Corneal Lenticule Side Tab for Laser Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-assisted ophthalmic procedures for reshaping the cornea, such as SmILE, face challenges in efficiently forming and extracting lenticules without residual tissue or complications during extraction.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical laser system that generates a pulsed laser beam to form top and bottom lenticule surface incisions in the cornea, intersecting to create a lenticule with a circular or oval shape and a side tab for easy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional laser incisions are used to form a lenticule in the cornea, then the lenticule can be created with precise shape control, but the extraction of the lenticule becomes difficult and may leave residual tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The lenticule is segmented into a main body and a protruding side tab portion. The side tab extends laterally from the peripheral location of the lenticule, creating a distinct segment that can be grasped and used for extraction while leaving the main lenticule body intact for optimal corneal reshaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The side tab acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the extraction process. It provides a grasping point for surgical instruments, serving as a mediator between the lenticule and the extraction tool, enabling easy removal without directly manipulating the main lenticule body.
2Productivity
If the lenticule is formed with a standard circular shape, then the optical correction is optimal, but the extraction process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lenticule geometry is made asymmetric by adding a side tab portion that protrudes from one peripheral location. The main body maintains its circular or oval shape for optical purposes, while the asymmetric side tab extension provides a functional advantage for extraction without compromising the optical zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The side tab extends in a lateral dimension from the peripheral location of the lenticule, adding a new spatial dimension to the otherwise planar circular shape. This dimensional extension creates a handle-like structure that protrudes from the corneal stroma, enabling grasping and extraction from a different spatial approach.
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 enables precise formation and efficient extraction of corneal lenticules, minimizing residual tissue and improving the speed and completeness of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a laser system configured to generate a pulsed laser beam; an optical delivery system configured to deliver the published laser beam to a cornea of a patient's eye
Data Source
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AI summary
In an ophthalmic laser procedure, a lenticule is formed in the cornea and extracted from the cornea to accomplish vision correction. The ophthalmic laser system is used to form top and bottom lenticule incisions which intersect each other to form an isolated volume of corneal tissue in between. The volume of tissue includes a lenticular portion having a circular or oval shape and a side tab that protrudes from the peripheral of the lenticular portion. The side tab has a radial dimension between 0.5 and 5 mm and a width between 0.5 and 3 mm in. An entry cut is further formed from the anterior corneal surface to the top or bottom lenticule incisions to provide access to the lenticule. During extraction, the surgeon uses the surgical tool to grab the side tab to extract the lenticule.