Handheld Laser Probe for Conjunctival Tissue Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for treating conjunctivochalasis, such as thermocautery and electrocautery, result in prolonged healing periods, excessive scarring, and cosmetic issues due to full-thickness burns, and are not effectively performed outside an operating room, making them costly and deterring patients.
Innovation Solution
A handheld laser thermal conjunctivoplasty device using a line-focused laser beam and angled forceps to uniformly heat and shrink conjunctival tissue, minimizing collateral damage and scarring, allowing for treatment in a clinical setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermocautery or electrocautery is used to remove redundant conjunctival tissue, then the tissue is effectively removed, but the healing period becomes prolonged (up to one month) and excessive scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from extreme high temperatures (>100°C) used in thermocautery/electrocautery to moderate temperatures (60-80°C) using laser heating. This parameter change enables effective collagen contraction and tissue removal while avoiding full-thickness burns, thereby reducing healing time from one month to significantly shorter periods without excessive scarring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical heating systems (hot wire thermocautery, radiofrequency electrocautery) with an optical system (laser). The laser delivers controlled thermal energy that heats tissue to precise temperatures for collagen contraction without the uncontrolled high temperatures and collateral damage associated with traditional cautery methods
2Reliability
If thermocautery or electrocautery is used to remove redundant conjunctival tissue, then the tissue is effectively removed, but cosmetic appearance deteriorates due to red blots from bleeding and excessive scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from extreme high temperatures (>100°C) that cause carbonization, bleeding, and red blots to moderate temperatures (60-80°C) that achieve collagen contraction without vascular damage. This eliminates the cosmetic complications while maintaining tissue removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-based system replaces traditional cautery methods that cause uncontrolled thermal damage and bleeding. The laser's precise optical delivery enables controlled heating that contracts collagen and removes tissue without damaging surface vasculature, thereby preserving cosmetic appearance
3Reliability
If amniotic membrane transplant with fibrin glue or suture is added to surgical conjunctival excision, then the healing course is improved, but the procedure must be performed in the operating room which markedly increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The laser thermal conjunctivoplasty replaces traditional surgical excision that requires complex wound closure (amniotic membrane transplant, fibrin glue, or sutures). The laser method achieves tissue removal through controlled thermal contraction without creating open wounds that require complex closure, thereby eliminating the need for operating room procedures and associated costs
4Reliability
If thermocautery or electrocautery is used to remove redundant conjunctival tissue, then the tissue is effectively removed, but excessive inflammation and scarring occur that may require long-term anti-inflammatory eye drops and possibly further surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from extreme high temperatures that cause full-thickness burns and chronic inflammation to moderate temperatures (60-80°C) that achieve collagen contraction through denaturation without causing tissue necrosis. This eliminates the cascade of excessive inflammation and scarring that characterizes traditional cautery methods
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 method provides a safe, fast, and effective treatment for conjunctivochalasis with reduced healing time and scarring, enabling procedures to be performed in an outpatient setting with minimal cosmetic and inflammatory complications.
Implementation Method 1
A handheld laser thermal conjunctivoplasty device using a line-focused laser beam and angled forceps to uniformly heat and shrink conjunctival tissue
Implementation Method 2
uniformly heat and shrink conjunctival tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a handheld laser probe for laser thermal conjunctivoplasty, the handheld laser comprising: a forceps; and a line focused laser light source coupled to the forceps, wherein the forceps are configured to grasp a conjunctival fold and hold the fold in a light beam of the line focused laser, and wherein the line focused laser beam is configured to uniformly heat the conjunctival fold held in the forceps. Disclosed are systems for laser thermal conjunctivoplasty including the handheld laser. Disclosed are methods of conjunctivoplasty using the handheld laser probe.