Suprachoroidal Microneedle Design for Precise Intraocular Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular injection devices are not properly configured to deliver medication between the sclera and the choroid, leading to improper distribution and reduced effectiveness, with potential side effects such as episcleritis and drug waste due to larger needle diameters and dead space.
Innovation Solution
A novel ophthalmic suprachoroidal delivery device (SCDD) with a smaller 33G needle, optimized bevel design, and Luer lock compatibility for precise drug delivery directly to the suprachoroidal space, minimizing tissue trauma and drug reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger diameter needle (30G) is used for suprachoroidal delivery, then the device can deliver medication to the suprachoroidal space, but it causes episcleritis and drug efflux in the episcleral space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of needle diameter from 30G to 33G (smaller diameter). This parameter change allows the needle to penetrate the sclera and reach the suprachoroidal space while minimizing trauma to the episcleral space, thereby preventing episcleritis and drug efflux. The smaller diameter needle creates a smaller wound tract and reduces mechanical disruption of surrounding tissues.
2Length of moving object
If a longer bevel design is used, then the needle can penetrate to the suprachoroidal space, but it results in improper medication distribution and reduced treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the bevel length parameter, using a shorter bevel design compared to conventional needles. This shorter bevel allows for precise control of needle insertion depth and medication deposition location within the suprachoroidal space. The optimized bevel geometry ensures that the medication is deposited at the correct depth without overshooting into the vitreous cavity, thereby improving distribution precision.
3Volume of stationary object
If devices with larger dead space (70-80 μL) are used, then the device can accommodate injection volumes, but it results in drug waste and potential underdosing when treatment volumes are only 100 μl
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the device to minimize dead space volume, achieving a dead space of less than 10 μL (significantly reduced from the 70-80 μL in conventional devices). This parameter change ensures that when treating with small volumes (100 μl), the majority of the administered drug reaches the target tissue rather than remaining in the device dead space, thereby eliminating drug waste and preventing underdosing.
4Ease of operation
If standard needles are used for intraocular injections, then the procedure can be performed, but the needle is not properly configured to deliver medication between the sclera and the choroid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing a needle with specific geometric characteristics (33G diameter, optimized bevel length and angle, contoured cutting surface) tailored for the specific anatomical target of the suprachoroidal space. Unlike standard needles designed for general purposes, this needle has locally optimized properties that enable precise penetration through the sclera and accurate medication deposition between the sclera and choroid, achieving both ease of operation and delivery precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle holding unit including a needle, a needle base attached to the needle, a needle hub attached to the needle base where the top surface of the needle is a contoured surface extending from a high point to a low point. The needle is used to inject into an eye, including for suprachoroidal injection and intraocular injection.