Tissue Holding Frame with Adhesive and Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal transplant techniques, such as DSEK, face challenges in minimizing endothelial cell damage during the manipulation and implantation of Descemet's membrane, leading to high cell death rates and reduced long-term surgical success due to the fragility of the implanted tissue and the need for skilled surgeons to handle delicate procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tool and method utilizing a frame with a biological adhesive and heating element for adhering and separating Descemet's membrane from the stroma, combined with a silicone ring for insulation and a retractable inserter for minimizing handling and reducing cell damage, allowing for precise detachment and implantation with minimal contact and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation and handling of Descemet's membrane is performed during DSEK surgery, then the surgeon can position and implant the membrane, but endothelial cell damage increases and cell viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A removable frame acts as an intermediary device that supports the Descemet's membrane during manipulation and implantation. The frame allows the membrane to be handled as a unit without direct contact with forceps or other manipulating instruments, thereby minimizing endothelial cell damage while enabling precise positioning and implantation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the Descemet's membrane is separated from the stroma by cutting, then the membrane can be removed for transplant, but the separation process causes tissue damage and cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is positioned and secured to the Descemet's membrane before the separation cutting process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when cutting occurs, the membrane remains supported and stable, allowing for precise separation along the desired path while minimizing accidental damage to the membrane edges and attached endothelial cells.
3Reliability
If skilled surgeons perform the DSEK procedure with careful handling, then implantation success improves, but the procedure complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame design allows the Descemet's membrane to support itself during manipulation and implantation without requiring constant active handling by the surgeon. The frame structure provides inherent stability and positioning capability, reducing the need for complex manual dexterity while maintaining high implantation success rates.
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
The solution minimizes endothelial cell damage during preparation and implantation, maintaining a higher number of viable cells and reducing the risk of transplant failure by reducing direct contact and handling of the delicate tissue, thus improving the chances of successful surgical outcomes with less skilled intervention.
Implementation Method 1
said frame further comprises a heating element around its inner perimeter
Implementation Method 2
the frame being coated with a biological adhesive for adhering to a perimeter of a section of the Descemet's membrane to adhere the section of the Descemet's membrane to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue holding assembly for endothelial implantation comprising an open frame having legs for engaging a stem, such that said frame is insertable between a stroma and a Descemet's membrane, said frame being coated with a biological adhesive for adhering to a perimeter of a section of the Descemet's membrane to adhere the section of the Descemet's membrane to the frame for surgical separation of said section by cutting therearound, wherein said frame further comprises a heating element around its inner perimeter.