Subretinal Implantation Instrument with Piston Nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The surgical correction of diseases in the subretinal space between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium is challenging due to the fragile and transparent nature of fetal retinal tissue, making precise implantation difficult and prone to rejection.

Innovation Solution

A novel subretinal implantation instrument featuring an elongated mandrel, tubular nozzle, and actuator mechanism that allows for controlled placement of fetal retinal tissue or other implants into the subretinal space with minimal surgical trauma, using a piston and vacuum system to handle and deliver the tissue without manual injection, enabling precise positioning and immunological tolerance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual injection or traditional surgical methods are used to implant retinal tissue, then the surgeon can directly place the tissue, but the fragile and transparent nature of fetal retinal tissue makes precise implantation difficult and causes excessive surgical trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation precisionVSAvoidsurgical trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (the implantation instrument with mandrel, nozzle, and piston system) that mediates between the surgeon and the fragile retinal tissue. This intermediary system allows precise control of tissue placement without requiring direct manual manipulation, thereby reducing surgical trauma while maintaining implantation precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical injection with a controlled piston-based delivery system. The piston mechanism provides precise, controlled advancement of the retinal tissue through the nozzle, eliminating the uncontrolled mechanical forces associated with manual injection and reducing damage to the fragile tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional surgical instruments are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but precise positioning of the fragile tissue is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue positioning accuracyVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implantation instrument is segmented into distinct functional components: a mandrel for structural support, a nozzle for tissue containment and delivery, and a piston for controlled advancement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise tissue positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a longitudinal dimension to tissue delivery through the piston-actuated nozzle system. Instead of simple lateral placement, the tissue is advanced precisely along the length of the mandrel and delivered through the nozzle tip, enabling accurate positioning in the subretinal space that cannot be achieved with traditional instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the retinal tissue is handled directly by hand, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the transparent and fragile tissue is prone to damage and rejection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue integrityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle serves as a protective flexible shell that contains and delivers the fragile retinal tissue. The tissue remains enclosed within the nozzle structure during insertion and placement, protecting it from direct handling and mechanical damage while maintaining its integrity throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the retinal tissue, eliminating direct hand contact with the fragile tissue. The piston and nozzle mechanism provides controlled, indirect manipulation that preserves tissue integrity while still allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure with relative ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and precise implantation of retinal tissue into the subretinal space, reducing surgical trauma and the risk of rejection, allowing for potential restoration of vision in conditions like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, with customizable designs for various tissues and body parts.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum passage arranged in the piston to load the implant into the tip of the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS8057483B2Subretinal implantation instrument

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

An instrument for implanting tissue in an eye or other body member is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated mandrel and a tubular nozzle arranged over the mandrel. The instrument also includes a piston engaging an end of the nozzle and a vacuum passage arranged in the piston. The instrument also includes a body having a portion of the piston arranged therein with one end of the mandrel being secured to the body. The instrument also includes an actuator integrated with the body wherein the actuator interacts with the piston to control movement of the nozzle relative to the mandrel.