Multi-Implant Ocular Delivery Assembly for Single-Entry Placement
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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 two to four implants without reconfiguration, and an actuator trigger that can be depressed an infinite number of times to deliver each implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional forceps are used to implant one implant at a time, then precise manual control is achieved, but surgical time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus segments the implant delivery process into distinct functional zones: the introducer assembly for initial insertion, the retention structure for holding multiple implants, and the actuation mechanism for controlled release. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation of multiple implants while maintaining precise control over their sequential deployment, eliminating the need for repeated forceps manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple implants are pre-loaded into the retention structure of the delivery apparatus before the surgical procedure begins. The implants are positioned and secured in advance within the introducer assembly, allowing the surgeon to simply actuate the release mechanism during surgery rather than manually loading and positioning each implant individually with forceps.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple implants are delivered using traditional methods, then each implant can be precisely positioned, but the number of surgical incisions and trauma to the eye increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus combines multiple implant delivery functions into a single integrated device that can be inserted through one incision. The introducer assembly houses a retention structure capable of holding multiple implants, allowing them to be delivered sequentially through the same surgical access point, thereby minimizing the number of incisions and reducing cumulative surgical trauma to the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the surgical access conduit, the implant storage container, the positioning mechanism, and the delivery channel. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate instruments and incisions for each implant, reducing surgical trauma while maintaining precise placement capability through the single unified apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery apparatus is removed between implantations, then the implantation site can be reassessed, but procedural efficiency and continuity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus is designed to remain in place during the entire multi-implant procedure. The introducer assembly stays positioned at the implantation site, and implants are delivered sequentially through the same continuous access channel. This continuous action eliminates the need to remove and reposition the apparatus between implants, maintaining procedural efficiency and continuity while allowing visual assessment of each implant's placement through the transparent or translucent walls of the retention structure.
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.