Subretinal Injection Needle Stabilization With Multi-Lumen Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subretinal injection techniques require manual handling of injection instruments, leading to issues such as retinal tearing, incorrect injection volume, high flow velocity, and damage to therapeutic substances due to manual control, and multiple insertions through the retina, increasing safety risks and treatment inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a multi-lumen tubing system and stabilizer that automates fluid injection, using a single needle insertion and separate fluid reservoirs, immobilizing the needle with a stabilizer to reduce manual handling and control fluid flow through a fluid control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control of fluid injection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but injection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinjection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated pump system that uses a drive mechanism to precisely control plunger movement. The pump system includes a housing, plunger, and drive mechanism that automates the injection process, eliminating manual depression while ensuring precise control over injection volume and flow rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to perform the injection function autonomously through its automated pump system. The drive mechanism automatically actuates the plunger to deliver precise volumes of fluid without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in controlling injection parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If handheld injection instrument is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the handheld syringe system with an automated pump apparatus that eliminates manual handling. The pump system with its housing, plunger, and drive mechanism provides stable, controlled injection without the risk of inadvertent movement or external forces affecting the injection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple insertions through retina are made, then injection function is improved, but harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection functionVSAvoidretinal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple injection functions into a single needle insertion. The apparatus uses a single needle that can deliver both non-treatment fluid and treatment fluid through sequential injection, eliminating the need for multiple retinal piercings while maintaining the ability to perform different injection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single needle is designed to serve multiple functions: it can deliver non-treatment fluid for initial injection and subsequently deliver treatment fluid for therapeutic purposes. This multi-functional design allows the same needle to perform multiple injection tasks without requiring removal and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If manual control of fluid injection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtherapeutic substance loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual injection control with an automated pump system that precisely controls fluid delivery. This automation eliminates the high shear forces and excessive flow velocities associated with manual injection, thereby preserving the biological activity of therapeutic substances such as stem cells, viral vectors, and drugs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated pump system controls critical injection parameters including flow rate, injection volume, and shear force. By precisely regulating these parameters, the system minimizes damage to therapeutic substances while ensuring accurate delivery of the intended dose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4281025B1Apparatus for subretinal injection

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ALCON INC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for performing a subretinal injection into a subretinal space between a retina and a retinal pigment epithelium of an eye. The apparatus includes an injection needle (110) having a proximal end (112) and a distal end (114), the distal end (114) configured to be insertable into the subretinal space at a position on a surface of the retina. The apparatus includes a multi-lumen tubing (120) having a distal end (122) coupled to the proximal end (112) of the injection needle (110) and a proximal end coupled to a fluid control unit. The apparatus includes a stabilizer (130) configured to immobilize the injection needle (110) at the position on the surface of the retina. The fluid control unit has a plurality of fluid reservoirs containing a non- treatment solution, a treatment solution, and a working fluid which are injectable into the eye via separate lumens (128a, 128b, 128c) of the multi-lumen tubing (120).