Retinal Detachment Tamponade Oil with Extensional Viscosity Additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for retinal detachment, such as the use of silicone oil as a tamponade agent, face challenges including emulsification, which leads to inflammatory reactions, raised intraocular pressure, and reduced vision, and are complicated by the high shear viscosity of higher molecular weight oils that make injection and removal difficult through small incisions.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an oil with an additive that increases the extensional viscosity of the oil, preventing emulsification and maintaining a relatively low shear viscosity, allowing for effective use in treating retinal detachment with reduced risk of emulsification and easier surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher molecular weight silicone oil is used to prevent emulsification, then emulsion resistance is improved, but shear viscosity increases making injection and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the silicone oil into two separate components: a base oil providing low shear viscosity for easy injection and removal, and an additive providing high extensional viscosity for emulsion resistance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the viscosity parameter from relying on high molecular weight (which increases both shear and extensional viscosity) to using a specific additive mechanism that selectively increases only extensional viscosity. This parameter change decouples the trade-off between emulsion resistance and injectability.
2Reliability
If silicone oil is used as tamponade agent, then retinal detachment treatment is effective, but emulsification occurs leading to inflammatory reactions and raised intraocular pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful emulsification process into a beneficial property by using the same mechanism (high extensional viscosity) that prevents emulsion formation. The additive that would normally resist emulsification is used therapeutically to maintain oil integrity and prevent harmful inflammatory reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining silicone oil base with a specific additive component. This composite provides the benefits of silicone oil for retinal tamponade while the additive component prevents the harmful emulsification effects.
3Reliability
If conventional silicone oil is used, then tamponade function is provided, but multiple treatments and second operations are often required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates the emulsion-preventing additive into the silicone oil formulation before administration. This preliminary action ensures that the oil maintains its integrity throughout the treatment period, preventing the formation of emulsions that would require additional interventions or repeat surgeries.
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 composition effectively resists emulsification and facilitates easier injection and removal of the tamponade agent through small incisions, reducing surgical complications and maintaining vision by maintaining a low shear viscosity and high extensional viscosity, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an additive capable of increasing the extensional viscosity of the silicone oil
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a relatively low shear viscosity, allowing for effective use in treating retinal detachment with reduced risk of emulsification and easier surgical procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of a detached retina, comprising an oil and an additive capable of increasing the extensional viscosity of the oil. The present invention also relates to a method and kit of parts for producing the composition.