Floating Patient Interface for Laser Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accommodating patient eye movement during procedures, leading to patient discomfort and increased system complexity due to the need for rigid support assemblies that inhibit movement, which can still allow significant relative movement between the patient and the system.
Innovation Solution
A laser eye surgery system incorporating a femtosecond laser source, an integrated optical scanning assembly with piezoelectric force sensors, a floating base assembly with motorized bearing assemblies, and a motorized chair assembly to counteract patient movement, allowing for precise movement compensation and reduced patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support assemblies and restraint features are used to inhibit patient movement, then relative movement between the patient and laser system is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path components movable rather than rigidly fixed. The laser beam source and scanning mechanisms are mounted on movable platforms that can dynamically adjust their positions to track eye movement, eliminating the need for complex rigid support assemblies while maintaining stability of the optical path relative to the eye
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by employing eye-tracking feedback where the movement of the eye is automatically detected and used to control the positioning of the laser beam source and scanning mechanisms, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to patient movement without requiring external restraint
2Stability of the object's composition
If contact lens restraint is used to inhibit eye movement, then eye movement is controlled, but patient discomfort and anxiety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a liquid interface layer between the optical system and the eye. This liquid interface serves as a mediator that maintains optical contact without requiring mechanical restraint, allowing the system to track and adapt to eye movement while keeping the eye comfortable and relaxed
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the eye to move freely while using eye-tracking to detect movement and automatically adjust the laser beam positioning. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for contact lens restraint, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining precise control over the laser treatment location
3Measurement precision
If dedicated support assembly with positioning mechanism is used to position patient's eye, then eye positioning is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical and computational methods. Instead of using dedicated support assemblies with mechanical positioning mechanisms, the system uses eye-tracking technology combined with software algorithms to calculate and adjust the laser beam path, achieving precise eye positioning through non-mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform mounting the laser beam source and scanning mechanisms serves multiple functions: it positions the optical components, tracks eye movement, and maintains the optical path alignment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated support assemblies and positioning mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 effectively accounts for patient eye movement, enhancing procedural accuracy and comfort by dynamically adjusting to patient movements, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the patient interface includes at least three piezoelectric force sensors in communication with a computer subsystem
Implementation Method 2
the floating base assembly including three axis motorized bearing assemblies, the integrated optical scanning assembly being mounted to the floating base assembly
Implementation Method 3
a femtosecond laser source configured to produce a treatment beam that includes a plurality of laser pulses
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
Systems and methods here may be used to support a femtosecond laser eye surgery system including utilizing a floating head and/or patient support to maintain alignment of the system with a patient using feedback loops of force sensors in a patient interface. In some examples, the floating head and/or patient support may counteract movements detected in the force sensors. In some example embodiments, a ranging subsystem may detect and compensate for different arrangements of the floating head assembly using a ranging sample beam.