Scleral Drainage Device for Glaucoma via Corneal Incision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glaucoma treatments often lead to increased intraocular pressure due to scarring from implantation in the sclera, as they violate the conjunctiva and corneal endothelium, causing vascular tissue ingrowth that blocks fluid drainage and results in vision loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for inserting a drainage device into the sclera without incising the conjunctiva or tenon's tissue, using a delivery device to place a tubular structure with a barb-like feature across the cornea and into the trabecular meshwork, allowing aqueous humor drainage without stimulating healing and avoiding endothelial contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a drainage device is implanted in the sclera through the conjunctiva, then aqueous humor drainage is improved, but vascular tissue ingrowth occurs blocking fluid drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device is extracted from the traditional subconjunctival implantation location and repositioned to implant directly in the sclera. This extraction of the device from the vascularized conjunctival environment eliminates the pathway for vascular tissue ingrowth while maintaining aqueous humor drainage functionality through the scleral tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The sclera serves as an intermediary tissue between the aqueous humor and the external environment. By implanting the drainage device in the sclera rather than through the conjunctiva, the sclera mediates the drainage process while its dense fibrous structure prevents vascular tissue ingrowth, solving the contradiction between drainage efficiency and long-term reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the corneal endothelium is violated during implantation, then device insertion is achieved, but endothelial cell death occurs causing corneal clouding and vision loss
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device is designed with localized functionality - the drainage aperture is positioned to face the trabecular meshwork while the device body is contained within the sclera. This local quality positioning allows effective drainage insertion without extending into the corneal endothelium, thereby avoiding endothelial cell damage while maintaining insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantation process is segmented into distinct zones: the drainage aperture interfaces with the trabecular meshwork for fluid collection, the device body resides in the sclera for structural support, and the exit site is positioned away from the corneal endothelium. This segmentation allows effective insertion while isolating the corneal endothelium from harmful contact.
3Productivity
If a large drainage aperture is created in the sclera, then aqueous humor drainage is enhanced, but scarring increases blocking future drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device is implanted beforehand to create a controlled drainage pathway through the sclera. The device acts as a cushioning structure that maintains the drainage aperture open while minimizing traumatic scarring. By providing a pre-formed conduit, the device prevents the sclera from closing the aperture through scar tissue formation, thus enhancing both immediate drainage rate and long-term patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage device incorporates porous characteristics that allow aqueous humor to pass through while preventing tissue ingrowth. The porous structure provides sufficient opening for enhanced drainage rate while the pore architecture prevents scar tissue from blocking the aperture, thereby maintaining long-term drainage patency alongside high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of relieving intraocular pressure by inserting a drainage device into the sclera near the trabecular meshwork from a remote location. The path of insertion is made from a corneal incision and avoids contact with the conjunctiva and tenons tissue. The drainage device comprises a tube like structure and may contain a barb at one end to secure the drainage device. A delivery device may be used to insert the drainage device. The delivery device may be inserted through a corneal incision and directed to the desired area for insertion in to the sclera. The delivery device may then be activated to shoot the drainage device into the sclera to promote increased drainage of aqueous humor and reduce the build up of intraocular pressure.