Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Composition for Temperature-Stable pH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viscoelastic compositions for ocular surgery have pH specifications that are temperature-dependent, requiring them to reach room temperature before use, which is not always feasible during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A viscoelastic composition comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or its salt, a phosphate buffer agent, and a viscoelastic agent with a molecular weight of 100 to 5,000,000, which maintains a consistent pH across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a viscoelastic composition is stored in a cool environment, then the composition maintains stability during storage, but the pH specification is not met and the composition cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the buffer system parameters by combining tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane with a phosphate buffer agent, creating a dual-buffer system that maintains pH within specification across a range of temperatures including cool storage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite buffer system by combining two different buffering agents (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and phosphate buffer agent) to achieve temperature-independent pH control, where each component contributes to the overall buffering capacity across different temperature ranges
2Manufacturing precision
If the viscoelastic composition is warmed to room temperature before use, then the pH specification is met, but the procedure time is increased and temperature control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer system is pre-formulated during manufacturing to inherently maintain pH specification at cool storage temperatures, eliminating the need for subsequent warming or temperature adjustment steps before surgical use
3Productivity
If phacoemulsification is performed to remove the cataractous lens, then the lens is successfully removed, but free radicals and oxidants are produced that damage tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates antioxidants into the viscoelastic composition to counteract the harmful free radicals and oxidants generated during phacoemulsification, converting the harmful byproducts of the surgical procedure into manageable conditions that protect ocular tissues
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a viscoelastic composition is injected to protect tissue from trauma, then physical protection is provided, but the composition must meet pH specifications that are temperature-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the buffer system by incorporating both tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and a phosphate buffer agent, creating a system where the pH remains within specification across varying temperatures, thus enabling tissue protection without pH-related constraints
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 composition ensures pH stability at both storage and room temperature, reducing the need for temperature adjustment before use and protecting ocular tissues from trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphate buffer agent; and (c) a viscoelastic agent having an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 5,000,000
Data Source
AI summary
A viscoelastic composition is disclosed which comprises (a) tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or a salt thereof; (b) a phosphate buffer agent; and (c) a viscoelastic agent having an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 5,000,000.