Wireless IOP Sensor for Glaucoma Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring IntraOcular Pressure (IOP) are limited by inaccuracies due to variations in corneal thickness, require manual operation, and involve risks associated with direct contact and invasive procedures, lacking automation and remote monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electronic sensors and wireless telemetry within a drainage device, allowing for non-invasive, automated, and remote measurement of IOP, which can be integrated with existing FDA-approved drainage devices, eliminating the need for additional surgery and providing a more accurate and patient-friendly solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tonometry measurement is used, then IOP measurement can be obtained, but measurement accuracy is affected by corneal thickness variation and operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform self-measurement of IOP at home using a portable device, eliminating the need for manual operation by medical staff. The automated sensor-based measurement removes operator skill dependency while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy through consistent, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tonometry with an automated electronic sensor system. The sensor directly measures IOP without requiring manual corneal indentation, eliminating variability introduced by operator technique and corneal thickness differences while providing objective, quantifiable data.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact tonometry is performed, then IOP measurement is achieved, but risk of infection and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an indirect measurement approach where a portable sensor measures IOP through the sclera or via aqueous humor flow rate, avoiding direct contact with the cornea and anterior chamber. This intermediary measurement method eliminates infection risk while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the traditional contact-based tonometer and implements it as a separate, portable sensor device that can be used at home. This removes the harmful contact element while preserving the essential IOP measurement capability.
3Reliability
If conventional drainage device with sensor is used, then pressure regulation is achieved, but external monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The portable sensor device serves multiple functions: it can measure IOP independently for external monitoring, and it can integrate with existing drainage devices to provide both pressure regulation and continuous monitoring capabilities. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable pressure regulation and enabling external information access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous IOP monitoring with feedback to both the patient and healthcare providers. The sensor provides real-time data that can trigger alerts when IOP exceeds target ranges, enabling dynamic adjustment of treatment while maintaining the primary pressure regulation function of the drainage device.
4Measurement precision
If implanted IOP sensor is used, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but surgical complexity and patient risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a portable, external sensor device that replicates the continuous monitoring function of implanted sensors without requiring surgery. The portable device can be used repeatedly at home to obtain continuous IOP data, providing the same clinical information as implantable devices but with significantly reduced complexity and risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remotely monitoring Inter Ocular Pressure (IOP) is disclosed. The system and method verify proper operation of glaucoma drainage, measure and potentially affect Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP), and facilitate remote disease management of e.g. glaucoma, among other ocular diseases.