Pneumatic Needle Separation of Corneal Tissue Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corneal transplant procedures, such as penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, face challenges in efficiently and precisely separating corneal tissue layers, particularly the stroma from Descemet's membrane, which can affect the invasiveness and success of the transplant.
Innovation Solution
A separation device with needles that deliver controlled air pressure through a network of channels to separate the stroma from Descemet's membrane, utilizing multiple air supplies and vacuum stabilization for precise tissue separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional mechanical separation methods are used to separate corneal tissue layers, then the separation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes more invasive and carries higher risk of damage to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure delivered through needles to separate corneal tissue layers. Air is pumped through needles positioned between the stroma and Descemet's membrane, using pneumatic pressure to create a separation plane without mechanical contact or cutting instruments, thereby reducing invasiveness while achieving effective tissue separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance to facilitate tissue separation. The air acts as a mediator that pushes the stroma away from Descemet's membrane, enabling separation without direct mechanical interaction between surgical instruments and the delicate corneal layers, thus minimizing tissue damage risk
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple needles are used to deliver air pressure for tissue separation, then the separation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is segmented into multiple needles, each capable of delivering air pressure to specific locations within the cornea. This segmentation allows precise control over the separation process at different zones, enabling targeted and controlled tissue separation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular needle design
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 less invasive corneal transplant procedures by efficiently separating corneal tissue layers, reducing the risk of immune rejection and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more air supply channels are configured to direct the air from the one or more air supplies into the proximal openings, through the passageways, and out the distal openings of the needles and into the tissue of the eye. The air applies a pressure to separate the tissue of the eye.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating tissue in an eye includes a body configured to be positioned on the eye surface. The body receives air from one or more air supplies. The body includes one or more air supply channels. The separation device includes a plurality of needles extending from the body. Each needle includes a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The proximal openings of the needles are coupled to the one or more air supply channels. The distal openings of the needles are spaced from the body to be positioned in eye tissue. The one or more air supply channels direct the air from the one or more air supplies into the proximal openings, through the passageways, and out the distal openings of the needles and into the eye tissue. The air applies a pressure to separate the eye tissue.