Fluid Jet Eye Surgery Apparatus for Precise Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating tissues, particularly in eye surgery, face challenges such as longer healing times, less than ideal outcomes, cumbersome interfaces, inaccurate tissue removal, and unpredictable pressure reduction in glaucoma treatment, often resulting in secondary complications like secondary cataract formation and decreased efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fluid jet with controlled ablative energy to precisely remove ocular tissue, combined with advanced imaging and energy source positioning systems for real-time guidance and accurate tissue resection, allowing for pre-defined volume removal and precise control of tissue layers, while minimizing damage to sensitive structures like the corneal endothelium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior ultrasound methods are used to image tissue during treatment, then imaging can be performed, but the imaging is not well suited to view the treatment site during treatment and alignment with treatment images is less than ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging system and treatment system into an integrated platform where ultrasound imaging and treatment delivery are coordinated through a common coordinate system and control architecture, eliminating alignment issues between separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a software-based coordinate mapping system that uses image registration and transformation algorithms to align treatment and imaging data in virtual space
2Manufacturing precision
If prior treatment methods are used to remove ocular tissue, then tissue removal can be performed, but the removal accuracy is less than ideal and healing time is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting instruments with a focused energy delivery system that uses ultrasonic or laser energy to precisely ablate tissue at the molecular level, achieving cleaner cuts with less trauma to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of energy to the tissue target, using controlled energy pulses with specific frequency, amplitude, and duration to optimize tissue removal while minimizing thermal damage and promoting faster healing
3Ease of operation
If prior user interfaces are used for surgery planning, then planning can be performed, but the interface is cumbersome and provides less than ideal surgery planning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated treatment planning by automatically processing imaging data, generating 3D models, and suggesting treatment parameters based on pre-programmed algorithms, reducing the manual workload on surgeons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies and 3D reconstructions of the patient's anatomy from 2D imaging data, allowing surgeons to plan and rehearse procedures in a virtual environment before performing actual surgery
4Productivity
If prior laser methods are used to cut lens capsule and remove lens, then lens removal can be performed, but the process is time consuming and may not ideally remove all tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous or rapidly pulsed energy delivery to maintain constant action on the target tissue throughout the procedure, preventing incomplete removal and ensuring all lens material is eliminated in a single continuous process
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 approach enables more accurate and efficient tissue removal, reduces healing time, improves glaucoma surgery outcomes by enhancing fluid flow, and decreases variability, providing a more predictable and effective treatment with reduced risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid jet is directed at tissue to erode tissue with a controlled amount of ablative energy of a jet
Implementation Method 2
Prior ultrasound methods and apparatus may not be well suited to view the treatment sight during treatment
Implementation Method 3
a fluid jet is directed at tissue to erode tissue with a controlled amount of ablative energy
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid jet is directed at tissue to erode tissue with a controlled amount of ablative energy of a jet. Embodiments as described herein can provide controlled removal of ocular tissue, and can remove a pre-defined volume having a pre-determined shape, for example. The accurate tissue removal as described herein can have many applications, such as removal of the lens for cataract surgery to more completely remove the cortex and nucleus of the lens and to separate layers of the lens. The length of an ablation depth extending from an opening that releases the jet can be controlled, and the angle and longitudinal position of the opening can be controlled together, in order to ablate a pre-determined volume of tissue having the surface profile.