Surgical tool and method for ocular tissue transplantation
Inventors
Assignees
National Institutes of Health NIH • US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-10729579-B2
Publication Date
2020-08-04
Expiration Date
2035-07-10
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Abstract
Described are devices and methods for delivering a sheet of tissue into the eye in such a way that damage to the tissue is minimized, damage to the eye during insertion and manipulation of the tissue is minimized, and the tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled fashion.
Core Innovation
The invention features devices and techniques to deliver a sheet of tissue into the eye, minimizing damage both to the tissue and the eye during insertion and manipulation. The tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled manner, improving upon existing methods.
A key device includes a hollow handle portion conveying fluid and an injector portion with a flat tip defining an aperture that enshrouds the tissue. Applying vacuum pressure via the fluid holds the tissue in place, and applying an opposite injection pressure injects the tissue into the eye. This hydraulic mechanism allows for gentle handling and precise placement of delicate tissues especially in the subretinal space.
The problem being solved arises from prior techniques involving forceps manipulation which can cause damage to the very delicate retinal tissues and surrounding eye structures. Existing devices either do not address the delicate nature of subretinal space or result in trauma during insertion. There is a need for improved devices and techniques that minimize eye trauma and tissue damage while enabling precise and controlled delivery of fragile tissues into limited spaces within the eye.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover three independent claims that present inventive features regarding the structure of the device, the method of transplantation, and an overall system for tissue transplantation within an eye.
Hydraulically controlled tissue securing and injection device with curved injector and flat tapered tip
A device comprising a hollow handle to convey fluid and an injector portion with an internal channel. The injector has a substantially flat shaped tip with an aperture spaced apart from its semi-circular distal end, allowing the distal end to enter the eye prior to the aperture. The injector includes an elongated portion and a middle portion that curves away from the longitudinal axis, with the tip curving back towards it. Tissue is held by vacuum pressure via the fluid and injected by an opposite injection pressure.
Method of transplanting tissue using hydraulic suction and injection with curved flat-tipped surgical injector
A method including vacuuming a sheet of tissue into an aperture of a surgical injector tip that has a tapered flat shape with a semi-circular distal end spaced from the aperture, inserting the tip into the implantation area of the eye, and injecting the tissue by reversing the hydraulic pressure to push the tissue into position. The injector includes an elongated portion with a curved middle portion as described.
System for tissue transplantation with means for hydraulic securing and injecting tissue using a curved injector tip
A system comprising means for hydraulically securing a sheet of tissue, means for injecting the tissue into the transplantation area, and means for positioning the tissue. The injector means has a substantially flat shaped tip with a tapered configuration, including a semi-circular distal edge spaced from the aperture. The injector includes an elongated portion with a curved middle portion with the tip curving toward the longitudinal axis.
The independent claims collectively present a hydraulic tissue transplantation device with a specifically shaped curved injector and flat tapered tip for gentle tissue securing and injection, a corresponding method using hydraulic suction and injection through such a tool, and a system incorporating these features for precise ocular tissue transplantation.
Stated Advantages
Minimizes damage to the tissue during insertion and manipulation.
Reduces trauma to the eye during tissue insertion.
Enables precise and controlled delivery of tissue at a desired location within the eye.
Facilitates implantation of tissues through small incisions (about 1-3 mm), reducing trauma.
Allows control of tissue directionality to ensure functional placement within the subretinal space.
Supports handling of very fragile tissues too delicate for mechanical means.
Can be used for delivery of flat carriers loaded with medications or biological reactors.
The injector portion may be removably coupled, allowing disposable or recyclable use.
An ergonomic handle design improves surgeon comfort and precision.
Documented Applications
Transplantation of ocular tissues, particularly retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayers, into the subretinal space.
Endothelial keratoplasty involving transplantation of corneal tissue layers.
Retinal surgeries requiring precise placement of repair tissues derived from stem cell technologies.
Other surgical fields where fragile implantable tissues need careful handling, such as brain surgery, skin surgery, pancreas function restoration, stem cell surgery, and thyroid restoration surgery.
Delivery of flat carriers loaded with medications or biological reactors delivering medications.
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