Enhanced Lacrimal System for Targeted Ocular Drug Delivery
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved lacrimal system for targeted drug delivery to the eye, featuring innovative designs and technologies to enhance fluid retention, flow control, and patient comfort.
Background and Problem Solved
The original lacrimal system for drug delivery faced limitations in fluid overflow, inconsistent flow rates, and inadequate medication customization. The new inventive concept addresses these issues by introducing advanced features and materials to optimize ocular drug delivery.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced lacrimal system comprises a reservoir balloon with an improved exit port design, reducing fluid overflow and increasing ocular surface retention. The tube features a modified lumen configuration for enhanced fluid flow control, and a protective sleeve with a built-in sensor for monitoring fluid delivery rates. Additionally, the system can be programmed to automatically adjust fluid flow rates based on real-time sensor data and ocular surface conditions. The system also features a reservoir balloon with a built-in heating or cooling element to enhance fluid solubility and stability, a tube with an integrated mixing mechanism for preparing customized medication compositions, and a protective sleeve with a self-cleaning feature to minimize bacterial contamination. Furthermore, the system can be configured to receive patient-specific data and adapt fluid delivery rates and medication compositions accordingly.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel combination of advanced features, including the improved exit port design, modified lumen configuration, built-in sensor, and adaptive fluid flow control. These features, along with the integration of heating or cooling elements, mixing mechanisms, and self-cleaning features, provide a significant improvement over the original lacrimal system and demonstrate a non-obvious inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced lacrimal system could include variations in the reservoir balloon material, tube geometry, and sensor design. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other ocular or nasal applications, or integrated with other medical devices to provide a comprehensive treatment platform.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced lacrimal system has significant commercial potential in the ophthalmic and pharmaceutical industries, offering a targeted and efficient means of delivering medications to the eye. The system's adaptability and customization capabilities make it an attractive solution for a wide range of ocular conditions and diseases, with potential applications in glaucoma treatment, dry eye management, and beyond.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F9/00772 |
| A | A61 | A61F9/0017 |
| A | A61 | A61M37/00 |
| A | A61 | A61M31/002 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design for ophthalmic drug delivery systems, focusing on lacrimal system interventions, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, materials science, microfluidics, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in ophthalmic drug delivery technologies, familiar with microfluidic design, sensor integration, and adaptive medical device architectures
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions to known challenges in lacrimal drug delivery systems. The disclosed modifications such as sensor-based flow control, adaptive fluid delivery, and integrated heating/cooling elements are logical extensions of existing medical device design principles. These variations demonstrate incremental improvements using standard engineering techniques that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize drug delivery performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,461 |
|---|---|
| Title | Lacrimal system for drug delivery |
| Assignee(s) | The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate |