One-piece femtosecond laser patient interface for single-stage docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current femtosecond laser docking procedures in ophthalmic surgery are two-stage, increasing the risk of errors due to multiple vacuum connections and longer docking times, which can lead to inconsistent suction and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece patient interface with an upper circular portion and a lower conical portion, featuring an applanation plate coated to be transparent to treatment wavelengths and reflective to non-treatment wavelengths, allowing for single-stage docking and improved measurement accuracy using a single vacuum connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage docking procedure is used with separate suction ring and suction cone, then the docking can be performed in traditional manner, but the docking time increases and the risk of errors from inconsistent suction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction ring and suction cone into a single integrated patient interface component. This merging eliminates the need for separate docking steps and reduces the number of vacuum connections required, thereby reducing docking time while maintaining docking accuracy through a single-stage docking procedure
2Ease of operation
If a two-stage docking procedure with multiple vacuum connections is used, then the docking can be performed in traditional manner, but the complexity of the procedure increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated patient interface merges multiple functions (suction ring positioning and suction cone docking) into a single component that requires only one vacuum connection. This simplifies the overall system complexity and makes the docking procedure easier to perform while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Reliability
If traditional two-stage docking is used, then the procedure follows established protocol, but the likelihood of mechanical deformations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the suction ring and suction cone into one piece, the patent eliminates the mechanical interfaces between separate components that could cause misalignment or deformation. The single-stage docking procedure reduces the number of mechanical operations, thereby reducing the likelihood of inducing mechanical deformations while maintaining procedure consistency
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
This solution reduces the likelihood of errors from inconsistent suction and shortens docking time, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing the risk of mechanical deformations, enabling faster and more precise ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an applanation plate coated to be transparent to treatment wavelengths and reflective to non-treatment wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The suction ring is often held in place and in contact with the eye by vacuum suction that is turned on after the suction ring is properly positioned on the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a one-piece patient interface for single-stage docking of a femtosecond laser. The one-piece patient interface includes an upper circular portion, a lower conical portion integrally formed with the upper circular portion, an applanation plate in the lower conical portion, and a vacuum connection. The applanation plate may be at least partially coated with an applanation plate coating that is substantially transparent to treatment wavelengths of the femtosecond laser and substantially reflective to non-treatment wavelengths. The disclosure further provides a method for single-stage docking of a femtosecond laser and a system for cutting a flap on an eye using a femtosecond laser.