Corneal Cross-Linking Control for 3D Depth and Dose Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cross-linking treatments for the cornea, such as those used to treat keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia, lack precision and efficiency in achieving desired biomechanical changes, particularly in controlling the distribution and depth of cross-links within the cornea.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a photochemical kinetic model to determine a three-dimensional distribution of cross-links in the cornea by controlling parameters like reactive oxygen species reactions and illumination settings, allowing for precise cross-linking treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cross-linking treatments are applied to the cornea, then corneal strengthening is achieved, but precision and efficiency in controlling cross-link distribution and depth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a light guide catheter to deliver photoactivating light to specific localized regions within the cornea. The system enables different regions of the cornea to receive different doses and durations of light exposure, creating a non-uniform cross-link distribution pattern that matches the specific structural needs of each region. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both precision (through localized control) and efficiency (through targeted treatment of only affected areas).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the corneal treatment into multiple discrete regions that can be independently treated. The light guide catheter can be positioned at different depths and locations within the cornea, allowing the treatment to be divided into multiple zones with different cross-linking parameters. This segmentation enables precise control over cross-link distribution while maintaining treatment efficiency by addressing only the specific regions that require strengthening.
2Strength
If cross-linking treatment is applied to strengthen cornea, then corneal strength increases, but treatment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using intermittent or pulsed light delivery through the light guide catheter. Instead of continuous illumination, the system delivers photoactivating light in controlled pulses or cycles, allowing the cross-linking reaction to proceed efficiently during light exposure periods while minimizing total treatment time. This periodic delivery pattern maintains adequate corneal strength development while significantly reducing the overall treatment duration compared to conventional continuous exposure methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional cross-linking is used, then corneal stabilization is achieved, but control over cross-link depth and distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide catheter as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the external light source and the internal corneal tissue. This catheter acts as a mediator that can be precisely positioned at specific depths within the cornea and delivers photoactivating light directly to the desired location. The intermediary catheter enables precise depth control and targeted cross-link distribution without requiring complex external optical systems, thus achieving depth precision while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
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
Enables efficient and precise corneal strengthening by optimizing cross-linking depth and distribution, reducing treatment time, and minimizing potential damage, while addressing conditions like keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination system delivers photoactivating light to a cross-linking agent applied to a cornea. The photoactivating light generates cross-linking activity with the cross-linking agent.
Implementation Method 2
The photochemical kinetic model calculates the distribution of cross-links based on cross-linking from reactions involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) including at least peroxides, superoxides, and hydroxyl radicals
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A corneal treatment system includes an illumination system configured to deliver photoactivating light to a cross-linking agent applied to a cornea. The system includes a controller that receives input relating to a desired biomechanical change in the cornea and executes program instructions to: (i) determine, from a photochemical kinetic model, a three-dimensional distribution of cross-links for the cornea to achieve the desired biomechanical change in the cornea, where the photochemical kinetic model calculates the distribution of cross-links based on cross-linking from (A) reactions involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) including at least peroxides, superoxides, and hydroxyl radicals, and (B) reactions not involving oxygen; and (ii) determine at least one set of treatment parameters to achieve the distribution of cross-links. The at least one set of treatment parameters includes illumination parameters for the delivery of the photoactivating light. The illumination system delivers the photoactivating light according to the illumination parameters.