Punctum Plug for Ocular Drug Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering therapeutic agents to the eye are inefficient, leading to reduced drug availability due to drainage through the nasolacrimal duct, causing systemic side effects and requiring patient self-administration, which is problematic for geriatric patients and prone to irritation and loss.
Innovation Solution
A device is inserted into the eye's punctum to occlude tear drainage, allowing controlled release of treatment mediums directly to the eye, increasing retention time and reducing systemic side effects, with a design adaptable for various drugs and easy medical personnel insertion/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If topical eye drops are administered to deliver therapeutic agents to the eye, then the treatment can be applied to the superficial surface of the eye, but the medication drains through the nasolacrimal duct into systemic circulation reducing drug availability and increasing systemic side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The punctum plug serves as an intermediary device that blocks the nasolacrimal duct, preventing the harmful drainage of medication into systemic circulation while allowing the therapeutic agent to remain at the treatment site (eye surface). This mediator resolves the contradiction by stopping the unwanted flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts or removes the drainage function from the eye's natural tear drainage system by occluding the punctum. This separation allows the therapeutic medium to be retained on the eye surface without being carried away through the nasolacrimal duct, thereby increasing local drug availability and reducing systemic absorption.
2Ease of operation
If conventional topical inserts are used for direct delivery of drugs to the eye, then self-administration is possible, but the technique demands manual dexterity that is problematic for geriatric patients and the inserts are prone to inadvertent loss
Solution Approach 1:
The punctum plug is designed to be self-retaining through its anchoring structure that engages with the punctum anatomy. Once inserted, it automatically secures itself without requiring continuous patient attention or manual adjustment, making it suitable for geriatric patients while ensuring reliable retention.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional topical inserts are used for drug delivery to the eye, then direct delivery is achieved, but the inserts are prone to eye irritation and inadvertent loss
Solution Approach 1:
The punctum plug acts as an intermediary delivery system that releases medication through controlled elution from the plug material itself, rather than requiring direct contact inserts on the eye surface. This eliminates the irritation problem while maintaining effective drug delivery through the tear film.
4Quantity of substance
If the punctum is occluded with a plug to prevent tear drainage, then tears are retained in the eye increasing moisture, but the plug must be securely retained during normal eye activity
Solution Approach 1:
The punctum plug features an asymmetric design with a larger anchoring portion that fits into the punctum and a smaller distal portion that occludes the lumen. This asymmetric geometry provides secure retention during eye activity while effectively blocking tear drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug incorporates a rounded or curved anchoring surface that conforms to the anatomical shape of the punctum, enhancing retention through geometric interlocking while preventing dislodgement during normal eye movements and blinking.
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 device ensures prolonged retention and effective delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the eye, reducing systemic side effects and simplifying administration, suitable for a range of eye disorders and surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The inserted plug occludes the at least one punctum thereby preventing the flow of any tears or fluid through the occluded punctum
Implementation Method 2
the treatment medium is eluted from one portion of the delivery device, thereby controllably delivering a desired amount of the treatment medium to the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering a treatment medium to an eye includes a first body portion configured to be removably inserted and secured in an opening of the eye, and a second body portion supported by the first body portion. At least the second body portion includes a treatment medium, and a coating having an opening through which the treatment medium elutes out of the device.