Adjustable Laser Pulse Compressor for Ophthalmic Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser systems for ophthalmic surgery have limited ability to change laser pulse profiles during procedures, requiring manual adjustments that are time-consuming and undesirable, especially when switching between different surgical phases that require different pulse lengths.

Innovation Solution

A surgical laser system with a compressor configured on a computer-controlled stage, allowing for dynamic adjustment of laser pulse widths by repositioning components such as gratings and mirrors to alter the pulse length, enabling quick changes between different pulse profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of laser pulse profile is used, then pulse profile can be changed, but time delay increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse profile adjustabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic pulse profile adjustment by making the laser system components (such as gratings or prisms) movable rather than fixed. The computer-controlled stage allows real-time repositioning of components to change pulse length and shape during surgery, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated computer-controlled mechanical system. The computing device receives input signals and automatically commands the stage to reposition components, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining pulse profile versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If laser pulse profile is changed manually, then different pulse lengths can be achieved, but time delay is highly undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse length variabilityVSAvoidadjustment time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple laser components (gratings, prisms) on the computer-controlled stage at different locations corresponding to different pulse profiles. When a pulse length change is needed, the system simply moves the component to its pre-configured position rather than adjusting it in real-time during the procedure, minimizing time delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual mechanical adjustment with automated computer control that can rapidly command component repositioning. The computing device processes input signals and immediately actuates the stage motors to achieve the desired pulse profile, eliminating manual response time and reducing overall adjustment delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laser system is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different surgical phases is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure-specific pulse profile capabilityVSAvoidsystem component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single laser system with multiple functional capabilities. The computer-controlled stage can position different components (gratings, prisms, or combinations) to provide various pulse profiles (different lengths, shapes) suitable for different surgical phases such as corneal flaps, capsulorhexis, capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation, allowing one system to perform multiple specialized functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies nesting by placing multiple adjustable components (gratings, prisms) within the same optical path and housing space. These components can be independently positioned and adjusted on the computer-controlled stage, allowing nested arrangement of functional elements that work together to generate diverse pulse profiles without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and precise alteration of laser pulse profiles during ophthalmic surgeries, improving the ability to perform various surgical procedures with optimal pulse lengths, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing time delays.

Implementation Method 1

the compressor comprising a dispersion or spectrum altering component provided on a computer controlled stage connected to a computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS10390995B2Short pulse laser with adjustable pulse length

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 AMO DEVELOPMENT LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of this invention relate to a system and method for performing laser ophthalmic surgery. The surgical laser system configured to deliver a laser pulse to a patient's eye comprises a laser engine that includes a compressor configured to compress laser light energy received, the compressor comprising a dispersion or spectrum altering component provided on a computer controlled stage connected to a computing device. A user providing an indication of a desired pulse width received by the computing device causes the computing device to reposition the stage and the component provided thereon, resulting in a different pulse length being transmitted by the laser engine.