring overly complex mechanical structures, balancing control capability with device simplicity
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
Facilitates less invasive and less traumatic delivery of multiple implants with improved efficiency and reduced risk of infection, enabling outpatient procedures with precise placement and repeatability.
Implementation Method 1
The injector instrument includes an energy source having stored energy for delivering the implants into 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 at least two implants preloaded within a delivery device and configured to be implanted within the eye, a metering device configured to transfer energy to the implants for delivery at selected locations within the eye, wherein the metering device is configured to meter a variable amount of energy for each implant delivery event in the eye. The system can further include an injector mechanism configured to serially engage and drive each of the implants.