Confocal Capsulotomy Detection Minimizes Overcut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently performing capsulotomy during cataract procedures due to the thinness of the lens capsule and limitations in depth precision, leading to potential incomplete cuts and refractive errors from eye movement.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method where the focal point of a treatment beam is scanned and adjusted based on intensity signal measurements to minimize the number of scans required, using a feedback loop to precisely locate and incise the lens capsule, potentially reducing energy delivery and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser scan pattern extends deeper into the eye to ensure complete cutting of the lens capsule, then the reliability of the capsulotomy is improved, but the amount of energy delivered to the patient's eye increases and the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary scan to locate the lens capsule before delivering the treatment beam. This preliminary positioning action allows the treatment to be concentrated precisely on the capsule, avoiding unnecessary energy delivery to surrounding tissues while ensuring complete cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical depth control with optical detection. By using light scattering properties to detect the lens capsule position, the system achieves precise depth localization without relying on mechanical depth measurements, thereby concentrating energy exactly where needed.
2Reliability
If the laser scan pattern uses a longer depth dimension to ensure complete cutting through the lens capsule, then the reliability of the procedure is improved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time detection of light scattering properties to provide feedback on the lens capsule position. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust the scan pattern and focal depth, concentrating the cutting action in a smaller depth range while ensuring complete penetration of the capsule, thereby reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify the lens capsule location before treatment. This preliminary action enables the treatment scan to be optimized in real-time, reducing the depth dimension needed while ensuring complete cutting, thus decreasing procedure time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser system uses a smaller focal spot size to improve precision of the capsulotomy, then the manufacturing precision of the incision is improved, but the number of scans required to ensure complete cutting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical depth control with optical detection based on light scattering. This substitution enables precise localization of the lens capsule, allowing the use of smaller focal spots to improve incision precision while the detection system ensures complete cutting is achieved through accurate depth information, reducing the number of scans needed.
4Productivity
If the laser system increases the depth of field to reduce the number of scans required, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the capsulotomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from light scattering detection to dynamically adjust the focal depth and scan pattern. This feedback mechanism allows the use of larger depth of field for faster cutting while maintaining precision by continuously correcting the focal position based on detected capsule location.
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 allows for more precise and efficient capsulotomy with fewer scans, reducing the risk of incomplete cuts and energy exposure, while maintaining alignment and accuracy despite eye movement.
Implementation Method 1
the focal point of an electromagnetic radiation beam is scanned across a surface of an intraocular target, such as a lens capsule, and signal intensity generated by light scattering is used to identify the capsule surface
Implementation Method 2
a laser-created capsulotomy, the actual target depth requirements is minimal as the anterior lens capsule in humans is only about 7 micro meters thick
Implementation Method 3
the focal point of an electromagnetic radiation beam is scanned across a surface of an intraocular target
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure disclose an imaging system, including an eye interface device, a scanning assembly, a beam source, a free-floating mechanism, and a detection assembly. The beam source generates an electromagnetic radiation beam. The detection assembly generates a signal indicative of an intensity of a portion of the electromagnetic radiation beam reflected from the focal point location. A subsequent focal point of the electromagnetic radiation beam may be adjusted per the measured intensity signal. In some embodiments, an intensity signal below a lower threshold value may suggest a depth increase for a subsequent focal point. An intensity signal above an upper threshold value may suggest a depth decrease for a subsequent focal point. And, an intensity signal between the lower and upper thresholds may suggest a depth be maintained for a subsequent focal point. The focal point may be adjusted after each pulse or after a plurality of pulses.