Nozzle Unit for Non-Invasive Eye Tissue Cross-Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cross-linking eye tissue, such as in treating keratoconus, require invasive procedures like forming channels or removing the epithelium, leading to pain, complications, and dosage inaccuracies with manual application of photosensitizers.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle unit that includes a dosing device for a predefined photosensitizer dose and a pressure-generating device, allowing precise injection of a photosensitizer as a directed stream or stream bundle into the eye tissue without prior channel formation or epithelial removal, enabling accurate and controlled distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If channels are cut in the eye tissue to enable photosensitizer application, then the photosensitizer can be introduced into the eye tissue, but the surgical intervention weakens the eye tissue and requires spacing between channels that limits surface coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotosensitizer distribution coverageVSAvoideye tissue strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system (laser channels) with a pneumatic delivery system. The nozzle unit delivers photosensitizer as a fluid stream or spray without mechanical contact, eliminating tissue cutting while achieving uniform surface coverage. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining tissue integrity while improving distribution coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic principles to deliver the photosensitizer through a controlled fluid stream from the nozzle. The pressurized gas flow carries the photosensitizer solution directly onto the corneal surface, enabling precise deposition without mechanical intervention. This approach allows complete surface coverage without compromising tissue strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If the epithelium is removed by alcohol-containing agent or flap cut to enable photosensitizer penetration, then the photosensitizer can freely penetrate the cornea, but the procedure is painful and healing complications occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotosensitizer penetrationVSAvoidpatient pain and healing complications

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies photosensitizer to the intact corneal surface without preliminary epithelial removal. The nozzle unit delivers the photosensitizer in a controlled manner that enables penetration through the intact epithelium, eliminating the need for painful preparatory procedures. This preliminary action approach maintains epithelial integrity while achieving effective photosensitizer delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical epithelial removal system with a non-contact fluid delivery system. The photosensitizer is administered as a pressurized stream that can penetrate intact tissue, substituting the harmful mechanical flap cut or chemical alcohol treatment with a less invasive pneumatic delivery method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If photosensitizer is applied manually in drops, then the application is simple, but dosage fluctuations occur that cannot be reproduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidphotosensitizer dosage consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle unit incorporates feedback control mechanisms to regulate photosensitizer delivery. The system monitors and adjusts the fluid stream parameters to maintain consistent dosage, ensuring reproducible treatment results. This feedback control maintains ease of operation while eliminating dosage variability associated with manual application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a dynamic, adjustable nozzle system that can control the photosensitizer stream characteristics in real-time. The pressurized delivery system allows precise control over droplet size, distribution pattern, and deposition rate, maintaining simplicity of operation while achieving consistent, reproducible dosing across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for precise and non-invasive application of photosensitizers, reducing patient discomfort and complications, while ensuring consistent dosing and targeted treatment, potentially shortening treatment time and improving treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-generating device (20) for generating a pressure in the dosing device (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3221002B1Nozzle unit for cross-linking of eye tissue

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 ALCON INC

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AI summary

A nozzle unit for cross-linking of eye tissue is disclosed. The nozzle unit comprises a dosing device for providing a predefined dose of a photosensitizer, a pressure- generating device for generating a pressure in the dosing device, and an outlet nozzle for discharging the dose of the photosensitizer, in a puff-type manner and in the form of at least one stream or stream bundle, through an outlet opening of the outlet nozzle.