Ophthalmic Patient Interface with Segmented Suction and Transparent Treatment Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ophthalmic surgery, existing patient interfaces often deform the treatment region of the eye and interfere with the laser beam, making precise focus and cutting patterns challenging, especially when suction is applied.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface apparatus with an annular member and evacuation conduit that secures the eye without deformation, allowing a laser beam to reach the treatment region without reflection or refraction, and a system that includes a measurement device to track eye movement and adjust the cutting pattern accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient interface is used to hold the eye in position during laser surgery, then the eye is secured in place, but the treatment region may be deformed and laser beam transmission may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into separate functional zones: a suction region for securing the eye and a treatment region that remains undeformed and transparent for laser transmission. This segmentation allows the suction force to be applied locally without deforming the treatment area, resolving the contradiction between eye stabilization and treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent, undeformed treatment region acts as an intermediary between the laser beam and the eye tissue. This region allows the laser to pass through without refraction or reflection while the surrounding suction region maintains eye position, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of stabilization and precision.
2Force
If suction is applied to affix the patient interface to the eye, then the eye is held securely, but the treatment region may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The interface structure segments the suction force application area from the treatment area. The suction is applied through grooves and chambers in specific regions while leaving the treatment region free from deformation, allowing secure eye holding without shape distortion in the critical treatment zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patient interface have different mechanical properties and functions. The suction region is designed to apply force and create vacuum, while the treatment region is designed to remain transparent and undeformed. This local differentiation allows suction to be applied without deforming the treatment area.
3Ease of operation
If the laser beam passes through the patient interface, then the treatment can be performed, but reflection or refraction may occur affecting focus precision
Solution Approach 1:
A specially designed transparent treatment region serves as an intermediary optical element that allows laser transmission without causing refraction or reflection. This intermediary region maintains optical clarity and geometric fidelity, enabling precise laser focusing on the treatment target.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment region is designed with homogeneous optical properties that match the surrounding tissue, minimizing refraction and reflection at interfaces. This homogeneity ensures that the laser beam maintains its focus and intensity throughout the treatment region without distortion.
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 accurate ophthalmic procedures by maintaining the eye's natural shape and topography, ensuring the laser beam focuses correctly on undeformed features, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of surgical cuts.
Implementation Method 1
The evacuation conduit is capable of fluid communication with the suction chamber, and conducts fluid away from the suction chamber to affix the contact surface to the surface of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a patient interface apparatus for ophthalmic surgery comprises an annular member and an evacuation conduit. The annular member has an outer side, an inner side, a distal side, and a proximal side. The inner side defines an opening that allows for a laser beam to reach a treatment region of an eye free from reflection or refraction. The proximal side has a contact surface shaped to affix to a surface of the eye, and a groove that defines a suction chamber with the surface of the eye. The evacuation conduit is capable of fluid communication with the suction chamber, and conducts fluid away from the suction chamber to affix the contact surface to the surface of the eye.