Eye Fixation Device for Laser Surgery Applanation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodisruptive laser surgery systems face challenges in maintaining optical focus and precise positioning of laser pulses, especially with high repetition rates and small focal spots, due to eye movements and optical aberrations, which complicates accurate delivery of laser pulses to the target tissue.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device that rigidly couples a fixation ring to the eye, allowing for convenient insertion and locking of an applanation lens, maintaining the applanation condition and aligning the optical delivery path with the center of the applanation surface, while enabling precise centration of the applanation lens with the laser optical delivery system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixation device rigidly couples a fixation ring to the eye, then eye stability and optical focus are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the multi-component structure requiring precise alignment and locking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate functional components: a fixation ring for stabilizing the eye, an applanation lens for optical contact, and a locking mechanism for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system stability during laser surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The applanation lens serves as an intermediary element between the fixation ring and the laser optical system. It provides a stable optical interface that maintains the applanation condition while allowing the fixation ring to independently perform eye stabilization, thereby resolving the complexity of directly coupling all functions
2Manufacturing precision
If an applanation lens is inserted and locked to the fixation ring, then optical aberrations are reduced and laser focus is improved, but the time required for device setup and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation ring is pre-configured with alignment features and the applanation lens is designed with complementary positioning structures. This preliminary preparation of alignment features allows for rapid and accurate assembly without requiring complex adjustment procedures during surgery, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism replaces complex manual alignment and securing procedures with a simplified mechanical locking system. This substitution reduces the time required for device setup while ensuring precise optical alignment and maintaining the applanation condition throughout the surgical procedure
3Measurement precision
If the fixation ring is centered and aligned with the laser optical delivery system, then laser pulse delivery accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of operation and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation ring incorporates asymmetric alignment features such as keyed interfaces or indexed positions that guide the device into the correct orientation relative to the laser optical delivery system. This asymmetric design eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures while ensuring precise positioning of laser pulses on the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, techniques and systems are provided for interfacing with an eye in laser surgery.