Intracorneal Dissection Depth Detection via Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) face challenges in accurately determining the correct depth for intracorneal dissection, leading to unpredictability and increased difficulty, especially due to the reliance on subjective surgeon evaluation, which limits the procedure's popularity and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a needle/cannula connected to a three-way solenoid valve, a reciprocally moving air volume generator, pressure sensor, microcontroller, and acoustic signaller, which detects pressure differences to alert the surgeon when the optimum dissection plane is reached, facilitating precise intracorneal dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective surgeon evaluation is used to determine dissection depth, then the procedure can be performed without additional equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of depth determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual evaluation system with a pressure-based sensing system. A pressure sensor detects pressure variations in the irrigation fluid, which correlate with the dissection plane depth. This substitution transforms the depth detection method from subjective visual assessment to objective pressure measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces irrigation fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit depth information. The fluid fills the dissection plane and transmits pressure variations from the corneal tissue to the pressure sensor. This intermediary enables indirect measurement of depth through pressure detection, achieving accurate depth determination without direct visual contact with the deep corneal layers.
2Reliability
If DALK technique is adopted instead of PK, then post-operative vision results and transplant survival improve, but the execution difficulty and learning curve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time pressure feedback during the DALK procedure. The pressure sensor continuously monitors irrigation fluid pressure and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon through a display system. This feedback mechanism guides the surgeon in achieving the correct dissection depth, reducing the learning curve and making the complex DALK technique more accessible while maintaining its superior outcomes compared to PK.
3Productivity
If forced air injection is used to create the big bubble, then stromal dissection efficiency improves, but the precision of dissection plane identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses irrigation fluid as an intermediary to replace forced air injection. Instead of injecting air to create a big bubble, the system uses pressurized irrigation fluid that fills the dissection plane and transmits pressure information to the sensor. This approach maintains dissection efficiency while simultaneously providing precise depth identification through pressure measurement, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
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 apparatus enables surgeons to perform precise intracorneal dissections with increased accuracy and reduced learning curve, improving the success rate of DALK procedures and making the technique more accessible by providing objective depth detection.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensor, which detects pressure differences to alert the surgeon when the optimum dissection plane is reached
Data Source
AI summary
A depth detection apparatus, in particular in intracorneal dissection, provides a perforating tubular element suitable for being inserted into the cornea, a reciprocally moving air volume generator (14) connected to the perforating tubular element, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure along the connection between the volumetric generator and the perforating element in the reciprocal movement of the volumetric generator, a microcontroller connected to the pressure sensor to detect pressure variations with the depth advancement into the cornea of the perforating element, a signaller connected to the microcontroller to signal that a preset pressure variation has been reached. The apparatus enables a correct position to be determined for performing intracorneal dissection.