Computer-Aided Femtosecond Laser Cut Pattern Generator for Eye Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmological laser systems lack flexibility and safety for users to perform arbitrary cuts in eye tissue, as they require expert-level beam deflection and pulse control, and do not allow for efficient operation planning or treatment of non-standard procedures like corneal flap cutting.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided system that generates a three-dimensional cut pattern for femtosecond laser pulses, using a data storage with eye data, a reference generator, cut surface editor, and cut pattern generator to define and position cut surfaces in a three-dimensional model of the eye, allowing users to specify cutting lines, shapes, and application elements, while ensuring safe execution sequences and preventing thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If femtosecond laser is used for cutting eye tissue, then cutting precision and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to required expert-level beam deflection and pulse control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scalpel as an intermediary tool that mechanically guides the femtosecond laser beam along the desired cutting path. The scalpel blade acts as a physical mediator between the user's cutting intention and the laser beam, automatically deflecting the beam without requiring expert-level manual control. This intermediary mechanism preserves the precision benefits of laser cutting while eliminating the operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical beam deflection system (requiring expert manual control) with a hybrid system combining simple mechanical guidance (scalpel) and optical field control (laser). The scalpel's mechanical structure provides intuitive cutting path definition, while the laser provides precise energy delivery, substituting the need for complex manual beam manipulation with a more accessible mechanical-optical hybrid approach.
2Ease of operation
If known ophthalmological laser systems are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but cutting flexibility is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scalpel multi-functional by combining its traditional cutting guidance function with a new function: serving as a beam deflection guide for the femtosecond laser. This allows the same simple mechanical tool to provide both mechanical cutting guidance and optical beam control, enabling users to perform diverse cutting tasks (flaps, caps, patterns) with a single intuitive interface, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and cutting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the laser beam's path based on the real-time position and orientation of the scalpel blade. As the user moves the scalpel along the desired cutting trajectory, the system dynamically redirects the laser beam to follow the blade's path, enabling flexible cutting patterns without requiring pre-programming or complex manual beam control. This dynamic coupling preserves operational simplicity while achieving cutting flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary cuts are attempted without proper control systems, then cutting versatility increases, but patient safety decreases due to damaging parameterizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the scalpel's position and the laser's operational parameters. The system provides real-time feedback to ensure the laser beam follows the intended cutting path defined by the scalpel, preventing deviant beam paths that could cause tissue damage. This feedback mechanism enables arbitrary cutting patterns while maintaining patient safety through continuous parameter verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires the user to preliminarily define the cutting path using the scalpel before activating the laser. This preliminary action establishes a safe, pre-planned trajectory that the laser will follow, preventing impulsive or erroneous laser activation. The scalpel's mechanical guidance serves as a preliminary safety check, ensuring the laser only operates along intentionally defined paths, thereby enabling versatile cutting while minimizing patient damage risk.
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 cutting flexibility and safety by enabling users to define precise tissue cuts in a three-dimensional model, reducing the need for direct manipulation during surgery and preventing potential damage, thus making femtosecond laser technology more accessible for various eye treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a femtosecond laser which is configured to execute tissue cuts on the eye based on the generated three-dimensional cut pattern
Implementation Method 2
the laser has yet to replace the scalpel for cutting eye tissue in a number of applications
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-aided system include a data storage (18) with eye data (181), which defines a three-dimensional model of the eye, and a reference generator (113) for defining and storing a geometric reference in relation to the three-dimensional model of the eye. The system additionally includes a cut surface editor for defining and positioning cut surfaces in the three-dimensional model of the eye based on user instructions. Finally, the system includes a cut pattern generator (117) for, based on the positioned cut surfaces, generating and storing three-dimensional cut patterns for defining tissue cuts to be executed in a human eye by means of femtosecond laser pulses. The generation of a three-dimensional cut pattern permits the user to define tissue cuts made possible by femtosecond laser pulses in a targeted and efficient fashion in the three-dimensional model of the eye without having to undertake manipulations directly on the eye for this purpose.