Capsular Bag Shrinkage Control via Laser Induced Optical Breakdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Postoperative capsular bag shrinkage after cataract surgery often leads to misalignment of the prosthetic Intraocular Lens (IOL) due to unbalanced force distribution, decentered capsulorhexis, or unexpected rupture, necessitating a method to control and align the IOL axis with a predefined eye axis.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) techniques, guided by a computer and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, to alter the capsular bag's shrinkage pattern by making precise cuts or punctures with a femtosecond laser, ensuring proper alignment of the IOL axis with a predefined eye axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the prosthetic IOL is inserted into the capsular bag after cataract surgery, then the IOL functions as a replacement for the removed lens, but the capsular bag shrinkage causes misalignment of the IOL axis with the eye axis

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL alignment stabilityVSAvoidcapsular bag shape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of capsular bag condition and IOL axis orientation before shrinkage occurs, predicts the shrinkage pattern, and plans laser alterations in advance to pre-compensate for expected misalignment, ensuring proper alignment is achieved after shrinkage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the capsular bag by creating laser-induced alterations that modify tissue strength and elasticity, thereby controlling the shrinkage behavior and final shape of the capsular bag to maintain IOL alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) techniques are used to alter capsular bag tissue, then shrinkage control and alignment improvement are achieved, but system complexity and procedural difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL alignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: OCT imaging for visualization, computer analysis for prediction, and laser delivery for treatment, all coordinated through one system that can perform evaluation, prediction, and correction functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual surgical techniques with automated computer-guided laser delivery, using optical coherence tomography and algorithmic prediction to eliminate the need for complex manual assessment and adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional manual techniques are used for IOL positioning, then the procedure is simple to perform, but misalignment occurs due to uncontrolled capsular bag shrinkage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical procedure simplicityVSAvoidIOL axis alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses OCT imaging to provide real-time feedback on capsular bag condition and IOL position, allowing the computer to analyze the current state, predict shrinkage outcomes, and guide laser alterations based on actual observed conditions rather than estimates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively controls capsular bag shrinkage to maintain proper optical alignment of the IOL, reducing the risk of misalignment and ensuring the IOL functions correctly by predicting and influencing shrinkage patterns based on real-time imaging and force distribution analysis.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system for performing postoperative surgical laser alterations on the capsular bag by Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB): Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

a detector for creating an image of the prosthetic IOL after it has been postoperatively positioned inside the capsular bag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical Coherence Tomography: Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2797563B1System for postoperative capsular bag control
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 TECHNOLAS PERFECT VISION
  • EP2797563B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided for controlling postoperative shrinkage of the capsular bag, after the lens has been removed from the capsular bag. The purpose is to establish a proper optical alignment for a prosthetic Intraocular Lens (lOL). Included in the system are a laser unit for generating a laser beam, a detector for creating an image of the prosthetic lOL in the capsular bag, and a computer for evaluating the image to determine an alignment difference between the lOL axis and a defined axis of the eye. The computer is also used for guiding the laser beam to alter selected tissue in the eye, to thereby influence postoperative shrinkage of the capsular bag and minimize any potential alignment difference between the lOL axis and the defined axis of the eye during capsular bag shrinkage.