Ocular Tissue Reshaping via Laser Thermal Treatment and Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-linking procedures for ocular tissue are invasive, time-consuming, and lack precision, with potential safety issues such as damage to the corneal endothelium and limbus, and thermal reshaping methods often result in regression of the corneal shape over time.
Innovation Solution
A method combining continuous wave infrared laser thermal treatment with rapid collagen cross-linking using deuterated water and riboflavin, facilitated by optical coherence tomography feedback for precise thermal control and minimal invasiveness, to reshape and stabilize ocular tissue without damaging the epithelium and Bowman's membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If continuous wave infrared laser thermal treatment is used to reshape ocular tissue, then reshaping precision is improved, but tissue regression occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two treatment modalities: continuous wave infrared laser thermal treatment for precise reshaping and collagen cross-linking for stabilization. The thermal treatment creates precise structural changes in the corneal tissue, while the subsequent cross-linking process forms covalent bonds between collagen molecules to lock in the reshaped configuration and prevent regression, thus resolving the contradiction between reshaping precision and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies collagen cross-linking as a preliminary or concurrent action with thermal reshaping. By pre-strengthening the collagen structure through cross-linking before or during the thermal treatment, the tissue is prepared to maintain its reshaped form without regressing, addressing the stability issue that would otherwise occur after precise thermal reshaping.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cross-linking procedures are used to stabilize corneal tissue, then tissue stability is improved, but invasiveness and treatment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deuterated water in the riboflavin solution, which changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cross-linking agent. Deuterated water enhances the penetration and efficacy of riboflavin, allowing for faster and more efficient cross-linking. This parameter change enables the stabilization process to be completed more quickly and with less invasive procedures compared to traditional cross-linking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous wave infrared laser treatment that can be applied continuously or in sustained pulses, providing continuous thermal energy delivery for efficient reshaping. This continuous action, combined with the enhanced cross-linking process, reduces overall treatment time and minimizes the need for repeated or prolonged procedures, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining stability.
3Speed
If thermal treatment is applied to reshape ocular tissue, then reshaping speed is improved, but damage to surface layers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a contact lens or applicator that applies thermal energy locally to specific zones of the corneal stroma while maintaining cooler temperatures at the surface. This localized thermal treatment allows rapid reshaping of the underlying tissue without excessive heating of the epithelium and Bowman's membrane, thus preserving surface layer integrity while achieving fast reshaping results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contact lens or cooling intermediary between the thermal source and the ocular surface. This intermediary conducts heat away from the surface layers while allowing thermal energy to reach the stromal tissue for reshaping. It acts as a thermal mediator that protects the epithelium and Bowman's membrane from damage while enabling rapid thermal treatment of the deeper corneal structures.
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 rapid, precise, and stable reshaping of ocular tissue with increased corneal stiffness, reducing regression and minimizing invasiveness, while ensuring safety by maintaining the integrity of the surface layers.
Implementation Method 1
treating ocular tissue with thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
use of a continuous wave (CW) infrared laser
Implementation Method 3
excitation of the riboflavin by the UVA results in the creation of free radicals that interact with amino acids in neighboring collagen molecules to form strong chemical bonds
Implementation Method 4
excitation of the riboflavin by the UVA
Implementation Method 5
obtaining measurements from a measurement system selected from the group consisting of fluorescent monitoring, topographic measurement, and optical coherence tomography
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for treating a targeted area of ocular tissue in a tissue-sparing manner comprising use of two or more therapeutic modalities, including thermal radiation source (such as an CW infrared fiber laser), operative in a wavelength range that has a high absorption in water, and photochemical collagen cross-linking (CXL), together with one or more specific system improvements, such as pen-operative feedback measurements for tailoring of the therapeutic modalities, an ocular tissue surface thermal control/cooling mechanism and a source of deuterated water/riboflavin solution in a delivery system targeting ocular tissue in the presence of the ultraviolet radiation. Additional methods of rapid cross-linking (RXL), are provided that enables cross-linking (CXL) therapy to be combined with thermal therapy.