Combined Excimer Laser and Phacoemulsification for Glaucoma Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Glaucoma, caused by elevated intraocular pressure, can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness if left untreated, and current treatments are invasive and risky, while minimally invasive laser treatments may not effectively address the underlying obstruction in the trabecular meshwork.

Innovation Solution

A combined excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) and phacoemulsification procedure is performed prophylactically to create perforations in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal to enhance fluid drainage, using an excimer laser and phacoemulsification ultrasound through a single incision, potentially reducing intraocular pressure before glaucoma symptoms manifest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional invasive treatments are used to treat glaucoma, then the underlying obstruction in the trabecular meshwork can be addressed, but the treatment carries high risk and invasiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treating trabecular meshwork obstructionVSAvoidinvasiveness and risk of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical interventions with a laser-based system. The excimer laser delivers focused energy through the trabecular meshwork to create perforations, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical surgery while achieving the same therapeutic effect of improving fluid drainage and reducing intraocular pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes specific laser parameters including wavelength (308 nm for excimer laser), pulse duration, and energy density to achieve precise tissue modification. By controlling these parameters, the system creates controlled perforations in the trabecular meshwork without causing excessive thermal damage, thereby reducing treatment invasiveness while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If minimally invasive laser treatments are used, then treatment risk is reduced, but the underlying obstruction in the trabecular meshwork may not be effectively addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment riskVSAvoideffectiveness of treating trabecular meshwork obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multiple laser shots at different locations within the trabecular meshwork to create multiple perforations. This segmentation approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the obstructed areas, effectively addressing the underlying obstruction while maintaining the minimally invasive nature of laser treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs pulsed laser delivery with controlled pulse durations and intervals. This periodic action allows precise energy delivery to create perforations while minimizing thermal accumulation and tissue damage, thereby maintaining both low risk and high effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If multiple separate procedures are performed for cataracts and glaucoma treatment, then each condition can be treated effectively, but the overall treatment time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treating individual conditionsVSAvoidtotal treatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) and glaucoma treatment (laser trabeculostomy) into a single surgical procedure. The surgeon performs both the cataract removal and the laser application through the same incision, thereby treating multiple conditions effectively while reducing total treatment time and surgical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical system and procedure are designed to handle multiple functions within a single operation. The same surgical environment and incision serve both the cataract removal and the glaucoma treatment, making the procedure universal for addressing multiple eye conditions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces intraocular pressure and prevents glaucoma progression by creating channels in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, offering a less invasive and more effective treatment option for patients at risk, including those with cataracts or other risk factors.

Implementation Method 1

applying an excimer laser to create a plurality of perforations in the trabecular meshwork by applying a plurality of shots to the trabecular meshwork from the excimer laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

applying phacoemulsification ultrasound to the patient diagnosed as having the cataracts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12409069B2Systems and methods for a combined excimer laser and phacoemulsification unit

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 ELIOS VISION INC

AI summary

An apparatus for treating an eye includes a housing, an excimer laser source within the housing, an ultrasound generator within the housing, an irrigation source within the housing, and an aspiration source within the housing.