Intraoperative Eye Biometry via Smart Pressure Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery methods face challenges in accurately determining intraoperative refractive measurements due to elevated intraocular pressure, which distorts anatomical features, leading to potential misfitting of replacement lenses selected based on pre-surgical biometry.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a smart intraocular pressure valve and tonometer that allows for real-time pressure regulation during surgery, enabling refractive measurements when the eye pressure returns to a natural state, using a plug with a sensor and valve to control drainage and communicate pressure data for precise biometry and refractive measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-surgical biometry measurements are taken when the eye is at natural pressure, then the anatomical features are accurately measured, but during surgery when the eye is at elevated pressure the measurements become distorted and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the IOP parameter during surgery by using a controllable valve to drain fluid from the eye, transitioning from elevated surgical pressure to natural pressure state. This allows biometry measurements to be taken at the optimal pressure condition (natural pressure) during the surgical procedure itself, rather than relying solely on pre-surgical measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors IOP and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically controls the valve to maintain the desired pressure range, ensuring that measurements are taken when the eye is at natural pressure with high accuracy and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the eye is maintained at elevated intraocular pressure during surgical procedure, then the eye remains stable and accessible for surgery, but the anatomical features change size and distort, affecting replacement lens fit
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the IOP during different phases of the surgical procedure. During the surgical intervention phase, the eye is maintained at elevated pressure for ease of operation. After the intervention, the system transitions to a measurement phase where the valve drains fluid to reduce pressure to natural levels, enabling precise biometry measurements for replacement lens selection. This dynamic pressure adjustment allows both surgical accessibility and measurement precision to be achieved at different times in the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressure reduction and stabilization to natural levels before taking biometry measurements for replacement lens selection. This preliminary action ensures that the anatomical features are in their natural state (not distorted by elevated pressure) before the critical measurement is taken, thereby improving replacement lens fit precision
3Productivity
If semi-empirical IOL formulae are used to prescribe refractive power based on pre-op biometry, then a single refractive power can be selected, but the surgeon must rely on empirical interpretation and experience rather than direct intraoperative measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the indirect mechanical/biometric measurement approach (using IOL formulae based on pre-op biometry) with direct optical refractive measurement. The intraoperative refractive measurement device directly measures the refractive properties of the eye after the cataract has been removed, eliminating the need for empirical formulae and providing direct, accurate refractive data for lens selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the eye itself to provide the measurement data needed for lens selection by performing direct refractive measurement on the aphakic eye during surgery. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the surgeon to interpret various biometry measurements using empirical formulae, as the eye's actual refractive properties are directly measured
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 system ensures accurate biometry and refractive measurements at natural eye pressure, improving the fit of replacement lenses by capturing data when the eye is in its natural state, reducing reliance on empirical formulas and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor associated with the eye and configured to detect a pressure of the eye
Implementation Method 2
the valve is configured to close when the pressure in the eye reaches the pressure threshold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
Systems and methods for capturing intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements include a sensor or valve associated with the eye and configured to detect a pressure of the eye. The system also includes an intra-op diagnostics device including a control unit arranged to actuate the intra-op diagnostics device to capture the intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements when the sensor or valve detects pressure within a predetermined pressure range.