Corneal Lenticule Cutting Geometry for Implant Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for refractive correction in the human eye, such as LASIK and implantation of presbyopia correction inlays, face challenges in ensuring optimal implantation and stability, leading to potential complications and reduced efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A system for producing control data to create specific cutting geometries in the cornea using a laser unit, including a cap cut, access cut, and external opening cut, which stabilizes the implant and allows for precise positioning and removal of a lenticule, thereby improving the centring and stability of cornea implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser keratome is used to expose the lamella, then the geometric precision and lamella thickness constancy are improved, but the complexity of the treatment device increases due to requiring two different treatment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the laser keratome (for creating the lenticule) and the excimer laser (for ablation) into a single integrated treatment device. This merging eliminates the need for two separate devices while maintaining the geometric precision advantages of laser-assisted procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both the incision phase (creating the lenticule with precise geometry) and the ablation phase (vaporizing corneal tissue) within a single device platform, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving manufacturing precision.
2Reliability
If the excimer laser is used to vaporize corneal tissue, then the refraction correction is achieved, but the complexity of the treatment process increases due to requiring sequential use of two different lasers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lenticule creation function and the tissue ablation function into a single integrated treatment device, allowing both the incision phase and ablation phase to be performed sequentially within one device platform, thereby simplifying the overall treatment process while maintaining refraction correction efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser keratome creates the lenticule structure in advance (preliminary action) before the excimer laser performs the ablation. This preliminary preparation of the corneal tissue geometry enables the subsequent ablation to be more precise and effective, while the integrated device allows seamless transition between these phases.
3Ease of operation
If a flap is created in LASIK, then access to the corneal tissue is provided for ablation, but the biomechanical integrity of the cornea is compromised and complications such as epithelial ingrowth may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corneal tissue modification into two distinct phases: first creating a precise lenticule structure through laser incisions, then removing it through a small opening cut. This segmentation allows access to the corneal tissue for ablation without creating a large flap, thereby preserving corneal biomechanical integrity and reducing complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The lenticule is extracted through a small opening cut rather than requiring a large flap to be created. This extraction method provides sufficient access for ablation while minimizing disruption to the corneal structure, thereby maintaining biomechanical integrity and reducing the risk of complications such as epithelial ingrowth.
4Reliability
If a small opening cut is used instead of a flap, then the biomechanical integrity of the cornea is preserved, but the access to the lenticule for removal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional lenticule structure that can be accessed and removed through a two-dimensional small opening cut. The lenticule's geometry allows it to be manipulated and extracted through the limited opening by folding or rolling, effectively solving the access problem without compromising corneal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lenticule is pre-formed with a specific geometry that facilitates its removal through the small opening cut. The preliminary creation of this geometrically optimized lenticule structure enables easy extraction despite the limited access provided by the small opening, resolving the contradiction between preserving integrity and enabling operation.
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
The system ensures optimal positioning and stability of cornea implants, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing the efficacy and safety of refractive correction procedures, including the ability to reuse pre-machined lenticules for tissue replacement or transplantation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit (4), which produces at least one cutting surface in the cornea (17) by means of laser radiation (6)
Implementation Method 2
the LASIK operation provides the use of an excimer laser, which removes, by ablation, the corneal tissue which is exposed under the lamella
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing control data for controlling a laser so as to produce at least one cutting surface in a cornea of an eye of a patient includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for establishing a geometry of a lenticule cut, establishing a geometry of a cap cut running substantially parallel to a surface of the cornea, establishing a geometry of an external opening cut arranged outside an optical zone of the eye of the patient, and establishing a geometry of an access cut to connect the cap cut to the external opening cut.