Single-Piece Ophthalmic Patient Interface with Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for ophthalmic surgical laser systems often have complex constructions and are difficult to use, particularly when multiple components need to be joined together during the docking process.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece patient interface device with a hollow shell, a transparent applanation lens, and a flexible skirt, which includes through channels for air communication and a magnetic mechanism for coupling to the laser delivery system, simplifying the docking process and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to form the patient interface device, then the device can provide comprehensive functionality (eye stabilization, laser delivery, vacuum coupling), but the device complexity increases and the docking process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (ocular attachment ring with vacuum coupling, applanation lens for eye stabilization, and connector for laser system interface) into a single integrated patient interface device. This merging eliminates the need to manually assemble multiple pieces during docking, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality for eye stabilization and laser delivery
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are joined together during docking, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in joining pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface device is designed as a single-piece configuration that requires no assembly during the docking process. The ocular attachment ring, applanation lens, and connector are pre-integrated, allowing the device to be easily placed on the eye and coupled to the laser system without manual joining of components
3Ease of operation
If a single-piece configuration is used, then the ease of operation improves and docking is simplified, but the adaptability may be reduced compared to multi-component designs
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece patient interface device incorporates multiple functions within one integrated structure: the ocular attachment ring provides vacuum coupling to stabilize the eye, the applanation lens maintains optical contact with the cornea, and the connector enables coupling to the laser system. This universal design achieves comprehensive functionality without requiring multiple separate components
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 simple, easy-to-use patient interface that stabilizes the eye effectively during ophthalmic surgery, with a magnetic mechanism for secure attachment to the laser delivery system and a vacuum seal for precise eye alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic mechanism for coupling the patient interface device to the laser delivery system
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum can be applied to the annular channel via tubing that connect the ocular attachment ring to a vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser system with a patient's eye using a single-piece patient interface (PI). The PI includes a hollow shell, with an applanation lens and a flexible skirt at its lower end. Through channels are formed around the applanation lens to connect the spaces above and below the lens. When the PI is coupled to the laser system and the eye, the upper rim of the shell forms a seal with the laser system and the flexible skirt forms a seal with the eye. A vacuum is applied to the interior of the shell via a vacuum port on the laser system, and the vacuum is communicated to the space enclosed by the applanation lens, the skirt and the eye through the channels around the lens. A magnetic mechanism is also provided to hold the PI shell to the laser system.