Corneal Cross-Linking Systems With Photochemical Kinetic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for disorders such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia, which involve cross-linking of the cornea, lack precision and efficiency in achieving desired biomechanical changes, leading to potential complications and suboptimal outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controller to adjust photoactivating light and oxygen delivery based on a photochemical kinetic model, incorporating reactive oxygen species reactions and non-oxygen reactions to achieve a three-dimensional distribution of cross-links in the cornea, with parameters optimized for desired biomechanical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cross-linking treatments are used, then the cornea can be strengthened to some extent, but the treatment lacks precision in achieving desired biomechanical changes and requires extended treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts treatment parameters (light intensity, oxygen concentration, exposure duration) in real-time based on feedback from sensors monitoring the corneal cross-linking process. This allows precise control over the rate and distribution of cross-links formed, achieving desired biomechanical changes while optimizing treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor the cross-linking process and provide feedback to a control algorithm. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of treatment parameters to achieve precise control over corneal biomechanical properties, preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment while reducing overall treatment time.
2Productivity
If higher intensity photoactivating light is used to speed up cross-linking, then treatment time is reduced, but the risk of damaging the cornea increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously (light intensity, oxygen concentration, riboflavin dosage, exposure duration) in a coordinated manner. By adjusting the oxygen concentration and riboflavin dosage alongside light intensity, the system achieves high cross-linking rates without exceeding the cornea's damage threshold, as the combined parameter optimization creates a safer treatment window.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment uses a composite approach combining riboflavin (cross-linking agent), oxygen (reactant), and photoactivating light (energy source) in specific ratios and concentrations. This composite treatment protocol allows the system to achieve high productivity by optimizing the interaction between all three components, rather than relying solely on high light intensity which would be damaging.
3Ease of operation
If uniform cross-linking is applied across the entire cornea, then the treatment is simple to administer, but it cannot address localized areas requiring different biomechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different treatment parameters to different regions of the cornea based on the specific disorder characteristics. Sensors map the corneal surface and identify areas requiring different levels of cross-linking, then the system delivers customized treatment zones with appropriate light intensity, oxygen concentration, and exposure duration for each local area, enabling precise treatment of localized disorders like keratoconus.
Solution Approach 2:
The corneal treatment area is divided into multiple zones or segments, each receiving customized treatment parameters. The system segments the treatment field based on the disorder distribution and applies different cross-linking intensities to different segments, allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple areas with different requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of corneal cross-linking treatments, reducing treatment time and ensuring optimal biomechanical stability, thereby addressing disorders like keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to activate cross-linking in at least one selected region of a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. The light source is configured to deliver photoactivating light to the at least one selected region of the cornea
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen source and an oxygen delivery device configured to provide a concentration of oxygen from the oxygen source to the at least one selected region of the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
A system for corneal treatment includes a light source that activates cross-linking in at least one selected region of a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. The light source delivers photoactivating light to the at least one selected region of the cornea according to a set of parameters. The system includes a controller that receives input relating to the cross-linking agent and the set of parameters. The controller includes computer-readable storage media storing: (A) program instructions for determining cross-linking resulting from reactions involving ROS including at least peroxides, superoxides, and hydroxyl radicals, and (B) program instructions for determining cross-linking from reactions not involving oxygen. The controller executes the program instructions to output a calculated amount of cross-linking in the at least one selected region of the cornea. In response to the calculated amount of cross-linking, the light source adjusts at least one value in the set of parameters.