Trephining and Cannula Delivery of Biologic Intraocular Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ab interno stenting devices for glaucoma treatment using non-biological hardware materials face issues such as erosion, fibrosis, and ocular tissue damage, including endothelial cell loss.
Innovation Solution
Development of a trephining system using biologically-derived materials like amniotic membrane tissue, which can be cut into implants that elute healing factors, and a delivery system for implanting these implants in the eye to enhance aqueous outflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-biological hardware materials are used for ab interno stenting devices, then structural strength and durability are improved, but tissue damage and fibrosis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-biological hardware to biologically-derived materials (amniotic membrane, scleral tissue, corneal tissue). This parameter change maintains sufficient structural strength for stenting while eliminating the harmful effects of foreign body reactions, erosion, and fibrosis associated with synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite biological materials that combine the structural properties of extracellular matrix with the biocompatibility of native ocular tissues. These composite biological structures provide both the mechanical strength needed for stenting and the biocompatibility that prevents tissue damage and fibrosis.
2Reliability
If biologically-derived materials are used for implants, then biocompatibility and safety are improved, but material strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural parameter variations in biological materials, particularly the ability of amniotic membrane and ocular tissues to provide sufficient structural integrity when processed into stent configurations. The material strength is optimized through controlled processing and structural design rather than relying on synthetic material properties.
3Ease of operation
If oversized implants are compressed for delivery through the cannula, then deliverability is improved, but implant structure may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic compression and expansion of the biological implant. The implant is compressed to a smaller diameter for delivery through the cannula, then expands to its full functional size upon deployment in the eye. This dynamic transformation allows easy deliverability while maintaining structural integrity through the reversible nature of biological material deformation.
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 biologically-derived implants provide improved biocompatibility and safety, reducing tissue damage while enhancing aqueous outflow through the eye, offering a safer and more effective treatment for glaucoma.
Implementation Method 1
The bio-tissue material includes amniotic membrane tissue configured to elute one or more healing factors derived from the amniotic membrane tissue
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum source can be configured to aspirate the implant into the distal opening of the delivery cannula when the vacuum source is coupled to the cartridge and activated
Implementation Method 3
The implant, once loaded within the delivery cannula and the cartridge coupled to the proximal housing, can be configured to be compressed between the packing post and the pusher of the proximal housing to expel the liquid that enters the delivery cannula during loading
Implementation Method 4
The oversized implant can be compressed when positioned within the lumen of the delivery cannula and expands upon deployment in the eye and upon release from the lumen of the delivery cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating an eye comprising a tissue stored within a lumen of an elongated cannula, the tissue comprises scleral. amniotic membrane, or acellular biomatrix tissue and having an elongated form factor. Related devices, systems, and methods are provided.