Ophthalmic Injector Heating Chamber Solid-Liquid Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravitreal drug delivery devices face limitations such as large incisions, non-self-sealing procedures, and unsuitability for ophthalmic applications, particularly in delivering drugs to the posterior segment of the eye effectively without causing retinal detachment or toxic side effects.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic injector with a heating chamber, a solid-state dosage form, a needle, and a heater assembly that converts the dosage form from solid to liquid for precise delivery through a self-sealing needle, allowing for controlled injection into the vitreous at various points, minimizing retinal tissue disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large pars plana incision (1-5 mm) is used for implantation, then the implant can be delivered, but the risk of retinal detachment and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the drug dosage form from solid to liquid through controlled heating, enabling delivery through a small self-sealing needle instead of requiring a large incision for solid implant placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the dosage form material from solid to liquid state via heating, allowing the drug to be injected in liquid form through a small needle and then solidify at the injection site to maintain reliability without large incisions
2Ease of operation
If a 22 gauge needle is used for biodegradable pellet injection, then the injection can be performed, but the procedure is not self-sealing requiring additional surgical steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a small gauge needle (25-30 gauge) that creates a self-sealing puncture in the ocular tissue, eliminating the need for complex surgical closure steps while maintaining ease of injection through liquid dosage form
3Reliability
If drugs are delivered to the posterior segment of the eye, then the target condition can be treated, but the risk of toxic side effects and retinal tissue disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent delivers the liquid dosage form directly to the specific target site in the posterior segment of the eye through a fine needle, enabling localized treatment that concentrates the drug where needed while minimizing exposure and toxic effects on surrounding retinal tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The heating process controls the liquidation of the dosage form to occur only at the injection site, allowing precise spatial control of drug release and minimizing systemic or widespread toxic effects
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
Enables safe, effective, and localized delivery of drugs to the posterior segment of the eye with controlled or sustained release, reducing the risk of retinal detachment and toxic side effects by using a self-sealing needle and a low melting point dosage form that solidifies at the target site.
Implementation Method 1
The heater assembly is for heating the heating chamber to cause the dosage form to change from a solid state to a liquid state
Implementation Method 2
heating the heating chamber to cause the dosage form to change from a solid state to a liquid state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An ophthalmic injector having a nose cone with a heating chamber, a heater assembly, and a needle that provide improved drug delivery.