Retractable Cannula Sleeve for Schlemm's Canal Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glaucoma is caused by the obstruction of natural drainage mechanisms in the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure, which existing treatments struggle to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic device with a cannula and retractable sleeve mechanism that facilitates the penetration of the trabecular meshwork to deliver viscoelastic fluid or other substances into Schlemm's canal, using a collar to guide and suction the tissue for effective drainage facilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural drainage mechanisms are blocked, then intraocular pressure increases, but existing treatments struggle to effectively address glaucoma
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the trabecular meshwork into multiple regions using radially extending spines, creating separate channels for fluid drainage. This segmentation allows targeted manipulation of specific meshwork regions to restore drainage pathways while preserving healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a radial dimension to meshwork manipulation through spines that extend from the cannula surface in multiple directions. This radial configuration enables three-dimensional engagement with the trabecular meshwork, allowing the device to access and treat multiple drainage pathways simultaneously from a single insertion point.
2Productivity
If the trabecular meshwork is penetrated to deliver fluid into Schlemm's canal, then drainage is facilitated, but the procedure requires precise positioning and tissue manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses viscoelastic substance as an intermediary material to facilitate tissue manipulation. This substance can be injected through the cannula to expand and separate trabecular meshwork fibers, making them more accessible for drainage while providing a protective barrier during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in fluid viscosity and pressure parameters to achieve different tissue interaction modes. By adjusting the viscosity of the viscoelastic substance and the pressure of the injectate, the device can transition between gentle tissue separation and more forceful meshwork penetration as needed.
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 effectively expands and opens the Schlemm's canal for improved fluid drainage, reducing intraocular pressure and providing a means for substance delivery to treat glaucoma.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a viscoelastic substance into a Schlemm's canal
Implementation Method 2
using a collar to guide and suction the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic device including a cannula having a cannula distal end, a lumen, and one or more orifices coupled to the lumen is provided. The cannula is configured to deliver a fluid. A sleeve is disposed around the cannula and has a sleeve distal end. A handle is coupled to the sleeve and the cannula, the handle having an actuator. An internal mechanism is coupled to the actuator and configured to retract the sleeve relative to the cannula. The internal mechanism includes a follower fixedly coupled to the sleeve and moveable between distal and proximal positions, and a release member movable between an activated position and a release position. The release member is coupled to the actuator and configured to release a force that urges the follower from the distal position to the proximal position when the release member moves from the activated position to the release position.