Disposable Patient Interface for Ophthalmic Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning the eye with ophthalmic surgical laser systems are either inaccurate, require sterilization or replacement of contact lenses, or introduce additional time and costs due to alignment and sterilization needs.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with an applanation end and attachment end, featuring a skirt and applanation lens affixed by a flexible support, which seals against the cornea and provides a biological barrier, and optional vent ports to equalize pressure, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact lens is permanently mounted on the laser system, then alignment between the eye and laser source is maintained, but sterilization time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable contact lenses that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for sterilization and complex alignment procedures for replacement. Each disposable lens is pre-sterilized and pre-aligned, allowing quick exchange between procedures without time-consuming sterilization cycles or alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens system is segmented into separate functional components: the disposable contact lens itself, the mounting mechanism on the laser system, and the alignment features. This segmentation allows the lens to be independently replaced without affecting the mounting system, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining alignment stability.
2Measurement precision
If reference marks are used to align the disposable contact lens with the laser system, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the alignment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is manufactured with reference marks pre-positioned at precise locations that correspond to the laser system's focal points. This preliminary alignment preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment procedures during surgery, as the lens arrives pre-aligned and requires only simple placement on the mounting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference marks on the contact lens use high-contrast colors or fluorescent materials that are easily visible through the laser system's optics, enabling rapid visual confirmation of proper alignment position without requiring complex alignment tools or procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the contact lens is used to stabilize the eye, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is designed as a single-use disposable item that is discarded after one surgical procedure. This eliminates cross-contamination risk entirely, as each lens is used only once and then disposed of in sterile waste containers, preventing any possibility of pathogen transmission between patients while maintaining the eye-stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens is extracted from the reusable laser system components and treated as a separate disposable element. By removing the lens from the permanent mounting structure and making it independently disposable, the system eliminates the contamination risk associated with reusing lenses while preserving the alignment and stabilization benefits.
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 device stabilizes the eye, reduces cross-contamination risks, and simplifies the alignment process, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of ophthalmic surgical procedures while maintaining a sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the enclosed vacuum channel and is employed during the surgical procedure to at least partially evacuate the vacuum channel, thereby sealing the skirt against the cornea.
Implementation Method 2
A transparent applanator plate is placed in contact with the cornea of a patient's eye. The applanator plate creates a fixed positional frame of reference which the laser beam control system can use to position the focus of the laser beam.
Implementation Method 3
An applanation lens is disposed near the applanation end of the frame and is affixed to the frame by a flexible support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient interface device adapted to provide an interface between a cornea and a surgical laser system. A frame has an applanation end and an attachment end which is adapted to couple to the surgical laser system. A skirt is affixed to the applanation end of the frame and is adapted to seal against the anterior surface of the cornea to form a chamber. A lens is disposed near the applanation end of the frame and is supported by a flexible support which affixes the lens to the frame.