Partial-Depth Ophthalmic Laser Incisions for Astigmatism Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic microsurgical procedures for correcting astigmatic aberrations require high precision and often compromise the strength and integrity of ophthalmic tissue due to deep incisions, limiting their effectiveness in correcting a wide range of astigmatic issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an ophthalmic surgical laser to create patterns of incisions that extend only partially through ophthalmic tissue layers, allowing for greater elasticity and precise shaping while maintaining tissue strength, including incisions spaced apart and aligned along line segments and arcs on both anterior and posterior sides of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If deep incisions are made through 80% to 90% of the tissue depth to correct astigmatic aberrations, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the tissue strength and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single deep incision into multiple shallower incisions spaced at different depths and positions. Instead of making one incision penetrating 80-90% of tissue depth, the system creates a pattern of multiple incisions at varying depths (e.g., 40-60% depth), distributing the tissue relaxation effect while preserving structural integrity through the uncut portions between incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different incision depths and orientations at different locations within the treatment zone. By varying the incision parameters (depth, length, orientation) locally across the astigmatic region, the system achieves precise correction tailored to each area's specific requirements while maintaining overall tissue strength through strategic placement of shallower cuts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deep incisions are made to correct a wider range of astigmatic aberrations, then the adaptability is improved, but the procedural precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple incisions at different depths and orientations to address various types and severities of astigmatism. This segmented approach allows the system to treat a broader range of astigmatic conditions (regular, irregular, with or without presbyopia) by selecting and combining appropriate incision patterns, reducing the need for perfectly precise single-incision placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple partial-depth incisions that collectively achieve the desired tissue relaxation effect. Rather than relying on a single precise deep incision, the system uses several shallower incisions whose combined effect achieves adequate correction, providing tolerance for variations in individual incision placement while still correcting a wide range of astigmatic aberrations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple incisions are made to increase tissue elasticity and precision shaping, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical incision techniques with an automated laser system that uses optical scanning to create multiple incisions. The computer-controlled scanning mechanism automatically positions and executes multiple incisions according to pre-calculated patterns, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and depth control that would increase procedural complexity, while achieving precise shaping through coordinated multi-axis scanning.
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
This approach allows for more precise and extensive correction of astigmatic aberrations with reduced tissue damage, increased strength retention, and greater tolerance for procedural variations, enabling more effective and safer eye surgery with less invasive techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The laser source can be configured to generate a laser beam... scan the laser beam along a scan pattern to create a pattern of cuts
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical laser system can include a laser source configured to generate a laser beam. The system can also include a scanning delivery system that can be configured to direct the laser beam to an ocular target region and scan the laser beam along a scan pattern in the ocular target region of an eye. The system can further include a system controller in communication with the scanning delivery system. The system controller can be configured to control the scanning delivery system to scan the laser beam along the scan pattern to create a pattern of cuts for relaxing ophthalmic tissue in the ocular target region. Each cut of the pattern of cuts can extend only partially through the ophthalmic tissue.