Plume Evacuation Apparatus for Corneal Laser Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser systems for corneal tissue ablation face challenges in accuracy and predictability due to environmental conditions and the presence of interfering particles, particularly 'plumes' generated during the procedure, which are carcinogenic and affect the precision of refractive eye surgery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that isolates and controls the atmosphere between the laser system and the patient's eye, using an extensible, radially symmetric structure with an eye piece for flush contact and a ventilation system to remove plumes, ensuring consistent environmental conditions and improving the accuracy and safety of the treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If fans or aspirators are used to evacuate plumes, then plume removal is achieved, but laser accuracy and predictability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment space is segmented into a controlled microenvironment (isolated region) and the external environment. The isolation means create a distinct zone between the laser system and patient's eye, allowing independent atmospheric control within this segment without affecting the entire treatment room.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation means act as an intermediary barrier that separates the laser beam path from external environmental disturbances. This intermediary structure allows controlled atmospheric conditions to be maintained in the critical region while blocking out external plumes and disturbances.
2Reliability
If environmental conditions are controlled in the treatment room, then laser accuracy improves, but external disturbances from patient or personnel movements cannot be fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
Atmospheric control is applied locally to the specific region between the laser system and patient's eye, rather than attempting to control the entire treatment room. This localized approach ensures that critical parameters (temperature, humidity, particle concentration) are optimized in the laser path while allowing the rest of the room to maintain comfortable conditions for patient and personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from two-dimensional room-wide environmental control to three-dimensional localized control within the isolation region. By creating a confined space with controlled atmospheric properties, the system achieves precise environmental management in the critical zone while maintaining flexibility in the surrounding area.
3Manufacturing precision
If a controlled atmosphere is implemented, then laser accuracy and plume evacuation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation means are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: isolating the laser beam path from external disturbances, controlling atmospheric conditions, evacuating plumes, and maintaining a stable microenvironment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving comprehensive control.
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
Enhances the precision and reliability of corneal tissue removal by maintaining controlled atmospheric conditions, reducing the impact of environmental disturbances and carcinogenic plumes, allowing for more accurate and safe refractive eye surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation system to remove plumes
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Apparatus (100) for providing a controlled atmosphere in a region between a laser system for corneal tissue ablation and an eye of a patient, comprising means for isolating (200) the region between the laser system and the eye and means for controlling (300) the atmosphere in the region.