Ophthalmic Patient Interface Seals to Limit Tissue Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for further optimization of patient interface options in ophthalmic surgical systems, particularly for creating precise capsulorhexis during cataract surgery, to enhance safety and ease of intraocular lens insertion.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an ultrafast laser with a patient interface that projects an optical beam into the eye for three-dimensional scanning, combined with OCT imaging and an aim beam for precise capsulorhexis creation, ensuring accurate focusing and minimizing damage to non-targeted tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phacoemulsification with ultrasonic tip is used, then nuclear sculpting can be performed, but tissue damage and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic phacoemulsification system with a laser-based optical system. The laser creates capsulorhexis and performs nuclear fracturing through photodisruption and photovaporization effects, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between the ultrasonic tip and ocular tissues, thereby reducing tissue damage and surgical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water in ocular tissues through laser-induced photovaporization. The ultrafast laser pulses create localized plasma that rapidly vaporizes water molecules in the target tissue, enabling precise capsulorhexis and nuclear fragmentation without mechanical contact, thus improving surgical safety and reducing harmful mechanical effects
2Manufacturing precision
If laser-assisted capsulorhexis is used, then precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single laser system platform. The same ultrafast laser system performs capsulorhexis, nuclear fracturing, cortical removal, and IOL implantation assistance, eliminating the need for multiple separate surgical devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities of each individual function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves precise capsulorhexis by controlling laser parameters such as pulse duration (femtosecond to picosecond range), pulse energy, repetition rate, and focal position. By precisely adjusting these parameters, the system creates a smooth circular opening in the anterior capsule with high precision while managing the complexity through programmable control
3Ease of operation
If mechanical capsulorhexis instruments are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical instruments with an automated laser system that uses optical focusing and scanning to create capsulorhexis. The laser beam is precisely directed and focused through optical systems and computational control, achieving superior geometric precision compared to manual instruments while maintaining ease of operation through automated sequencing and surgeon guidance
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 enables precise and safe capsulorhexis creation, facilitating easy intraocular lens insertion while reducing complications and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrafast laser may then be used to perform a three-dimensional scanned beam ablation pattern that essentially follows the shape of a suture layer of the lens
Implementation Method 2
The pulse energy of the treatment beam is sufficient to produce optical breakdown and initiate a plasma-mediated ablation process
Implementation Method 3
The pulse energy of the treatment beam is sufficient to produce optical breakdown and initiate a plasma-mediated ablation process
Implementation Method 4
The generated treatment beam is then passed through a condensing lens or other focusing device to a focal point within the crystalline lens of the eye
Implementation Method 5
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technology that uses light to take cross-sections of the eye
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
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 an optical 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.