Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel ptosis clamp for improved positioning and tissue manipulation during surgery.
Background:
Drooping of the upper eyelid, or Ptosis, is a medical condition that impairs normal eyelid function and vision, necessitating surgical treatment. Existing approaches involve surgical procedures that use clamps to allow for tissue manipulation with minimal trauma. Existing clamps feature a curved and toothed design that requires specific hand movements that obstruct the field of view and complicate tissue manipulation. Other systems are neither curved nor toothed, which results in weak and inconsistent tissue grasping. These limitations result in excessive tissue handling, which can result in trauma and an increased risk of postoperative complications. There remains an unmet need for an innovative ptosis clamp with an improved design to optimize procedure results.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a novel clamp for use during ptosis corrective procedures. The clamp integrates a toothed design that facilitates secure tissue gripping with a straight edge to allow for improved visibility. The reported technology also includes a handle attached to the clamp at an angle, which allows for an unobstructed surgical field of view. The novel design eliminates the need for repetitive hand movements, enabling static positioning of the instrument and minimizing tissue damage. The innovative design facilitates two different mechanisms of tissue clamping, allowing for customizable control over tissue stabilization. This innovation can revolutionize ptosis treatment procedures by providing alternative clamps that can improve surgical outcomes.
Potential Applications:
• Ophthalmic surgery
• Minimally invasive eyelid procedures
• Training and education
• Oculoplastic surgery
Advantages:
• Improved visualization
• Enhanced stability
• Reduced tissue manipulation
• Increased surgical precision
• Minimized hand fatigue
• Faster recovery
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention completed (10/21/2022).
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2023-179
Lead Inventors:
Taras Gout & Robert Goldberg