Irido-corneal Angle Alignment Device for Non-invasive Glaucoma Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating glaucoma, particularly in relation to accessing the irido-corneal angle of the eye, face challenges in precision and efficacy due to limited surgical range and the invasiveness of existing laser treatments, which often result in scarring and reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an alignment and diagnostic device with an optics structure and imaging apparatus to visualize the irido-corneal angle, coupled with a femtosecond laser system for non-invasive treatment, allowing precise alignment and minimally invasive photo-disruptive interaction to reduce intraocular pressure by creating new outflow pathways without thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional laser treatments are used to access the irido-corneal angle, then treatment can be delivered to the target area, but thermal damage occurs causing scarring and reduced effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from thermal laser parameters to photo-disruptive laser parameters, changing the fundamental interaction mechanism between laser and tissue. This involves adjusting wavelength, pulse duration, and energy density parameters to achieve mechanical disruption rather than thermal heating, thereby eliminating scarring while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal-mechanical laser treatment with photo-mechanical treatment using photo-disruptive interaction. The laser energy is converted directly into mechanical disruption of tissue bonds through nonlinear optical absorption, bypassing the thermal intermediate step that causes scarring in traditional treatments
2Manufacturing precision
If existing laser systems are used, then treatment can be performed, but precision is limited due to restricted surgical range and difficulty in visualizing the irido-corneal angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the irido-corneal angle tissue. The OCT provides real-time cross-sectional images of the anterior chamber angle structures, enabling precise localization of the treatment target and verification of laser spot placement without requiring direct visual exposure of the angle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the imaging system provides both diagnostic visualization of the irido-corneal angle and guidance for laser treatment delivery. The system combines OCT imaging, laser delivery, and real-time feedback into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic and treatment devices
3Reliability
If invasive laser treatments are applied, then glaucoma can be treated, but the procedure causes collateral damage to surrounding ocular tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies energy only to the specific local region of ocular tissue requiring treatment (the irido-corneal angle outflow pathway) while leaving surrounding tissues unaffected. The photo-disruptive laser creates highly localized micro-explosions that disrupt tissue bonds only at the focal point, with the shallow penetration depth ensuring that adjacent healthy tissues receive no significant energy deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal-mechanical laser treatment with photo-mechanical treatment using photo-disruptive interaction. The laser energy is converted directly into mechanical disruption of tissue bonds through nonlinear optical absorption, bypassing the thermal intermediate step that causes scarring in traditional treatments
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
Enables precise, non-invasive glaucoma treatment with reduced scarring and prolonged effectiveness by accurately targeting ocular tissues at the irido-corneal angle, improving surgical precision and minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
allowing precise alignment and minimally invasive photo-disruptive interaction to reduce intraocular pressure by creating new outflow pathways without thermal damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for visualizing an irido-comeal angle of an eye through a window of a patient interface configured to be placed on the eye includes and optics structure and at least one imaging apparatus. The optics structure is configured to engage with the patient interface to provide a line of sight through the window in the direction of the irido-comeal angle, and to subsequently disengage from the patient interface. The imaging apparatus is associated with the optics stmcture and aligned with the line of sight to enable capturing an image of the eye including the irido-comeal angle.