Retinal Delivery Device with Flexible Tip for Subretinal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal treatment methods require two surgeons to accurately position and inject therapeutic agents into the subretinal space, and face challenges with fluid reflux and inconsistent volume delivery due to reliance on surgical observation and experience.
Innovation Solution
A retinal treatment device with a flexible tip and inner needle system, coupled with a control system that allows a single surgeon to precisely position and inject therapeutic agents into the subretinal space, preventing reflux through a sealing mechanism and ensuring controlled volume delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two surgeons are used to control puncturing and injection, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-positioning through the flexible tip that conforms to the retinal surface, eliminating the need for a second surgeon to maintain needle position. The system serves itself by using the retinal surface geometry to guide proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tip acts as a compliant interface that adapts to the curved retinal surface, providing stable positioning without requiring manual adjustment by multiple surgeons. This flexibility enables accurate positioning through passive adaptation rather than active control.
2Ease of operation
If manual injection control is used based on surgeon experience, then operational flexibility is maintained, but injection precision and volume consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the flexible tip's interaction with the retinal surface, providing tactile and visual cues to the surgeon about needle position and depth. This feedback loop enables precise control while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tip is pre-configured to conform to the retinal surface geometry before injection begins. This preliminary adaptation establishes the correct positioning and orientation, ensuring subsequent injection precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If a simple puncture approach is used, then ease of access to subretinal space is improved, but fluid reflux and volume control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tip creates a sealed interface with the retinal surface that prevents fluid reflux while maintaining easy access to the subretinal space. The flexibility allows the tip to conform and seal around the injection site without requiring complex closure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tip acts as an intermediary element between the injection system and the subretinal space, providing both access and reflux prevention functions. This intermediate structure mediates between the need for easy access and the need for reliable fluid containment.
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 a single surgeon to perform the operation with improved precision and control, reducing the risk of reflux and ensuring effective delivery of therapeutic agents into the subretinal space.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tip affixed to the distal end of the outer tube, the flexible tip configured to flexibly conform to a retinal surface when abutted against the retinal surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A retinal treatment system for delivering therapeutic agents to a target location with a retina is disclosed herein. The retinal treatment system includes a console having a control system and a handheld device coupled to the control system. The handheld device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and being axially moveable within the outer tube. The inner tube has a perforating tip that is configured to perforate an inner limiting membrane of the retina. The handheld device further includes a chamber coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube that is configured to receive a fluid containing therapeutic agents injectable from the perforating tip. The control system of the retinal treatment system permits a user to maintain a position of the handheld device relative to the retina and activate an injection of a portion of the fluid through the inner tube into the retina.