Programmable ELT Fiber Probes for Variable Laser Shot Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber probes for excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) procedures are limited to a fixed number of laser shots, requiring frequent equipment changes during treatment, which disrupts the surgical process and may not adequately address the glaucoma condition.
Innovation Solution
Fiber probes are programmable to deliver a variable number of laser shots, allowing physicians to set the number within a range, thereby eliminating the need for equipment changes and ensuring personalized treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber probes are used with a fixed number of laser shots, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent equipment changes during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber probe transitions from a static fixed-shot design to a dynamic programmable system that can be configured for variable numbers of laser shots based on individual patient needs, allowing the device to adapt during procedures without physical replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of laser shot count from a fixed manufacturing constraint to a programmable variable parameter, enabling flexible adjustment of treatment length to match specific glaucoma case requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a maximum fixed number of laser shots is programmed into each fiber probe, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when treating patients requiring more shots
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber probe system becomes universal and multi-functional by accommodating different treatment lengths through programming, allowing a single probe to serve various treatment scenarios rather than requiring multiple specialized probes
3Loss of time
If the ELT procedure is interrupted to change fiber probes, then the reliability of treatment completion is improved, but the loss of time increases due to procedure delays
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber probe is pre-programmed with the required number of laser shots before the procedure begins, ensuring that the complete treatment sequence is ready in advance and eliminating the need for mid-procedure equipment changes
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 programmable fiber probes enable efficient and uninterrupted ELT procedures, improving fluid drainage and reducing eye pressure by creating optimal perforations in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, thus preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
Implementation Method 1
an excimer laser is used to permanently perforate the drainage system in the eye to increase drainage of fluid
Implementation Method 2
ELT instruments require fiber probes to deliver the laser pulse to the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for treatment of glaucoma comprise an excimer laser, a plurality of fiber probes, and a processor. Each fiber probe is attachable to the excimer laser to treat a subject having glaucoma by delivering shots from the laser. The processor is configured to monitor and limit a variable number of shots delivered by each fiber probe, the number of shots delivered by each fiber probe programmable within a range. Methods of treating glaucoma include programming a fiber probe to deliver a number of shots from an excimer laser. The fiber probe is inserted into an eye of a subject having glaucoma and adjusted to a position transverse to Schlemm's canal in the eye. A plurality of shots is applied from the excimer laser source while the probe is in the transverse position, thereby treating glaucoma by creating a plurality of perforations in Schlemm's canal and/or the trabecular meshwork.