Integrated Eye Surgery System with Simultaneous Flap and Ablation Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current eye surgery systems face challenges with user error due to separate devices for cutting flaps and performing ablation, leading to improperly sized or placed flaps that can result in complications such as glare, haze, or visual distortions, often requiring multiple healing periods before reattempting refractive surgery.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that combines devices for cutting and ablation, using a single image to simultaneously display graphical information about the flap location and ablation area, allowing for real-time adjustments and consistency checks before and during the procedure, utilizing a computer-connected cutting and shaping device with displays for precise planning and execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for cutting flaps and performing ablation, then device specialization is improved, but user error increases leading to improperly sized or placed flaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice specializationVSAvoidflap placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flap cutting device and ablation device into a single integrated surgical system. The control system receives imaging data and simultaneously displays both the planned flap location and ablation area on a single display, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute both procedures with one device system, thereby eliminating errors from separate device coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback by displaying actual flap location data overlaid with planned ablation area on the same display. This immediate visual feedback allows the surgeon to verify consistency between the cut flap position and the intended ablation zone, preventing mismatches before ablation begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If separate displays are used for flap location and ablation area, then information presentation is improved, but inconsistency detection is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidconsistency check time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple information displays into a single composite display that simultaneously shows the planned flap location, actual flap location, and planned ablation area. This unified display presents all critical surgical parameters in one view, eliminating the need to switch between multiple displays and enabling immediate consistency verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary consistency checking by displaying the planned flap location and planned ablation area together before the actual surgical procedures begin. This allows the surgeon to verify the treatment plan in advance, identifying and correcting any inconsistencies before they affect surgical outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual coordination between cutting and ablation devices is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but surgical precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsurgical precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically receives and processes imaging data to determine the actual flap location, then displays this information overlaid with the planned ablation area. This automated feedback loop replaces manual coordination, maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving surgical precision through real-time data-driven verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination between separate devices with an automated control system that uses imaging data and computer processing. The control system automatically verifies consistency between flap location and ablation area, substituting human coordination with automated image-based verification for higher precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 integrated approach reduces the likelihood of user error, ensures accurate flap placement and ablation, minimizing complications and potentially reducing healing time by allowing for immediate corrective actions during the surgery.

Implementation Method 1

The flap is commonly cut mechanically using a microkeratome or a laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

the shaping or tissue removal is done through corneal ablation with a laser, such as an excimer laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11723727B2System for performing eye surgery with simultaneous display of graphical information for flap and ablation

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 ALCON INC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing eye surgery in which a single image that simultaneously presents a graphical representation of a planned or actual flap location superimposed with a graphical representation of a planned or actual area of ablation is used.