Ophthalmic Laser Ablation Moisture Control for Stable Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
During ophthalmic laser ablation procedures, the presence of liquid on the eye disrupts the energy influx of the laser beam, leading to reduced effectiveness in tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic laser ablation system that includes a liquid remover and dispenser, controlled by a computer, to manage moisture conditions by removing liquid prior to ablation and applying it afterwards, ensuring optimal energy transfer and tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is applied to the eye to maintain moisture protection, then the eye is protected from damage, but the laser beam energy is disrupted and ablation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system removes liquid from the treatment area before laser ablation begins and maintains removal during the procedure. This preliminary and continuous action prevents liquid from interfering with laser energy delivery, ensuring maximum ablation effectiveness while protecting the eye through controlled liquid management
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid removal device extracts liquid from the ocular surface treatment area, separating the protective liquid layer from the ablation zone. This extraction allows the laser beam to deliver full energy to the tissue without liquid interference, while the liquid can be reapplied to non-treatment areas for continued protection
2Productivity
If liquid is removed from the eye surface, then laser ablation effectiveness is improved, but the natural tear film protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different moisture conditions to different areas of the eye: liquid is removed from the treatment area to maximize ablation effectiveness, while liquid is maintained or reapplied to non-treatment areas to preserve natural protection. This localized differentiation allows both goals to be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid removal device can collect and store the removed tear film liquid, then reapply it to the eye surface during or after the procedure. This discarding and recovering process maintains the protective benefits of natural tears while ensuring unobstructed laser delivery during the critical ablation phase
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid remains on the eye during ablation, then the eye surface is protected, but energy transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid removal device activates before laser ablation to clear the treatment area of liquid, ensuring optimal energy transfer conditions are established in advance. This preliminary action prevents energy loss that would occur if liquid were present during the high-energy laser delivery phase
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 system effectively maintains moisture conditions on the eye, enhancing the energy efficiency of laser ablation and protecting the eye by minimizing energy loss and promoting wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid remover comprises an ultrasonic emitter that generates waves to displace the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The liquid remover comprises an infrared emitter that generates infrared waves to dry the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The liquid remover comprises a laser source that generates a laser beam to dry the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic laser ablation system comprises a laser device, liquid remover, and computer. The laser device directs laser radiation towards an eye as a plurality of shots to ablate tissue of the eye according to a treatment pattern. The liquid remover removes liquid from a surface of the tissue of the eye. The computer: determines a moisture maintenance procedure; instructs the liquid remover to remove the liquid from the surface of the tissue at a location of the eye according to the moisture maintenance procedure; and instructs the laser device to ablate the tissue at the location of the eye according to the treatment pattern.