Ophthalmic Laser Coupling Interface with Deformable Gel Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling interfaces for ophthalmic laser surgery, such as those used in corneal cutting, often cause discomfort and risk of side effects due to the need for significant pressure and vacuum to secure the eye, leading to potential eye movement and increased intraocular pressure, and require specific and costly surgical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A coupling interface featuring a double-walled partition with a single rim and a deformable gel block that conforms to the eye's shape, reducing the need for high pressure and vacuum, and is compatible with standard ophthalmic operating room equipment, ensuring stable and painless suction with minimal eye movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high pressure and vacuum are applied to secure the coupling interface on the eye, then the eye is held stable and centered, but patient comfort deteriorates and intraocular pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface employs a flexible gel block instead of rigid structures. The gel block can deform to conform to the eye's surface, creating a secure seal without requiring high external pressure. This flexibility allows the interface to adapt to the eye's curvature, maintaining stability while reducing mechanical stress on the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the coupling medium from rigid to flexible (gel). This parameter change allows the coupling interface to maintain adhesion through vacuum suction alone, without relying on high mechanical pressure, thereby reducing harmful effects on the eye and patient comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high vacuum is applied to secure the coupling interface, then the eye is held firmly in position, but conjunctival hemorrhage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gel block distributes the vacuum suction force across a conforming surface area rather than concentrating it at rigid contact points. This distribution mechanism reduces localized stress on the conjunctiva, preventing hemorrhage while maintaining effective eye fixation through vacuum.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid coupling interface is used to ensure precise alignment, then the eye is held stable, but the interface cannot adapt to different eye shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The gel block's flexibility enables it to deform and conform to the unique curvature and dimensions of each patient's eye. This adaptation maintains precise optical alignment for the laser procedure while accommodating variations in eye shape and size across different patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The gel block can change its shape and volume distribution to match the eye's geometry, providing both adaptability and precise alignment simultaneously.
4Reliability
If specialized surgical equipment with specific aspiration systems is used, then the coupling interface can be secured effectively, but the equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is designed to be compatible with standard ophthalmic surgical equipment, particularly phacoemulsification devices. By using a universal vacuum suction system already present in the operating room, the invention eliminates the need for specialized equipment, reducing cost and complexity while maintaining reliable coupling security.
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 solution provides a more comfortable and secure method for ophthalmic laser surgery by reducing the need for high pressure and vacuum, minimizing eye movement, and eliminating the need for specialized equipment, while ensuring precise alignment and stability of the eye during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable gel block that conforms to the eye's shape
Implementation Method 2
an aspiration channel extending between the inside and outside faces of the outer side wall, so as to open into the aspiration chamber (between the inner and outer walls), the aspiration channel being intended to be connected to an aspiration module for allowing the generation of a vacuum
Implementation Method 3
a window transparent to a laser beam generated by the laser source, said window being sealingly mounted to the upper edges of the inner and outer side walls
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling interface between a laser source and a tissue to be treated, remarkable in that the coupling interface comprises:a ring (3) including:a double-walled partition (31),a window (33) transparent to a laser beam generated by the laser source, said window being sealingly mounted on the distal end of the ring so as to close the distal end of the ring,a gel block (4) intended to be positioned in a working housing of the ring.