Confocal Bypass Assembly for Laser Eye Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accurately imaging and verifying the depth of incisions, particularly due to the birefringent characteristics of the cornea, which complicates the identification of posterior surface imaging and the verification of incision depth along the entire length during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method involving dual electromagnetic radiation beams with different polarizations, scanned using an XY-scan device and a Z-scan device to generate intensity profiles, allowing for three-dimensional imaging of the eye, including the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea, and projecting a three-dimensional treatment plan onto a two-dimensional image for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-plane cross-sectional imaging is used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of incision depth verification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane cross-sectional imaging to multi-plane three-dimensional imaging by adding depth scanning capability (Z-scan device) to the existing XY scanning system. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive verification of incision depth along the entire arcuate incision length, not just at a single cross-sectional plane, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a confocal detection assembly as an intermediary component that enables precise depth measurement by detecting reflected electromagnetic radiation from different focal planes. This intermediary detection mechanism allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for incision depth verification without requiring complex direct measurement techniques.
2Measurement precision
If dual electromagnetic radiation beams with different polarizations are used, then the imaging precision of corneal surfaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in polarization state as a key parameter to differentiate and image the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. By employing electromagnetic radiation beams with different polarization states and analyzing the reflected signals, the system achieves precise imaging of both corneal surfaces. This parameter-based differentiation approach improves measurement precision while avoiding the need for physically separate imaging systems for each surface.
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 precise imaging and verification of incisions within the cornea, improving the accuracy of surgical planning and execution by providing comprehensive, three-dimensional visualization of ocular structures and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
focusing an electromagnetic radiation beam to a focal point at a location within the eye
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from the focal point location
Implementation Method 3
the cornea's birefringent characteristics may make the identification, detection, and/or imaging of the posterior surface of the cornea more difficult
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reversibly separating an imaging assembly from an optical path in a laser surgical system includes generating an electromagnetic beam, propagating the electromagnetic beam from the beam source to a scanner along an optical path, the optical path comprising a first optical element that attenuates the electromagnetic beam, reversibly inserting a confocal bypass assembly into the optical path, diverting the electromagnetic beam along a diversion optical path around the first optical element, wherein the confocal bypass assembly automatically exits the optical path when a power loss occurs to one or more components of the system.