Laser Eye Surgery Control Program for 3D Corneal Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser surgical techniques for generating three-dimensional incisions in corneal tissue are inefficient due to the need for frequent z-control of the radiation focus, leading to prolonged operation times, especially when creating complex incision figures.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a control program that moves the radiation focus in superposed planes along predetermined scan paths independent of the incision shape, with selective pulse blanking to avoid unnecessary photodisruptions, allowing for efficient generation of complex three-dimensional incisions without continuous z-control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the radiation focus is moved along a meandering scan path to generate complex three-dimensional incisions, then the incision figure complexity is improved, but the operation time increases due to frequent z-control adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional incision generation process into multiple two-dimensional scan planes. Each plane is processed independently using fast x-y scanning, avoiding the need for continuous z-control during scanning. The radiation focus is positioned in a first plane, scanned along a meandering path, then moved to a second plane, and so on. This segmentation eliminates frequent z-adjustments during the scanning process, significantly reducing operation time while maintaining the capability to generate complex 3D incision figures.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous z-control is used to generate three-dimensional incisions, then the manufacturing precision of the incision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to prolonged treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between phases of fast x-y scanning in fixed planes and discrete z-focus movements between planes. During each plane scanning phase, the z-position is held constant, allowing rapid meandering scan path traversal. After completing a plane, the focus is moved to the next plane level. This periodic alternation between fast 2D scanning and slower z-positioning maintains precise 3D incision generation while maximizing treatment speed by minimizing the time spent on z-adjustments.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required to generate complex three-dimensional incisions by minimizing z-focus displacements and leveraging fast x-y scan capabilities, resulting in shorter treatment times and improved surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A physical effect that is utilised in the course of the generation of an incision by means of pulsed laser radiation is the so-called laser-induced optical breakthrough, which results in a so-called photodisruption
Implementation Method 2
laser-induced optical breakthrough, which results in a so-called photodisruption, the magnitude of which is limited roughly to the extent of the radiation focus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A device for surgery on the human eye includes a pulsed laser apparatus, which is controlled by a control program, that by means of the laser radiation, is capable of generating an incision figure in the cornea that bounds a corneal tissue volume to be removed. The control program is designed such that for the generation of the incision figure the radiation focus is moved successively in s plurality of superposed planes without motion control in the direction of a propagation of the radiation. The control program provides, for each plane, a meandering scan path that, at least in the region of the reversing-points, extends outside the tissue volume. Furthermore, the control program is designed to allow, in each plane, at least such radiation pulses which serve for generating the first incision. Said control program is also designed to blank, in at least a fraction of the planes at least a fraction of those radiation pulses which are assigned to regions of the meandering scan path that are situated at a distance from the first incision.