Scleral Fixation Cornea Recovery for Shape-Preserving Excision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cornea recovery techniques involve manual excision by eye bank technicians, which often result in excessive distortion of the cornea's natural shape, damaging the endothelial cell layer and rendering a significant portion of recovered corneas unsuitable for transplant.
Innovation Solution
A scleral fixation recovery device with fixed and sliding components, including needles and a vacuum-assisted corneal support, automates the corneal excision process, statically fixating the scleral wall to prevent distortion and enable precise dissection under magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual excision is performed by eye bank technicians, then the procedure can be completed, but excessive distortion of the cornea's natural shape occurs, damaging the endothelial cell layer
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary fixation of the scleral wall before the actual corneal excision. The scleral fixation mechanism is activated in advance to stabilize the cornea, preventing distortion during the subsequent cutting and removal operations. This preliminary stabilization action ensures the cornea maintains its natural shape throughout the recovery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary fixation mechanism between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the corneal tissue. The scleral fixation device acts as a mediator that decouples the mechanical stress from the cornea, allowing controlled excision while the fixation mechanism absorbs and distributes forces to prevent direct distortion of the corneal endothelium.
2Ease of operation
If the eyeball is punctured through the sclera to remove the cornea, then the cornea can be excised, but the cornea loses its shape and rigidity, making manipulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The scleral fixation is established as a preliminary action before the puncture and excision sequence. By pre-stabilizing the scleral wall and corneal structure, the device maintains shape and rigidity throughout the entire excision process, preventing the loss of structural integrity that would otherwise occur during manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism applies localized stabilization specifically to the scleral wall and corneal base, while leaving the cornea itself accessible for excision. This local quality approach provides support exactly where needed during the procedure without interfering with the ability to remove the cornea.
3Loss of time
If in-situ tissue dissection is performed without magnification, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but the precision and accuracy of the dissection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary microscope system between the surgeon and the corneal tissue during excision. This intermediary magnification device allows the surgeon to observe and perform dissection with high precision while maintaining the ability to complete the procedure efficiently. The microscope acts as a mediator that enhances visual capability without significantly extending the overall procedure time.
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 enhances the success rate of corneal excision, reducing tissue damage and increasing the number of suitable corneas for transplant, thereby generating substantial economic benefits for eye banks.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum-assisted corneal support
Implementation Method 2
vacuum-assisted corneal support mechanism configured to apply suction to a cornea surface
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to cadaver cornea removal. The device for cornea recovery comprising a barrel, at least one curved needle extending from a distal end of the barrel, a collar, at least one straight needle extending from a distal end of the collar, a guard comprising openings for insertion of the at least one curved needles and the at least one straight needle, wherein the collar is configured for slidable communication with the barrel and wherein the barrel is configured for rotational communication with the guard.