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 and controlling fluid delivery, allowing for precise subretinal injection with reduced manual handling, using a fluid source with separate reservoirs for treatment and non-treatment solutions to minimize tissue damage and ensure accurate dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual control of handheld injection instrument is used, then the injection procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but retinal tearing and incorrect injection volume occur due to inadvertent movement and manual handling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated robotic arm system that uses computer-controlled actuators and sensors to perform the injection procedure, eliminating manual handling errors and inadvertent movements while maintaining procedural simplicity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic arm as an intermediary between the operator and the injection instrument, allowing the operator to control the injection process through automated systems rather than direct manual manipulation, thereby improving safety while keeping the interface simple
2Productivity
If high flow velocity is used for fluid injection, then the injection time is reduced, but retinal damage and RPE atrophy occur due to excessive flow velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed injection patterns where the fluid is delivered in controlled intervals rather than continuous high-velocity flow, allowing the retina to accommodate the pressure changes and reducing damage while maintaining efficient delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system dynamically adjusts the injection parameters including flow velocity and pressure in real-time based on feedback from sensors and pre-programmed protocols, optimizing the balance between injection speed and retinal safety for each specific case
3Ease of operation
If multiple needle insertions are performed, then the injection procedure can be completed in steps, but retinal tearing and increased invasiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple injection functions into a single integrated robotic arm system that can perform all necessary insertions and injections through one coordinated procedure, reducing the number of separate needle insertions and associated retinal damage risks while maintaining the stepwise operational logic
4Force
If high shear force is applied in the needle, then the injection pressure is sufficient, but biologic activity of therapeutics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system precisely controls injection parameters including pressure, flow rate, and needle position to deliver therapeutics at optimal conditions that maintain biologic activity while ensuring sufficient injection pressure through controlled force application rather than high shear forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to devices for ophthalmic procedures, and more particularly, to apparatus for performing subretinal injections and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, a surgical instrument for fluid injection may include a handpiece configured for grasping by a user, the handpiece comprising: a first lumen disposed therein; and an actuatable toggle movably coupled with the handle. The cannula may be 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 and coupled with the actuatable toggle. The needle may be configured to extend from and retract into the second lumen at a distal end of the cannula upon actuation of the toggle.