Shape Memory Polymer Nasolacrimal Duct Insertion Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nasolacrimal duct insertion devices lack a passage for proper tear discharge, leading to stagnation and a high risk of infection, especially after dacryocystoplasty, where the tube occupies most of the tear discharge passage.

Innovation Solution

A nasolacrimal duct insertion member comprising a shape memory polymer with a melting point suitable for bio-implantation, allowing for easy insertion and expansion to facilitate smooth tear discharge without the need for post-operative removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional silicone tube is inserted into the nasolacrimal duct, then the duct can be kept open, but the tube occupies most of the tear discharge passage causing tear stagnation and infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduct patencyVSAvoidtear stagnation and infection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion member is made of a porous polymer material that allows tears to pass through the tube wall itself, creating multiple discharge pathways. This porous structure eliminates tear stagnation while maintaining duct patency, as tears can flow through the porous matrix rather than being blocked by a solid tube interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member uses a flexible porous polymer shell that can be compressed to a thin profile for easy insertion, then expands to provide structural support. The thin film structure minimizes the space occupied in the duct while still maintaining patency, leaving more room for tear flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If a rigid metallic probe structure is used to keep the duct open, then structural support is provided, but insertion difficulty and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion member transitions from a flexible, compressible state during insertion to a rigid, supportive state after deployment. The porous polymer structure allows compression to a small profile for easy insertion, then expands within the duct to provide the necessary structural support, dynamically adapting its mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member is designed as a flexible shell that can be compressed to a thin film state for minimally invasive insertion, then expands to form a rigid-like supportive structure. This flexible shell approach eliminates the need for rigid metallic probes while providing equivalent structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a tube is maintained in the duct for three to six months, then the duct remains patent, but the need for post-operative removal adds complexity and risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduct patency maintenanceVSAvoidpost-operative removal procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion member is made of a polymer with a phase transition temperature near body temperature, allowing it to be inserted in a soft, flexible state and then transition to a rigid, supportive state. This parameter change eliminates the need for removal, as the material naturally adapts to the physiological environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member is designed as a single-use, biodegradable polymer device that serves its function temporarily to establish duct patency, then naturally degrades and is eliminated by the body. This disposable approach eliminates complex removal procedures while maintaining duct patency during the critical healing period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 shape memory polymer insertion member can be easily inserted into the nasolacrimal duct, expand to widen obstructed or narrowed ducts, and ensure proper tear discharge, reducing the risk of infection and eliminating the need for post-operative removal.

Implementation Method 1

a shape memory polymer with a melting point suitable for bio-implantation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory polymer phase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The shape memory polymer insertion member can be easily inserted into the nasolacrimal duct, expand to widen obstructed or narrowed ducts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12324870B2Nasolacrimal duct insertion member comprising shape memory polymer

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 TMD LAB CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a nasolacrimal duct insertion member comprising a shape memory polymer for treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction/stenosis, wherein the shape memory polymer comprises a crosslinkable functional group, such that the nasolacrimal duct insertion member has a melting point suitable for implantation into a living body.