Pivotable Cornea Implant with Shape Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corneal implants, such as ring segments and full rings, face challenges including weakening of the cornea, risk of breakage under compression, and complications from radial incisions and sutures. Additionally, current implants do not allow for sufficient reduction in lateral dimensions without compromising stability or breaking.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped implant with shape memory that can be compressed in the implant plane from a starting state into an intermediate state, where the lateral dimensions are reduced. This is achieved by pivoting the alignment of the implant cross-section by an angle in relation to the starting state, allowing for implantation through a narrow wound opening without breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the implant material is made rigid to stabilize the desired corneal geometry, then the corneal stability is improved, but the implant may break under excessive compression during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant cross-section is designed to be pivotable, allowing the implant to dynamically adjust its configuration from a compressed state during implantation to a stable expanded state after implantation. This dynamic adaptability enables the rigid implant to withstand compression without breaking while maintaining corneal geometry stability
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes shape memory material that can change its physical parameters (shape, dimensions) in response to external stimuli such as temperature or mechanical stress. This allows the implant to transition between compressed and expanded states, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and compressibility
2Ease of operation
If the implant is compressed to reduce lateral dimensions for narrow wound opening implantation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the implant may break due to excessive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable cross-section design allows the implant to dynamically reconfigure during compression, distributing mechanical stress away from critical points. This enables the implant to be compressed to a smaller profile for easy implantation through narrow openings without risking breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The implant cross-section can pivot out of the original plane, adding a dimensional degree of freedom. This allows the implant to reduce its lateral dimensions in the implantation direction while maintaining structural integrity through the pivotable mechanism
3Reliability
If the implant is made fully rigid to correct refractive power, then the refractive correction effectiveness is improved, but the implant cannot be compressed sufficiently for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with a pivotable cross-section that allows temporary flexibility during implantation, then transitions to a stable rigid structure after implantation. This dynamic behavior enables both compressibility for implantation and rigidity for reliable refractive power correction
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material allows the implant to change its physical parameters between a compressed implantation state and an expanded functional state, enabling the implant to be both compressible for implantation and rigid for maintaining refractive correction
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 implant achieves a significant reduction in lateral dimensions, enabling safe and permanent application in the cornea for refractive power correction, while minimizing the risk of breakage and postoperative complications.
Implementation Method 1
the implant is embodied so that the ring component which is located at 90° to the compression force is deflected out of the ring plane upon compression, whereby a further degree of freedom can be obtained against the risk of breaking
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ring-shaped implant having shape memory for implantation in the cornea of the eye, wherein the implant spans an implant plane in a starting state, and wherein the implant is transferable by application of a compression force (F) in the implant plane (8) from a starting state into an intermediate state, in which the lateral dimensions of the implant, measured in the force direction, are smaller than in the starting state, wherein it is provided according to the invention that the alignment of an implant cross-section (1) in the intermediate state is pivoted at least in one pivotable longitudinal section of the implant by an angle (α) in relation to the starting state.