Self-Expanding Eye Stents for Schlemm's Canal Patency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for glaucoma, including pharmacologic approaches and conventional surgical therapies, are inadequate in effectively lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) due to poor compliance and ineffective outflow mechanisms, leading to disease progression and side effects.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a single elongated element with a bent configuration, such as a nickel-titanium alloy wire, is implanted in the Schlemm's canal to maintain patency and enhance fluid drainage by radial expansion, minimizing blockage and supporting the uveolymphatic region with sufficient strength and void space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical devices are placed in the trabecular meshwork or trans/sub-conjunctival locations, then surgical drainage is achieved, but ineffective outflow and poor compliance with eye-drops make it difficult to address disease progression
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drainage function from complex surgical procedures and eye-drop regimens by implanting a self-contained stent device directly in Schlemm's canal that provides passive, continuous outflow enhancement without requiring patient compliance with medication or complex surgical reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The stent device is self-expanding and self-sustaining, providing continuous outflow enhancement through its elastic memory properties without requiring external power, control systems, or patient intervention, thereby eliminating compliance issues entirely
2Stress or pressure
If pharmacologic approaches are used to lower IOP, then temporary pressure reduction is achieved, but compliance remains a large constraint for long-term effectiveness and prevention of progress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical pharmacologic approach with a mechanical device that physically enhances outflow through radial expansion in Schlemm's canal, providing durable long-term pressure control without compliance constraints or side effects associated with chronic medication use
3Strength
If the expansion member has sufficient radial strength to withstand compressive stresses, then patency of the channel is maintained, but blockage of collector channels may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stent structure employs varying local properties along its length, with radial expansion zones providing strength and patency maintenance in Schlemm's canal, while interspersed void spaces and reduced radial profile sections prevent blockage of collector channels by creating flow paths and reducing obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The stent incorporates a porous or lattice-like structure with controlled void spaces that maintain radial strength through the framework while allowing collector channels to remain patent by providing flow paths and preventing complete occlusion
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 maintains patency of the Schlemm's canal, enhancing aqueous fluid drainage and reducing intraocular pressure, thereby addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A device comprising a single elongated element with a bent configuration, such as a nickel-titanium alloy wire, is implanted in the Schlemm's canal to maintain patency and enhance fluid drainage by radial expansion
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention advantageously leverage the expansion, dilation or by-pass of the Schlemm's canal using adjustable reversible self-expanding eye stents (SES) or eye tension rings (ETRs) of desired sizes to control and improve aqueous flow throughout the range of the uveolymphatic canal. As such, some embodiments include tension ring(s) or cylinders that sits either inside or outside the Schlemm's canal wall and is at least partially within the canal and/or is partially or fully anchored, attached, adhered, or otherwise held in place with respect to the wall and/or elsewhere in the canal. The partial or complete expansion of the canal can be pre-configured based on pre-operative metrology of the Schlemm's canal to a customized and adjustable fit across the various zones within the uveolymphatic canal and based on the patient specific and evolving needs. Additionally, the SES can utilize entry/exit features for by-pass of fluid, varying control of dilation across its shape that may also allow anchoring, repositioning, and retrieval.