Laser Shot Patterns for Cataract Lens Softening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cataract treatment methods face challenges such as light scattering from cataracts, making laser treatment ineffective and difficult to determine the position and shape of the lens, and the use of ultrasonic energy poses safety concerns, especially for patients with compromised corneal endothelium.
Innovation Solution
The use of predetermined and reproducible laser shot patterns with varying densities and shapes to soften the natural crystalline lens, allowing for easier removal and replacement with intraocular lenses, reducing the need for high-frequency ultrasonic energy and improving surgical safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasonic energy is used to break up hardened cataract, then cataract removal is effective, but ocular trauma to corneal endothelium occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic phacoemulsification system with a laser-based photodisruption system. The laser delivers focused optical energy through the cornea and lens capsule to fragment the cataractous lens material, eliminating the need for mechanical ultrasonic vibrations that cause corneal endothelial trauma. This substitution maintains effective cataract removal while removing the harmful mechanical stress from the corneal endothelium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy delivery parameter from mechanical ultrasonic vibrations to optical laser energy. By using laser photodisruption, the system delivers energy in the form of focused light pulses that cause localized heating and fragmentation of the cataract material, rather than mechanical vibration. This parameter change allows effective cataract breakdown without the harmful mechanical effects of ultrasonic energy on the corneal endothelium.
2Ease of operation
If laser is used to treat cataracts, then non-contact treatment is achieved, but light scattering prevents desired laser effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary laser photodisruption to the lens material before attempting to remove it. By first fragmenting the cataractous lens into smaller pieces using laser energy, the system creates a more favorable optical environment for subsequent treatment. This preliminary action reduces light scattering by breaking up the dense cataract material, thereby improving the reliability of subsequent laser treatment while maintaining non-contact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cataractous lens material into smaller fragments through laser photodisruption. By dividing the dense, light-scattering cataract mass into smaller pieces, the system reduces overall light scattering and improves laser penetration. This segmentation allows the laser to achieve its desired effect more reliably while maintaining the advantage of non-contact treatment.
3Measurement precision
If optical means are used to determine lens position and shape, then measurement is performed, but light scattering makes determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary laser photodisruption of the cataractous lens material before attempting optical measurement. By first fragmenting the dense cataract material, the system reduces light scattering and creates clearer optical paths. This preliminary action enables subsequent optical means to accurately determine lens position and shape, resolving the measurement difficulty caused by cataract light scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful light scattering effect of the cataract into a beneficial fragmentation process. By using laser energy to break up the dense cataract material, the system transforms the light-scattering property into a useful fragmentation mechanism that actually improves subsequent optical measurement. The same laser energy that addresses the cataract also prepares the optical path for accurate measurement.
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 enables precise and safe removal of cataracts by creating areas of different softness and lubrication within the lens, facilitating easier extraction and reducing the force required for lens removal, while minimizing the risk of ocular trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for providing a laser beam to a natural crystalline lens of an eye; a controller having associated therewith a shot pattern; delivering or being capable of delivering the laser beam to the lens in a predetermined pattern
Data Source
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Figure 5~6A
AI summary
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined shot patterns for providing areas of varying softness in the lens of an eye. These areas of varying softness may have shapes that correspond to instruments used to remove material from the lens of the eye. There is further provided a multiplicity of spheres pattern, which may provide for bubble formation which in turn lubricates the lens material for removal after sectioning.