Angled Optical Access for Non-Invasive Glaucoma Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser treatments for glaucoma, such as ALT, SLT, and ELT, suffer from tissue scarring, lack of control over intraocular pressure reduction, and require invasive procedures, making them less than ideal for effectively managing glaucoma.
Innovation Solution
An integrated surgical system combining femtosecond laser technology with OCT imaging and angled optical access to the irido-corneal angle, allowing precise, non-invasive treatment of ocular tissue with minimal collateral damage by using a femtosecond laser to modify the trabecular meshwork and create new outflow pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing laser treatments (ALT, SLT, ELT) are used to treat glaucoma, then intraocular pressure can be reduced, but tissue scarring occurs and the procedure cannot be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of laser-tissue interaction from thermal to non-thermal photo-disruption. By using femtosecond laser pulses with durations of 10-1000 femtoseconds, the interaction mechanism shifts from continuous heating to ultrafast photodisruption, eliminating thermal damage and scarring while maintaining effective intraocular pressure reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic femtosecond laser pulses delivered at controlled repetition rates to progressively modify ocular tissue. This periodic action allows for controlled photo-disruption of the trabecular meshwork and formation of new outflow pathways without accumulating thermal damage, enabling repeatable procedures
2Productivity
If existing laser treatments are applied to the trabecular meshwork, then aqueous humor outflow is improved, but the procedure lacks precision and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates real-time optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to provide feedback on the structural integrity and outflow capacity of the trabecular meshwork during treatment. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to monitor treatment effects and adjust laser parameters dynamically, achieving precise control over aqueous humor outflow modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal laser approaches with non-thermal femtosecond laser photo-disruption. This substitution enables more precise tissue modification by eliminating the diffuse thermal spread characteristic of conventional lasers, allowing for localized and controlled changes in the trabecular meshwork architecture
3Reliability
If conventional laser surgery is performed, then glaucoma treatment is achieved, but invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the cornea as an optical window and delivery pathway for the femtosecond laser beam, eliminating the need for invasive incisions. The laser energy is transmitted through the transparent cornea to reach the anterior chamber and trabecular meshwork, providing a non-invasive route for glaucoma treatment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
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
The system provides precise, non-invasive glaucoma treatment by reducing intraocular pressure through targeted, non-thermal photo-disruption of ocular tissue, enabling repeatable procedures with minimal scarring and improved surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
enabling repeatable procedures with minimal scarring and improved surgical precision through targeted, non-thermal photo-disruption of ocular tissue
Implementation Method 2
An optical system including a first optical subsystem and a second optical subsystem. The second optical subsystem is configured to output a light beam. The optical system is configured so that the light beam is directed to be incident at a convex surface of an exit lens of the first optical subsystem along a second optical axis at an angle that is offset from a first optical axis of the first optical subsystem
Data Source
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AI summary
A first optical subsystem includes a window with a refractive index nw and an exit lens having a refractive index nx. The exit lens is configured to couple to the window to define a first optical axis extending through the window and the exit lens. A second optical subsystem is configured to output a light beam. The light beam is directed to be incident at a convex surface of the exit lens along a second optical axis at an angle α that is offset from the first optical axis. The window is configured to detachably couple to the cornea of the eye such that the first optical axis is generally aligned with a direction of view of the eye. The respective refractive indices nw and nx are configured to direct the light beam incident at the convex surface of the exit lens through the cornea of the eye toward the irido-corneal angle.