Millisecond Laser Diode Phacoemulsification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification methods, particularly those using femtosecond lasers, are expensive and not readily accessible in rural areas or developing countries, leading to the use of outdated and complication-prone techniques for cataract removal.
Innovation Solution
A novel laser phacolysis methodology utilizing a millisecond laser diode source that delivers light at a wavelength of 1480 nm, coinciding with water absorption peaks, to achieve localized heating and emulsification of cataracts without damaging surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a femtosecond laser source is used for phacoemulsification, then the precision and effectiveness of cataract emulsification is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of laser pulse duration from femtoseconds to milliseconds, and selects a specific wavelength (1480 nm) that matches water absorption peaks. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, less expensive laser diodes while maintaining effective cataract emulsification through localized thermal heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex femtosecond laser systems with cheaper laser diodes that have simpler construction and lower operational costs. The laser diodes are more accessible and can be deployed in resource-limited settings while still achieving the desired surgical outcomes
2Productivity
If a femtosecond laser source is used for phacoemulsification, then the cataract emulsification effectiveness is improved, but the procedure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the wavelength to 1480 nm (matching water absorption peaks) and pulse duration to milliseconds, the patent achieves efficient energy absorption by the cataract while using less expensive laser diodes, thereby reducing the overall procedure cost while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The use of pulsed laser delivery with millisecond duration allows for periodic energy delivery that efficiently emulsifies the cataract while minimizing thermal diffusion to surrounding tissues, achieving effective treatment with lower overall energy input and cost
3Productivity
If light wavelength matches water absorption peaks for efficient heating, then the emulsification efficiency is improved, but thermal diffusion to surrounding tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses millisecond-duration pulsed laser delivery at 1480 nm wavelength. The brief pulse duration allows rapid heating and emulsification of the cataract before significant thermal diffusion can occur to surrounding healthy tissues, thus achieving efficient emulsification while minimizing thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves localized heating by using laser parameters (1480 nm wavelength, millisecond pulses) that confine thermal effects to the irradiated cataract area. The short pulse duration ensures heat remains localized rather than diffusing to surrounding tissues, creating a localized treatment zone with minimal collateral damage
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 efficient and cost-effective phacoemulsification, reducing thermal diffusion and minimizing damage to surrounding eye tissues, thus providing a more accessible and affordable solution for cataract removal.
Implementation Method 1
delivering light, generated by a laser diode source of light, to a target through a first medium surrounding the target (while not interacting the light with the first medium)
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a target with the light that is configured to ensure that heating of the target, caused by the light, is substantially confined to an irradiated area of the target and not lost by thermal diffusion through the target
Implementation Method 3
thermally emulsifying or liquifying the irradiated area of the target with the light
Data Source
AI summary
Methodology of phacoemulsification of a biological target such as a cataract with the use of a system including a laser diode configured to generate light in a millisecond pulsed regime and an optical fiber, while avoiding thermal diffusion of heat throughout the target. The used light has a wavelength within an absorption band of water and an average power within a milliwatt range; optionally, the output surface/facet of the optical fiber is curved and/or equipped with a termination configured to spatially converge output light upon propagating of such light through the termination.