Laser Lens Segmentation for Cataract Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract surgery techniques, such as phacoemulsification, face challenges in safely and efficiently removing the crystalline lens due to mechanical manipulation and the risk of damaging delicate intraocular structures, particularly during the steps of nuclear sculpting and fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing scanned patterns of optical energy from pulsed laser sources with varying pulse energies and durations to soften and segment the crystalline lens, allowing for precise control and minimization of tissue disruption, enabling safer and more efficient removal of lens segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical manipulation and ultrasonic fragmentation are used to remove the crystalline lens, then the lens can be removed from the eye, but the risk of damaging delicate intraocular structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulation and ultrasonic fragmentation with a laser-based system that uses optical energy to soften and segment the crystalline lens. The laser beam is delivered through the cornea and aqueous humor to selectively soften the lens nucleus and cortex, enabling fragmentation without mechanical contact with intraocular structures, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage while maintaining surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical energy as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the lens tissue. The laser energy acts as a non-contact mediator that transfers energy to the lens through the transparent ocular media (cornea and aqueous humor), allowing precise softening and segmentation of the lens without requiring direct mechanical interaction with delicate intraocular structures
2Strength
If ultrasonic phacoemulsification is used to sculpt and fragment the lens nucleus, then the hard nucleus can be broken down, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical ultrasonic phacoemulsification system with a simpler laser-based optical system. Instead of requiring ultrasonic tips, water streams for cooling, and complex mechanical manipulation techniques (sculpting, cracking, chopping), the system uses controlled laser pulse delivery to soften and segment the lens nucleus through optical energy absorption, significantly reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lens tissue by using laser energy to increase temperature and soften the nuclear material. By controlling laser pulse duration, energy density, and repetition rate, the system achieves controlled softening and segmentation of the hard nucleus without requiring complex mechanical techniques, simplifying the overall surgical approach
3Productivity
If extensive mechanical manipulation is performed during cataract surgery, then complete lens removal can be achieved, but the time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary softening of the lens nucleus and cortex using laser energy before any removal steps. By pre-segmenting and softening the lens tissue through controlled laser irradiation, the subsequent removal process is accelerated, as the lens material is already prepared for easy aspiration or removal, reducing the overall surgical time while ensuring complete lens removal
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-based system effectively softens and segments the lens, reducing the risk of complications and facilitating easier aspiration, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of cataract surgery by minimizing mechanical manipulation and tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing scanned patterns of optical energy from pulsed laser sources with varying pulse energies and durations to soften and segment the crystalline lens
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cataract surgery on an eye of a patient includes scanning a first focus position of a first pulsed laser beam at a first pulse energy in a first scanning pattern to photodisrupt a tissue structure of a lens with a plurality of pulses of the first laser beam to form one or more cuts within the lens, the cuts being short of reaching a side edge of the lens and being configured to divide the lens into two or more segments which are attached to each other in regions adjacent the side edge of the lens; and afterwards, completely separating the two or more segments of the lens from each other by scanning a second focus position of a second pulsed laser beam having a second pulse energy higher than the first pulse energy in a second scanning pattern that is co-registered to the first scanning pattern.