Tapered Punctal Plug Design for Stable, Low-Irritation Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional punctal plugs are susceptible to inadvertent removal, irritate ocular tissues, and can cause tearing of the punctal muscle due to their design and size, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in maintaining eye moisture.
Innovation Solution
The development of plug devices with a symmetrical, tapered shape and rounded distal tip, designed to fit completely within the lacrimal drainage system, minimizing external exposure and using biodegradable materials to ensure comfortable and secure occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional punctal plugs are designed with an anchor portion larger than the punctal opening to secure the plug, then the plug stability is improved, but the punctal muscle may tear due to excessive dilation during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design transitions from a constant diameter to a tapered configuration where the distal tip diameter is smaller than the proximal diameter. This parameter change allows the plug to be inserted through the punctal opening without requiring excessive dilation, while the larger proximal portion provides stability once positioned within the canaliculus.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is divided into distinct functional segments: a tapered distal tip for insertion through the punctum, a body portion that fits within the canaliculus, and a proximal portion that may extend into the conjunctival sac. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function without compromising the integrity of the punctal muscle.
2Ease of operation
If conventional punctal plugs have a head portion that extends outside the punctum to provide grip, then the ease of operation is improved, but the plug becomes susceptible to inadvertent removal during eye rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the grip function from the external portion of the plug and relocates it to an internal retrieval mechanism. The proximal portion of the plug can be grasped through the punctal opening using forceps or a retrieval device, eliminating the need for an external head while maintaining ease of operation during insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A retrieval device or forceps acts as an intermediary tool to grasp the proximal portion of the plug through the punctal opening. This intermediary mechanism allows controlled removal of the plug without requiring the user to manually grasp an external portion, thereby preventing inadvertent removal during eye rubbing while maintaining ease of operation during the procedure.
3Reliability
If conventional punctal plugs have a head portion that contacts the eyelid or cornea to secure the plug, then the plug stability is improved, but ocular tissues become irritated and inflamed due to rubbing and debris trapping
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip of the plug is designed with a rounded, curved surface rather than a flat or angular head portion. This curvature eliminates sharp edges that could rub against the cornea or trap cosmetics and debris, while the tapered configuration maintains stability within the canaliculus. The smooth, rounded surface reduces mechanical irritation to ocular tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The design removes the problematic head portion that contacts the eyelid and cornea from the plug structure. By extracting this irritant element, the plug can be inserted completely into the canaliculus with only the minimal necessary portion visible at the punctum, eliminating the source of tissue irritation while maintaining stability through the tapered configuration and proximal positioning.
4Reliability
If the punctal opening is dilated to insert a conventional punctal plug with a large anchor portion, then the plug can be securely positioned, but the punctal muscle may tear leading to later plug loss
Solution Approach 1:
The plug diameter parameter is varied along its length, with the distal tip having a smaller diameter than the proximal portion. This allows the plug to be inserted through the natural size of the punctal opening without requiring excessive dilation, thereby preserving punctal muscle integrity while still achieving stable positioning within the canaliculus through the larger proximal diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a plug for occluding the lacrimal drainage system. The plug can have a body portion having a first end and a second end, a tapered portion extending away from the second end of the body portion, the tapered portion having a conical shape, and a rounded distal tip. The body portion can have a continuous cylindrical shape between the first end and the second end thereof, and can be shaped such that the first end is planar and is orthogonal to a plug's longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug can be configured to occlude a vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system. For example and without limitation, some embodiments of the plug can be configured to be inserted completely within the vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system so that no portion extends outside of punctal opening.