Investigating the Biomechanics to Mimic Blinking using an Electromagnetic Actuator

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Development
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Facial nerve paralysis (FNP) impairs natural eyelid closure, leading to functional and aesthetic deficits.
• Existing treatments for FNP-related eyelid dysfunction have limitations.
• The Bionic Lid Implant for Natural Closure (BLINC) is an active implantable medical device designed to restore blinking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanics of the BLINC device in a human cadaver model.
• To determine the forces required for effective eyelid closure.
• To identify the optimal pathway for the BLINC sling for improved function.

Main Methods:

• Implantation of the BLINC device in the temporal fossa of a human cadaver (N=1).
• Investigation of forces needed to achieve eyelid closure.
• Assessment of sling pathway from implant site to the upper eyelid.
• Modification of the lateral orbital wall to optimize the sling pathway.

Main Results:

• An unobstructed sling pathway, achieved by modifying the lateral orbital wall, yielded optimal eyelid closure.
• A horizontal force of 800mN resulted in 53.5 ± 8% eyelid closure.
• Achieved closure significantly exceeds the performance of current state-of-the-art technologies.

Conclusions:

• The BLINC device demonstrates potential for restoring blinking in FNP patients.
• Biomechanical insights from this study advance the clinical translation of BLINC.
• Further research is needed to optimize parameters for mimicking natural eye closure.