Subretinal Injection Needle Stabilizer for Retinal Tearing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subretinal injection methods are prone to retinal tearing, incorrect injection volume, excessive retinal stretch, high flow velocity damaging the retina, and high shear forces that can harm therapeutics, due to manual control of handheld injection instruments, leading to increased invasiveness and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an injection needle with a stabilizer and multi-lumen tubing for immobilizing the needle, allowing for precise fluid delivery from separate reservoirs, reducing manual handling and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of handheld injection instrument is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to retinal tearing and incorrect injection volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the injection instrument with an automated delivery system. The handheld syringe and needle assembly is substituted with a controlled delivery device that uses a pump or pressure system to automatically regulate fluid injection, eliminating manual plunger depression and providing precise control over injection volume and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection system incorporates self-regulating features where the delivery device automatically controls the injection process without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system includes integrated mechanisms for maintaining proper injection pressure, regulating flow rate, and ensuring accurate delivery volume, allowing the device to service itself during the procedure.
2Productivity
If high flow velocity injection is used, then productivity is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to retinal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise control of fluid injection parameters, specifically regulating flow velocity and pressure. The delivery system incorporates pressure regulators and flow control mechanisms that maintain optimal injection parameters within safe ranges, preventing excessive flow velocity that could cause retinal damage while ensuring adequate delivery speed for procedural efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If repeated needle insertions are used, then ease of operation is improved for multi-step injection, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to increased retinal tearing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple injection functions into a single integrated needle insertion event. The delivery device is designed to accommodate multiple fluid reservoirs or interchangeable cartridges that can be activated sequentially through one initial puncture of the retina, eliminating the need for repeated needle insertions while maintaining the capability for multi-step or multi-agent injection protocols.
4Device complexity
If handheld injection instrument is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates due to inadvertent movement from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizing intermediary mechanism between the external operator and the injection needle. This includes a mounting system or guide structure that secures the delivery device to a stable platform or uses fixation elements to prevent inadvertent movement during injection, isolating the needle from external forces while allowing controlled operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to devices for ophthalmic procedures, and more particularly, to a surgical instrument for performing subretinal injections and methods of use thereof. The surgical instrument may include a handpiece configured for grasping by a user for fluid injection. The handpiece may include a first lumen disposed therein and an actuatable toggle movably coupled with the handle. The surgical instrument may further include a cannula coupled to the handpiece and configured to be introduced into an eye. The cannula may include a second lumen extending therethrough and a needle movably disposed within the second lumen. The needle may be coupled with the actuatable toggle and configured to extend from and retract into the second lumen at a distal end of the cannula upon actuation of the toggle.