Ultrasonic Trabecular Meshwork Treatment for Glaucoma

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for open angle glaucoma, such as pharmaceutical agents, laser treatment, and intraocular surgery, are either non-curative, costly, and carry side effects, with laser treatments primarily addressing the inner trabecular meshwork and causing tissue damage with intense ultrasonic energy during cataract surgery.

Innovation Solution

A method using low-intensity ultrasonic energy applied externally or internally to the eye to dislodge built-up material in the trabecular meshwork, generating heat and initiating biochemical changes to reduce intraocular pressure without damaging tissue, employing a handheld device with a rounded tip and specific frequency settings to focus energy on the trabecular meshwork.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If intense ultrasonic energy is used in phacoemulsification to break up lens material, then the lens can be effectively emulsified and removed, but tissue damage occurs in the eye

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens emulsification efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the intensity parameter of ultrasonic energy from high (phacoemulsification) to low (glaucoma treatment), and introduces a focused delivery mechanism that concentrates energy specifically on the trabecular meshwork rather than applying broad-area treatment, thereby achieving therapeutic effect without tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies ultrasonic energy locally to the trabecular meshwork region rather than treating the entire lens or eye surface. The focused delivery system ensures that ultrasonic energy is concentrated only at the target location, minimizing collateral damage to surrounding tissues while effectively treating the blocked meshwork

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If laser treatment is applied to the inner trabecular meshwork, then some debris is removed through secondary physiologic response, but the treatment does not address the outer trabecular meshwork blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment location coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of treating the inner trabecular meshwork as with laser, the invention targets the outer trabecular meshwork where the blockage actually occurs. The ultrasonic device is positioned to deliver energy to the external surface of the trabecular meshwork, reversing the conventional approach and addressing the true site of pathology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediate delivery mechanism (ultrasonic transducer through the cornea and sclera) to reach the trabecular meshwork from the outside of the eye. This intermediary approach allows treatment of the outer meshwork without requiring direct internal access, overcoming the limitation of laser treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If medical treatment is used continuously to decrease intraocular pressure, then pressure can be maintained at safe levels, but the treatment is not curative and requires ongoing patient compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidpatient compliance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic treatment performs preliminary action by mechanically dislodging and removing the blockage in the trabecular meshwork before pressure control is needed. This one-time procedural intervention eliminates the need for continuous medical therapy by directly addressing the underlying obstruction rather than merely managing the symptom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If pharmaceutical agents are used to treat glaucoma, then intraocular pressure can be reduced, but unwanted side effects and poor interaction with other medical care occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure reductionVSAvoidside effects and drug interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the chemical mechanism of pharmaceutical agents with a mechanical ultrasonic mechanism. By using physical ultrasonic vibrations to dislodge debris from the trabecular meshwork, the treatment achieves pressure reduction without the side effects and interactions inherent in pharmacological therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively reduces intraocular pressure by dislodging debris and initiating biochemical processes to enhance fluid outflow, providing a safer and more consistent treatment option compared to existing methods, with reduced risk of tissue damage and improved patient compliance.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting the ultrasonic energy at a frequency to a desired location for a predetermined time, dislodging material built up in the trabecular meshwork, and generating heat that initiates biochemical changes in the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS7909781B2Ultrasonic treatment of glaucoma

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 EYESONIX INC

AI summary

A method of treating glaucoma is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic energy, holding the ultrasonic instrument at a location external to the trabecular meshwork, transmitting the ultrasonic energy at a frequency to a desired location for a predetermined time, dislodging material built up in the trabecular meshwork, and generating heat that initiates biochemical changes in the eye.