Corneal Laser Planning Device for Synchronized Lenticule and Cap Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refractive surgery methods, such as LASIK and SMILE, require multiple treatment apparatuses and can be compromised by tissue displacement due to plasma bubbles, affecting cut quality and patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A planning device and treatment apparatus with fast scanners using materials with high specific stiffness phi > 30×10^6 m^2 s^-2, enabling simultaneous incision of lenticule and cap cuts with a constant time interval, minimizing scanner repositioning and improving cut precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple treatment apparatuses are used (laser keratome for lamella exposure and separate laser for tissue vaporization), then the treatment can be performed with established methods, but the device complexity increases and treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser keratome and excimer laser into a single integrated treatment apparatus. The laser keratome component creates the lamella exposure while the excimer laser component immediately follows to vaporize the corneal tissue, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both the laser keratome for lamella exposure and the excimer laser for tissue vaporization removal within a single device platform. This universal apparatus can perform multiple functions that were previously requiring separate devices, streamlining the surgical workflow
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential cutting of lenticule and cap is performed, then the treatment can be completed, but the total treatment time increases due to multiple scanning passes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning where the laser beam performs both lenticule cutting and cap cutting in an uninterrupted sequence. The scanning pattern is designed to transition smoothly from lenticule cut to cap cut without idle time, maintaining continuous useful action on the corneal tissue to reduce overall treatment duration while preserving cut quality
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is pre-programmed with the optimized scanning pattern that sequences the lenticule cut followed immediately by the cap cut. This preliminary planning of the cutting sequence ensures that the transition between different cutting phases is smooth and time-efficient, avoiding unnecessary delays during the treatment process
3Manufacturing precision
If scanner repositioning is required between lenticule cut and cap cut, then the cutting paths can be defined, but the time interval between cuts increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional scanning pattern that transitions from radial scanning for the lenticule cut to axial scanning for the cap cut. This dimensional transition allows the scanner to reposition smoothly between cutting phases, maintaining precision while minimizing the time interval through optimized spatial routing of the laser beam
4Manufacturing precision
If plasma bubbles are generated during laser cutting, then tissue separation is achieved, but tissue displacement occurs and cut quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the plasma bubble effect generated by the laser pulses to achieve tissue separation, but controls the parameters (pulse duration, energy levels) to ensure that the plasma bubbles collapse quickly and do not cause harmful tissue displacement. The harmful effect is converted into a beneficial separation mechanism while minimizing adverse consequences through precise parameter 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 cut quality and efficiency by maintaining consistent time intervals for adjacent corneal incisions, reducing complications and improving refractive correction accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the optical radiation effect is usually exploited by virtue of optical breakdown being generated by individual optical pulses
Implementation Method 2
plasma bubbles with diameters of the order of a few micrometers arise during the interaction of the laser pulses with the corneal material
Data Source
AI summary
A planning device that generates control data for a treatment apparatus which produces at least one cut surface in the cornea by application of a laser device. The invention further relates to a treatment apparatus having a planning device of the aforementioned type. The invention further relates to a method of generating control data for this treatment apparatus, and also to a method for eye surgery, at least one cut surface being produced in the cornea by application of a treatment apparatus with a laser device. The planning device has a calculation application that defines corneal cut surfaces, including a lenticule cut and a cap cut, the incision being controlled by the control data such that mutually corresponding locations of the lenticule cut and cap cut are impinged by laser pulses during substantially the same time interval.