Ophthalmologic Laser Device for Capsular Bag Membrane Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing or treating posterior capsule opacity (PCO) after cataract surgery are invasive, risk-prone, or require extensive manual intervention, and existing laser treatments can damage intraocular lenses or lead to complications such as retinal detachment.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic laser device with a pulsed laser and a variably adjustable beam deflector unit, combined with measuring equipment and a control unit, allows for precise determination and adjustment of target volumes within the eye to deliver laser pulses that generate pressure waves without tearing the capsular bag membranes, thereby preventing or treating PCO with reduced invasiveness and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser treatments are used to prevent or treat PCO, then the treatment can be performed, but the intraocular lens may be damaged or complications such as retinal detachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing ultra-short pulse duration (femtoseconds to picoseconds) and specific wavelength characteristics of the laser radiation. These parameter modifications enable photodisruption of the capsular bag membrane with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues and the intraocular lens, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action instead of continuous wave laser. The ultra-short pulses are delivered in controlled sequences, allowing the tissue to recover between pulses and preventing cumulative thermal damage. This periodic action enables effective PCO prevention/treatment while minimizing harmful effects on the intraocular lens and surrounding structures
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used in existing laser treatments for PCO, then the treatment can be performed, but extensive manual intervention is required increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using OCT (optical coherence tomography) to measure and determine the shape and position of the capsular bag membrane in real-time, then using this information to automatically control the laser beam deflector unit to precisely irradiate target volumes. This closed-loop feedback system automates the treatment process, reducing manual intervention while managing system complexity through integrated measurement and control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining treatment parameters and executing the laser irradiation without requiring extensive manual intervention. The OCT measurement system automatically identifies the capsular bag membrane geometry, and the control unit autonomously directs the laser beam to the appropriate target volumes, enabling the system to perform the complete treatment sequence with minimal operator involvement
3Manufacturing precision
If laser radiation is focused to treat PCO, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the intraocular lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the temporal parameter of laser delivery to ultra-short pulses (femtoseconds to picoseconds). This allows the laser energy to be deposited so rapidly that photodisruption occurs before thermal diffusion can spread to the intraocular lens, enabling precise focusing without increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses OCT measurement as an intermediary to precisely map the capsular bag membrane position and shape before laser treatment. This intermediary measurement step enables the control system to calculate safe target volumes that achieve treatment effectiveness while maintaining a safety margin from the intraocular lens, thus allowing precise focusing without increasing damage risk
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
This approach enables automatic measurement and treatment of capsular bag interfaces, reducing the likelihood of PCO development and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, allowing for a more efficient and safer prophylaxis and treatment of PCO during cataract surgery.
Implementation Method 1
An ophthalmologic laser device with a pulsed laser and a variably adjustable beam deflector unit
Implementation Method 2
deliver laser pulses that generate pressure waves without tearing the capsular bag membranes
Implementation Method 3
A variably adjustable beam deflector unit... allows for precise determination and adjustment of target volumes within the eye
Implementation Method 4
a focussing lens system, within a treatment area in different target volumes by means of the deflector unit
Implementation Method 5
measuring equipment for determination of the shape and position of optical interfaces along a detection beam path
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic laser device includes a pulsed laser configured to produce radiation focused along at treatment beam path. A variably adjustable beam deflector unit and a focusing lens system are disposed in the treatment beam path. The deflector unit is configured to focus the radiation in different target volumes. Measuring equipment is configured to determine a shape and position of optical interfaces along a detection beam path. A control unit is configured to control the laser and the deflector unit and to implement steps including determining a shape and position of an interface of a membrane of a capsular bag of an eye located in a treatment area using the measuring equipment, determining coordinates of a target volume such that, on irradiation of the target volume, a pressure wave runs from the target volume to the anterior or posterior membrane, and adjusting the deflector unit to the target determined volume.