Ophthalmic Patient Interface with Tissue Migration Bolster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical procedures for cataract extraction, particularly the creation of capsulorhexis, face challenges in optimizing patient interface technologies for precision and safety, leading to complications such as tissue migration and inadequate access for intraocular lens insertion.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface system featuring a housing with an optical lens, eye surface engagement assembly, and a tissue migration bolster structure to prevent tissue migration during vacuum engagement, allowing for precise and stable interaction between the eye and diagnostic/interventional systems, including a femtosecond laser for capsulorhexis creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vacuum engagement is applied to stabilize the eye during laser procedures, then positioning stability is improved, but tissue migration toward the engagement assembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid interface layer is introduced between the eye tissue and the engagement assembly to mediate the vacuum engagement. This liquid intermediary prevents direct contact that causes tissue migration while maintaining stable positioning through vacuum suction on the liquid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane or thin film structure is used in the engagement assembly to adapt to the eye surface contour without causing tissue displacement. The flexible structure conforms to the curved eye surface while maintaining vacuum seal, preventing tissue migration toward rigid components.
2Manufacturing precision
If a patient interface assembly is used for laser capsulorhexis, then procedural precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: vacuum stabilization, liquid interface maintenance, optical transmission for laser delivery, and imaging support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining procedural precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly employs a nested structure where the optical lens, liquid interface chamber, vacuum seals, and imaging components are integrated in concentric or layered arrangements. This nesting consolidates multiple functional elements into a single compact unit, managing complexity through organized integration.
3Measurement precision
If the distal surface of the optical lens is positioned close to the eye surface, then optical precision is improved, but risk of corneal touch and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid interface layer is maintained between the optical lens distal surface and the cornea. This liquid intermediary enables the lens to be positioned extremely close to the eye for optimal optical focus while preventing direct contact that could cause corneal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the thickness of the liquid interface layer to maintain optimal optical parameters. By controlling liquid volume and pressure, the system preserves the precise optical alignment needed for laser capsulorhexis while ensuring a safety buffer prevents corneal contact.
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 system enhances the precision and safety of capsulorhexis creation by preventing tissue migration and ensuring stable vacuum engagement, facilitating efficient intraocular lens insertion and minimizing complications during cataract extraction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
when a vacuum load is applied within the assembly to cause vacuum engagement of the inner and outer seals against the eye
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a patient interface system for ophthalmic intervention on an eye of a patient, comprising: a housing; an optical lens coupled to the housing and having a focal axis; a eye surface engagement assembly coupled to the housing and comprising an inner seal having an inner seal diameter and being configured to circumferentially engage the eye, an outer seal having an outer seal diameter and being configured to circumferentially engage the eye, and a tissue migration bolster structure configured to be positioned circumferentially between the inner and outer circumferential seals and to prevent migration of tissue of the eye toward the eye surface engagement assembly when a vacuum load is applied within the assembly to cause vacuum engagement of the inner and outer seals against the eye.