Retractable Loop Instrument for Atraumatic RPE Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in ophthalmological surgery, such as abrasive instruments and hydraulic debridement, cause damage to the retina and adjacent tissues, and existing solutions like EDTA-assisted removal have toxicity issues or lead to complications like proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Innovation Solution

A purely mechanical instrument with a handle and a probe containing a retractable loop, made of thin metal or plastic wire, which can be extended and retracted for atraumatic RPE removal, featuring a simple actuating mechanism and a clamping mechanism for secure handling, and designed to minimize tissue damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If abrasive instruments (diamond dust-coated silicone spatulas) are used for RPE removal, then RPE can be removed, but damage occurs to the retina and macular bone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPE removal effectivenessVSAvoidretina and macular bone damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silicone oil intermediary substance that facilitates RPE removal without direct mechanical contact between abrasive instruments and delicate retinal tissues. The silicone oil acts as a mediator that allows controlled separation and removal of RPE while protecting the underlying retina and macular bone from direct trauma and abrasive damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical abrasion with a chemical-biological mechanism using silicone oil to facilitate RPE removal. Instead of relying on mechanical friction and abrasion that cause tissue damage, the silicone oil creates a controlled environment that allows RPE to be removed through controlled separation, substituting harmful mechanical forces with a gentler process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hydraulic RPE debridement is used, then RPE can be removed, but RPE dispersion in the vitreous cavity occurs leading to proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPE removal effectivenessVSAvoidRPE dispersion and proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone oil serves as an intermediary medium that contains and controls RPE debris during removal. Instead of hydraulic fluid that disperses RPE throughout the vitreous cavity, the silicone oil maintains RPE fragments in a controlled state, preventing their uncontrolled dispersion and subsequent pathological proliferation in the vitreous cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the properties of silicone oil as a flexible, viscous medium that can contain and control the movement of RPE debris. The oil's physical properties create a controlled environment that prevents RPE fragments from dispersing freely, effectively containing them and preventing the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If EDTA-assisted RPE removal is used, then RPE cell-cell adhesion is loosened, but RPE-BM adhesion is not affected and photoreceptor toxicity occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPE loosening effectVSAvoidphotoreceptor toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical methods (EDTA) with a physical-mechanical approach using silicone oil. Instead of relying on chemical agents that cause photoreceptor toxicity, the silicone oil facilitates RPE removal through controlled mechanical separation and oil-based detachment, eliminating toxic chemical exposure while achieving effective RPE loosening and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If selective laser RPE destruction is used, then RPE can be destroyed, but irreversible thermal damage occurs in adjacent areas and high equipment cost is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPE destruction effectivenessVSAvoidthermal damage to adjacent areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal laser destruction with a mechanical-chemical process using silicone oil. Instead of using high-energy laser that causes irreversible thermal damage to adjacent tissues, the silicone oil enables controlled mechanical and chemical separation of RPE, achieving effective RPE removal without thermal injury to surrounding healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2825108B1Instrument for stimulating or irritating and/or abrasively treating and/or polishing a membrane or surface or inner surface in the human or animal eye

Publication Date: 2019.11.06 GEUDER AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an instrument for stimulating or irritating and/or abrasively treating and/or polishing a membrane or surface or inner surface in the human or animal eye, comprising a handle (1), which comprises an actuating element (2), and a probe (3), which adjoins the handle (1) and which is open at the free distal end, for introducing into the eye. The invention is characterized in that the probe (3) comprises a loop (4) in the interior, and the loop can be at least slightly pushed out of the probe (3) and pushed or pulled back into the probe (3) by means of the actuating element (2).