Tissue-Augmented Corneal Inlay Surgery for Immediate Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal transplantation methods face challenges such as corneal graft rejection, corneal scarring, and the limited availability of donor corneas, while refractive surgeries like LASIK have limitations in correcting higher refractive errors and presbyopia, and can lead to complications like ectasia and reduced stereovision.
Innovation Solution
A tissue-augmented corneal inlay surgery technique using an ablatable corneal inlay with a darkened annular area and cross-linking to correct refractive errors and presbyopia, involving a corneal inlay implantation with cross-linking of surrounding tissue to prevent immune response and enhance biomechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a corneal transplant is performed to treat extensive corneal scarring, then vision can be restored, but corneal graft rejection occurs in a significant portion of patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a corneal inlay that replicates the functional properties of a corneal transplant without requiring actual donor tissue. The inlay is fabricated from biocompatible materials that mimic the optical and mechanical properties of native corneal tissue, eliminating the immune rejection problem inherent in allograft transplantation while maintaining vision restoration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The corneal inlay is designed as a disposable, single-use implant that is discarded after serving its visual function. This eliminates the need for long-term immunosuppression and reduces the risk of chronic rejection, as the inlay does not require to remain in the eye indefinitely like a permanent transplant
2Reliability
If LASIK surgery is performed to correct refractive errors, then refractive correction is achieved, but corneal ectasia and reduced stereovision occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the corneal correction function into two separate components: a refractive correction element and a structural support element. The inlay includes both a refractive zone for correcting vision and a peripheral zone that maintains corneal thickness and structural integrity, preventing ectasia while achieving refractive correction
Solution Approach 2:
The corneal inlay is constructed from composite materials that combine refractive properties with structural support capabilities. The inlay material has both optical clarity for vision correction and mechanical strength to maintain corneal architecture, preventing the harmful effects of corneal thinning associated with LASIK
3Reliability
If donor corneas are used for transplantation, then corneal replacement is achieved, but donor cornea availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial corneal inlays that replicate the function of donor corneas without requiring actual human tissue. The inlays are manufactured from biocompatible polymers and hydrogels that mimic the optical and mechanical properties of native corneal tissue, providing unlimited supply independent of donor availability
Solution Approach 2:
The corneal inlay is designed as a disposable, single-use implant that is discarded after serving its visual function. This eliminates the need for long-term immunosuppression and reduces the risk of chronic rejection, as the inlay does not require to remain in the eye indefinitely like a permanent transplant
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 immediate transparency post-surgery, reduces the risk of rejection, and corrects refractive errors and presbyopia without thinning the cornea, addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the shape of the corneal inlay using a laser
Implementation Method 2
applying a photosensitizer to the cornea of the host eye so that the photosensitizer permeates at least a portion of the host corneal tissue surrounding the corneal inlay
Implementation Method 3
irradiating the cornea so as to activate cross-linkers in the corneal inlay and/or cross-linkers in the portion of the host corneal tissue surrounding the corneal inlay
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue-augmented corneal inlay surgery technique is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the surgery method includes the steps of: (i) implanting a corneal inlay into a recipient cornea of an eye of a patient; (ii) applying laser energy to a central portion of the corneal inlay and a portion of stromal tissue of the recipient cornea underneath the corneal inlay so as to modify the refractive power of the eye; (iii) applying a cross-linking solution that includes a photosensitizer to the recipient cornea of the eye of the patient; and (iv) irradiating the corneal inlay and surrounding corneal tissue so as to activate cross-linkers in the corneal inlay and the surrounding corneal tissue. In this embodiment, the central portion of the corneal inlay remains clear for the patient without being obstructed by swollen tissue so that the patient is able to see immediately after the corneal inlay surgery.