Laser Corneal Incision Apparatus for Precise Prosthesis Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting a corneal prosthesis in a human eye lack precision and gentleness, often causing stress and potential complications during the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A laser-assisted apparatus that uses focused, pulsed laser radiation to create a specific incision figure in the cornea, comprising a bed incision within the corneal material and an annular incision extending to the anterior surface, allowing for precise insertion of a corneal prosthesis with support elements, along with an auxiliary incision for easier prosthesis placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical cutting blade is used for corneal incision, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the eye experiences stress and the precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting blade with a laser system that uses photodisruption and photovaporization effects to create incisions. The laser radiation (typically ultraviolet or infrared) interacts with the corneal tissue to produce precise cuts without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating eye stress associated with mechanical instruments while achieving superior incision precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, energy density) to achieve different incision depths and patterns. By adjusting these parameters, the laser can create superficial incisions that extend only partway through the cornea or deeper incisions as needed, providing precise control over the surgical outcome without mechanical trauma.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex incision figures are created for prosthesis implantation, then precise prosthesis placement is enabled, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the corneal incision into multiple segmented components: superficial incisions radiating from the center, deeper bed incisions, and optional annular incisions. This segmentation allows the laser to create a complex three-dimensional incision pattern that precisely accommodates the prosthesis and its support elements, while the stepwise nature of the procedure keeps surgical complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary incisions and tissue removal before prosthesis insertion. The bed incisions and annular incisions are created in advance to form a precise receiving pocket, and any necessary tissue removal is completed beforehand. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the prosthesis is inserted, it fits precisely into the pre-formed space, simplifying the actual implantation step.
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 laser-assisted method provides a precise and less stressful approach to corneal prosthesis implantation, enabling precise tissue removal and prosthesis placement with reduced trauma to the eye, facilitating a more effective and gentle surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The physical effect used in producing incisions by means of laser radiation is that of so-called photodisruption, which is produced as a result of a laser-induced optical breakdown in the tissue of the irradiated material
Implementation Method 2
photodisruption, which is produced as a result of a laser-induced optical breakdown in the tissue of the irradiated material, and which causes tissue to be parted
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for assistance in the implantation of a corneal prosthesis (50) in a human eye. The apparatus comprises a laser device for providing focussed, pulsed laser radiation, and a control program for the laser device. The control program is designed, when executed, to cause an incision figure to be produced in the tissue of the eye by means of the laser radiation, this incision figure allowing the corneal prosthesis to be inserted. The incision figure in this case comprises a bed incision (44) located entirely in the depth of the corneal material, and further comprises an annular incision (46), which, within the circumferential line of the bed incision, extends from the latter, along its entire annular circumference, as far as the corneal anterior surface (38). Preferably, the incision figure further comprises an auxiliary incision (48), which extends, from a location of the eye surface outside the circumferential line of the bed incision (44), as far the bed incision.