Porous Schlemm’s Canal Implants for Unobstructed Fluid Flow
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, such as trabeculectomy and bypass stents, are invasive, risky, and prone to failure due to scarring or occlusion, while existing hollow tubular stents interfere with the natural drainage pathways of Schlemm's canal, leading to ineffective intraocular pressure reduction.
Innovation Solution
Development of minimally invasive supports that can be implanted circumferentially within Schlemm's canal to maintain patency without interfering with fluid flow, using biocompatible materials like polymers, metals, and shape-memory alloys, which minimize surface contact and are designed to restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hollow tubular stents are used to maintain Schlemm's canal patency, then the canal remains open, but fluid flow across and within the canal is substantially interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The support is constructed with a porous structure that allows aqueous humor to flow through it freely. This porous configuration enables the support to maintain canal patency while simultaneously permitting transmural and transluminal fluid flow, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural stability and fluid flow interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The support features varying porosity and surface characteristics at different locations to optimize both structural support and fluid flow. The local quality variation ensures that certain regions provide structural patency while other regions facilitate fluid drainage, addressing both requirements simultaneously.
2Stress or pressure
If trabeculectomy or bypass stents are used to reduce intraocular pressure, then pressure reduction is achieved, but the procedures are invasive, risky, and prone to failure due to scarring or occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be self-maintaining through its porous architecture that naturally facilitates fluid flow and prevents stagnation. This self-service mechanism reduces the risk of occlusion and scarring by continuously clearing debris and maintaining healthy fluid dynamics, thereby improving long-term reliability without requiring additional invasive interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous support acts as an intermediary structure between the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, providing a bridge that maintains natural drainage pathways. This intermediary approach avoids the need for creating new drainage sites (as in trabeculectomy) while still achieving effective pressure reduction with minimal scarring risk.
3Stress or pressure
If existing treatments are used to reduce intraocular pressure, then pressure reduction is achieved, but the treatments are invasive and carry significant risks
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed to be pre-formed with the optimal porous structure and geometry before implantation. This preliminary preparation allows for a minimally invasive insertion procedure that maintains Schlemm's canal patency without requiring extensive surgical intervention, thereby reducing invasiveness and associated risks while achieving effective pressure reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.