Retinal Detachment Treatment Cannula with Depressor Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating retinal detachment, such as external sclerotomy and drainage retinotomy, are complicated by hemorrhage, retinal incarceration, and iatrogenic retinal breaks, and lack direct visualization during subretinal fluid drainage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a depressor with a cannula advancement mechanism and a cannula connected to an aspiration device, allowing for precise placement and controlled suction drainage of subretinal fluid under direct visualization without creating an iatrogenic retinal break.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external sclerotomy is used for subretinal fluid drainage, then drainage can be performed, but extensive dissection is required and direct visualization of the retina is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
A cannula is introduced through a scleral incision as an intermediary tool to access the subretinal space without requiring extensive dissection. The cannula serves as a mediator that allows fluid drainage while minimizing tissue disruption and maintaining surgical simplicity
2Ease of operation
If external sclerotomy is used for subretinal fluid drainage, then drainage can be performed, but hemorrhage and retinal incarceration complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula acts as a protective intermediary between the surgical instrument and the retinal tissue, allowing drainage while preventing direct contact that could cause hemorrhage or retinal incarceration. The cannula's design provides a safe interface for fluid removal without compromising retinal integrity
3Ease of operation
If drainage retinotomy is used for subretinal fluid drainage, then internal drainage can be performed, but iatrogenic retinal breaks and hemorrhage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula serves as an intermediary access tool that reaches the subretinal space through the vitreous without creating retinal breaks. This eliminates the need for drainage retinotomy and prevents iatrogenic retinal damage while maintaining effective fluid drainage capability
4Productivity
If current drainage techniques are used, then subretinal fluid can be drained, but direct visualization of the retina during drainage is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula serves as a visual landmark and intermediary reference point that allows the surgeon to maintain spatial orientation and visualize retinal structures during the drainage procedure, enabling direct visualization while performing the drainage operation
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
Facilitates safe and precise drainage of subretinal fluid, reducing complications like retinal incarceration and iatrogenic breaks, and avoids extensive dissection or creation of unnecessary retinal breaks.
Implementation Method 1
controlled suction drainage of subretinal fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method for treating retinal detachment is presented. The device is generally comprised of a depressor, a cannula and a needle. In use, the depressor is used to create an indentation on the surface of the eye that can be viewed internally to determine the site for drainage. A cannula advancement mechanism is engaged and the cannula containing the needle is inserted into the determined drainage site. The needle is removed and an aspiration device is connected to the cannula to drain the subretinal fluid to treat retinal detachment.