Imaging-Controlled Laser System for Cataract Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser cataract surgery techniques face challenges in precision and control due to interference between capsulotomy and lens fragmentation procedures, with both sequences leading to reduced precision and increased discomfort for the patient, as they create excessive bubbles that scatter laser pulses and complicate subsequent surgical steps.
Innovation Solution
An imaging-based laser system that generates and scans laser pulses with adjustable power parameters, imaging the capsule layer to control laser power based on distance from the imaged layer, allowing for precise capsulotomy before lens fragmentation and minimizing bubble formation in critical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lens fragmentation is performed first, then the capsule is expanded by bubbles formed inside, but this requires a second imaging procedure which consumes surgical time and reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs capsulotomy first to create a clear access path and define the surgical field before proceeding to lens fragmentation. This preliminary action prevents the need for re-imaging after fragmentation, as the initial imaging and capsulotomy establish the working conditions for the subsequent fragmentation step without requiring capsule re-imaging
2Ease of operation
If capsulotomy is performed first, then substantial bubbles are created in the anterior region, but these bubbles increase scattering of subsequent laser pulses during lens fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different laser power parameters to different spatial regions during lens fragmentation. By analyzing the distance of each scan point from the imaged capsule layer, the system delivers high power (above photodisruption threshold) only to points within a tracking band near the capsule, and low power (below threshold) to points farther away. This local differentiation reduces bubble formation in the anterior aqueous chamber while maintaining effective lens fragmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the laser power parameter based on the spatial position of each scan point relative to the imaged capsule layer. The power parameter is changed from high (above photodisruption threshold) to low (below threshold) depending on whether the scan point falls within the tracking band, thereby controlling bubble formation locally while maintaining surgical effectiveness
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 reduces the number of photodisrupted bubbles, enhancing precision and control during cataract procedures by limiting bubble formation to a narrow proximity of the imaged layer, thereby reducing scattering and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The power or energy of the laser pulses can be chosen to exceed a so-called photodisruption threshold. Laser pulses with a power above this threshold can disrupt the ophthalmic tissue at the target points, inducing the formation of bubbles.
Implementation Method 2
an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern
Implementation Method 3
to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer
Implementation Method 4
Laser pulses with a power above this threshold can disrupt the ophthalmic tissue at the target points, inducing the formation of bubbles. Lines or layers of these bubbles can weaken the mechanical connection between the tissue-portions on the opposite sides of the bubbles.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging-based laser system can include a laser-beam system, configured to generate and scan a beam of laser pulses with an adjustable laser-power parameter to points of a scan-pattern in an eye, and an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern, and to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer.