Laser Surgery GUI for Precise Corneal and Capsulotomy Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques face challenges in creating precise and accurate incisions in the cornea and lens capsule, leading to sub-optimal IOL placement and refractive outcomes, particularly for astigmatic corrections, due to difficulties in manual capsulotomy and visualization issues.
Innovation Solution
A laser eye surgery system with a graphical user interface (GUI) for planning and executing precise incisions in the cornea, lens capsule, and crystalline lens nucleus, using femtosecond laser technology to measure and model eye structures, allowing for automated and user-controlled incision planning and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) procedure is used to create access to the lens nucleus, then the capsulotomy provides access for phacoemulsification and IOL insertion, but the shape, symmetry, uniformity, and strength of the remaining lens capsule cannot be adequately controlled, leading to IOL placement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical CCC procedure with a femtosecond laser system that automatically creates the capsulotomy. The laser delivers precisely controlled energy to incise the lens capsule along predetermined circular paths, eliminating manual manipulation and providing consistent, reproducible capsulotomies with controlled geometry and symmetry, thereby improving IOL placement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controllable laser parameters (energy, pulse duration, repetition rate, focal position) to precisely regulate the capsulotomy characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system can control the depth, diameter, and uniformity of the capsulotomy incision, ensuring optimal conditions for both access and subsequent IOL placement accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If smaller capsulotomy size is used to improve precision, then the difficulty of manual production increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual capsulotomy techniques with an automated femtosecond laser system that can precisely create small-diameter capsulotomies without the difficulty inherent in manual methods. The laser's focused energy delivery and computer-controlled positioning enable accurate creation of small openings with consistent geometry, eliminating the technical challenge of manual small capsulotomy production
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary planning and positioning of the capsulotomy before execution. The laser parameters and incision path are predetermined based on the desired capsulotomy size and location, allowing the system to automatically adjust for precise small-diameter incisions without requiring manual skill or adjustment during the procedure
3Ease of manufacture
If larger capsulotomy size is used to ease manual production, then the control over shape, symmetry, and uniformity of the remaining lens capsule deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual capsulotomy with laser-based automated incision, which maintains excellent control over capsulotomy geometry regardless of size. The computer-controlled laser system can create capsulotomies of any desired diameter with consistent circularity and symmetry, eliminating the trade-off between size and geometric control that plagues manual techniques
4Ease of operation
If traditional manual techniques are used for corneal incisions and capsulotomy, then the refractive outcomes are sub-optimal, particularly for astigmatic corrections beyond 5D
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual corneal incision and capsulotomy techniques with a femtosecond laser system that provides computer-controlled precision. The laser can create corneal incisions and capsulotomies with exact geometric parameters tailored to the patient's specific refractive needs, including astigmatic corrections beyond 5D, achieving superior refractive outcomes while maintaining procedural simplicity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable laser parameters and customizable incision patterns to precisely control the geometry of corneal incisions and capsulotomies. By modifying parameters such as incision depth, curvature, and orientation based on individual patient anatomy and refractive requirements, the system achieves high precision in astigmatic corrections and other refractive outcomes
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
Enhances the accuracy of incisions, improving IOL placement and refractive outcomes by providing precise control over incision parameters, reducing complications, and enabling effective astigmatism correction beyond 5D.
Implementation Method 1
A laser eye surgery system with a graphical user interface (GUI) for planning and executing precise incisions in the cornea, lens capsule, and crystalline lens nucleus, using femtosecond laser technology
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for planning and forming incisions in a cornea, lens capsule, and/or crystalline lens nucleus are disclosed. A method includes measuring spatial dispositions, relative to a laser surgery system, of at least portions of the corneal anterior and posterior surfaces. A spatial disposition of an incision of the cornea is generated based at least in part on the measured corneal anterior and posterior spatial dispositions and at least one corneal incision parameter. A composite image is displayed that includes an image representative of the measured corneal anterior and posterior surfaces and an image representing the corneal incision.