Multi-mode Ophthalmic Laser System for Tissue-Specific Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic laser surgical systems lack the versatility to accommodate the unique operational and anatomical requirements of different surgical procedures and tissues within the eye, necessitating a customizable system that can specify laser beam configurations, establish base reference datums, and select scanning modes for precise and effective surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode laser system with a laser unit, mode selector, and computer control that allows for customization of laser beam parameters, base reference datum establishment, and scanning procedures based on specific surgical procedures, incorporating considerations for patient interfaces to minimize optical distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed laser system configuration is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate the unique operational requirements of different surgical procedures and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system implements dynamic configurability through a mode selector that allows real-time switching between different operational modes (e.g., LASIK, cataract, glaucoma, retinal surgeries). Each mode contains pre-optimized laser parameters including wavelength, pulse duration, energy density, and repetition rate that can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific surgical procedure and tissue type being treated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by storing multiple sets of laser operating parameters for different surgical applications. The mode selector enables switching between parameter sets including wavelength (e.g., 193nm for LASIK, other wavelengths for retinal or cataract surgery), pulse duration (femtosecond to nanosecond ranges), energy density, and pulse repetition rates, allowing optimization for each specific tissue and procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser parameters are customized for each procedure, then surgical precision is improved, but the time required to set up the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing optimized laser parameter sets for multiple surgical procedures before surgery begins. The mode selector provides pre-programmed configurations for common procedures (LASIK, cataract, glaucoma, retinal surgeries), allowing surgeons to quickly switch between procedures without manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining surgical precision while minimizing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system achieves universality through a single multi-functional platform that can perform various ophthalmic surgeries by selecting different operational modes. The mode selector enables one laser system to handle multiple surgical applications (corneal, lens, trabecular meshwork, retinal procedures) with procedure-specific optimized parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized laser systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser system is designed for multiple procedures, then versatility is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation through a dynamic mode selector interface that presents simplified choices for different surgical procedures. Rather than requiring operators to manually configure multiple individual parameters, the mode selector dynamically adjusts all laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, energy, repetition rate) based on the selected procedure type, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling multi-procedure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system achieves versatility through a universal control interface that manages multiple surgical applications through a single unified system. The mode selector provides a user-friendly interface that handles the complexity of multi-procedure operation, allowing surgeons to select from pre-configured modes for different procedures (LASIK, cataract, glaucoma, retinal) without needing to understand the underlying parameter complexities.
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
Enables precise and effective ophthalmic laser surgeries by allowing for tailored operational modes, reducing the risk of optical distortions and ensuring compatibility with various anatomical features, thus enhancing surgical precision and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit for generating a laser beam, and for focusing the laser beam to a focal point
Implementation Method 2
The Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of ophthalmic tissue can be efficaciously employed using a pulsed femtosecond laser beam
Implementation Method 3
laser unit for generating a laser beam, and for focusing the laser beam to a focal point
Data Source
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AI summary
A comprehensive multi-mode system for performing ophthalmic laser surgery on selected tissue inside an eye includes a laser unit for generating and focusing a laser beam to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) at a focal point in selected tissue. Also included is a selector for defining an operational mode according to characteristics of the tissue to be altered by LIOB. In combination, the operational mode specifies value ranges for configuration parameters for a pulsed fem to second laser beam, establishes a base reference datum in the eye, and identifies a scanning procedure for the focal point of the laser beam to customize the system for a particular surgical procedure. A computer that is connected to the laser unit is responsive to the selector for implementing the operational mode.