Laser Capsulotomy System with Jigsaw Pattern Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for creating capsulotomies in the eye, such as capsulorhexis and capsulotomy, often result in irregular shapes, ragged edges, and variability between surgeons and patients, leading to slower healing, undesirable edge features, and limited accommodation with IOLs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a laser with a control system to deliver a predetermined jigsaw capsulotomy pattern with laser shots in x, y, and z directions, allowing for precise, reproducible, and non-geometric shaped cuts based on the shape of the IOL, reducing variability and edge irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional capsulorhexis or capsulotomy methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the resulting capsulotomy has irregular shapes, ragged edges, and high variability between surgeons and patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsulotomy shape precisionVSAvoidlaser system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting methods (capsulorhexis forceps, capsulotomy knives) with a laser-based system. The laser delivers precise energy to create capsulotomies with geometric precision, eliminating the variability and irregularities associated with manual mechanical techniques. The laser system includes control means that pre-determine shot patterns based on IOL shape requirements, ensuring consistent results across different surgeons and patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how capsulotomy is created - from mechanical force application to controlled laser energy delivery. By adjusting laser parameters (energy per shot, shot spacing, pattern geometry), the system achieves precise control over capsulotomy shape and quality. The control means store multiple shot patterns with different geometries that can be selected based on the specific IOL to be implanted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual capsulotomy techniques are used, then the surgical time is shorter with simpler procedures, but the healing is slower and produces undesirable edge features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealing qualityVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the capsulotomy shot pattern based on the specific IOL shape requirements before surgery. The control means store multiple geometric patterns (circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.) that match different IOL configurations. During surgery, the appropriate pattern is selected and executed with precise laser shots, ensuring optimal healing and IOL accommodation from the start without requiring intraoperative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional laser capsulotomy is used, then the laser can be delivered to the lens, but the cataract scatters the laser light preventing the desired tissue effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser delivery precisionVSAvoidlight scattering by cataract

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by delivering laser shots at controlled energy levels below the threshold that would cause excessive scattering or damage. The system uses multiple lower-energy shots spaced appropriately to achieve the cumulative cutting effect without triggering harmful light scattering. This allows effective capsulotomy even in the presence of cataractous lens material that would scatter higher-energy laser beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 achieves greater precision and uniformity in capsulotomy, reducing undesirable edge features and surgeon-patient variability, enabling more effective accommodation with IOLs and improved surgical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

Cataracts scatter light, including laser light, and thus, can prevent a laser treatment beam from having the desired tissue effect. Moreover, the light scattering effect of cataracts and other opacifications can make optically determining the position and shape of the lens difficult.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS8465478B2System and method for performing LADAR assisted procedures on the lens of an eye

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 LENSAR INC

AI summary

There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create a precise predetermined jigsaw capsulotomy. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can use a single laser as a therapeutic laser and as laser radar and that reduce the patient-to-patient variability and doctor-to-doctor variability associated with hand held apparatus for performing capsulorhexis and capsulotomies. There is further provided a precise predetermined jigsaw shot pattern and shaped capsulotomy that is based at least in part on the shape of an IOL and in particular an accommodating IOL.