Ocular Suction Device with Dual-Vacuum Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting interstitial fluid from mucosal surfaces, such as the ocular mucosa, face challenges in efficiently forming a suction bubble without causing overpressure or displacement of the mucosa, particularly in sensitive areas like the eye, and often require complex vacuum systems or risk contamination during sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a dual-vacuum system, comprising an airtight enclosure with a partially recessed proximal surface and adjustable window, creates a localized suction bubble by securing to the mucosa with a flexible seal and using a dual-vacuum mechanism to control pressure, allowing for rapid and controlled collection of interstitial fluid without overpressure, and featuring a one-way valve for contamination-free sample transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a vacuum pump applies suction to collect interstitial fluid, then fluid collection is enabled, but mucosal displacement and overpressure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies suction locally through a small aperture rather than over the entire mucosal surface. The bell-shaped structure concentrates the vacuum effect at the aperture where fluid collection is needed, while the flexible seal distributes pressure locally at the seal interface, preventing widespread mucosal displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal (latex or silicone rubber) conformably attaches to the curved ocular surface, distributing suction pressure evenly along the seal interface. This flexibility prevents localized overpressure points that would cause mucosal displacement, while still maintaining effective suction at the collection aperture
2Adaptability or versatility
If a suction ring is used in eye surgery, then the device can access the contour of the eye, but it cannot access the central surface area covered from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the ocular surface from the outside (anterior approach), the device accesses it from the inside (posterior approach) through the conjunctival sac. This inversion allows the bell-shaped structure to reach the central corneal surface area that is inaccessible to external suction rings, enabling fluid collection from previously unreachable regions
3Quantity of substance
If conventional suction tools are used, then fluid collection is achieved, but complex vacuum systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the vacuum generation function directly into the collection apparatus itself. The bell-shaped structure with integrated aperture and flexible seal combines sealing, suction application, and fluid collection in a single unit, eliminating the need for separate complex vacuum systems while maintaining effective interstitial fluid collection
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 enables rapid, controlled, and contamination-free collection of interstitial fluid samples for analysis, facilitating novel biochemical examinations and localized tissue sampling with reduced risk of mucosal overpressure and displacement, suitable for sensitive areas like the eye.
Implementation Method 1
a first vacuum can be created inside which a first vacuum can be created
Implementation Method 2
creating a suction/aspiration area on the surface of an animal's mucosa
Implementation Method 3
a flexible seal serving as a seal between the enclosure and the anterior surface of the mucosa, e.g. of the conjunctiva, in order to adapt in particular to the average curvature of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for collecting a sample of interstitial fluid from the eye of an animal, for analysis. The device includes an airtight enclosure whose proximal surface in direct contact with the mucosa has an opening defining a collection area, and whose distal surface comprises at least one port connected to a first suction system, and a collection system consisting of a tube joined to the top of the distal surface of the sealed enclosure, inside which a reservoir slides that is passed through by a perforation system oriented toward the mucosa, opposite the opening. The walls of the sealed enclosure are hollow, and optionally connected to a second suction system.