Suprachoroidal Delivery Device for Macular Degeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating macular degeneration, particularly in the subretinal layer, face challenges in accessing the macula due to its location at the back of the eye and under the delicate retina, making it difficult to deliver therapeutic agents effectively and locally.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible cannula with a slidable needle system, designed for a suprachoroidal approach, allows for precise delivery of therapeutic agents between the sclera and choroid, enabling access to the subretinal space without causing trauma, using a pneumatic pressure control system and syringe assembly with measurement tabs for precise fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a suprachoroidal approach is used to access the macula, then the therapeutic agent can be delivered locally to the target site, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a flexible cannula and slidable needle system
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is divided into separate functional components: a flexible cannula for access, a slidable needle for precise delivery, and a syringe assembly for fluid control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise subretinal delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cannula acts as an intermediary structure that provides a stable access pathway through the suprachoroidal space, enabling the needle to reach the subretinal space without directly penetrating through multiple tissue layers, thereby simplifying the overall delivery mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a needle is advanced through the choroid to reach the subretinal space, then direct access to the macula is achieved, but trauma may be caused to the delicate retinal tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical needle penetration through the retina with a suprachoroidal approach, where the needle advances through the more resilient choroid layer. This substitution reduces mechanical trauma to the delicate retinal tissue while still enabling access to the subretinal space for therapeutic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cannula is positioned in the suprachoroidal space beforehand to create a cushioned access pathway. This pre-positioning allows the needle to be advanced through the choroid with reduced risk of damaging the overlying retina, as the cannula provides structural support and guidance.
3Measurement precision
If a pneumatic pressure control system is used for fluid delivery, then precise control of therapeutic agent delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pneumatic pressure control through a syringe assembly that delivers therapeutic fluid by controlled plunger advancement. This pneumatic mechanism provides precise control over fluid delivery volume and rate, enabling accurate dosing while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe assembly allows control of delivery parameters such as fluid volume, pressure, and flow rate by adjusting plunger advancement. This parameter control enables precise delivery of therapeutic agents while using a straightforward mechanical system rather than complex electronic controls.
4Measurement precision
If measurement tabs are added to the syringe assembly, then delivery accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tabs on the syringe assembly provide visual indicators (color or position markers) that enable precise measurement of plunger advancement and therapeutic agent delivery volume. These visual cues improve delivery accuracy without requiring complex electronic measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement tabs are integrated directly into the syringe assembly, allowing the device to self-measure and indicate delivery volume without external monitoring equipment. This self-contained measurement system improves precision while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
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 effective and localized delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the macula, potentially reversing or halting vision loss in macular degeneration by allowing precise placement and minimal invasiveness, improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic pressure control system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing and delivering a predetermined amount of fluid includes a syringe including a barrel, a flange disposed at the proximal end of the barrel, and a plunger assembly configured to be received in the lumen of the barrel. The plunger assembly includes a piston and a plunger rod. The plunger rod is removably couplable to the piston at the distal end of the plunger rod and includes a thumb press flange at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The system further includes a stop feature that is removably couplable to the syringe or the plunger assembly. The stop feature is configured to arrest distal advancement of the plunger assembly relative to the syringe when the plunger assembly reaches a predetermined position relative to the syringe. The stop thus ensures that a predetermined amount of fluid remains in the barrel.