Scanning Laser Epithelial Removal with Fluorescence Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser eye surgery methods for correcting optical errors, such as PRK, face challenges in accurately and efficiently removing the corneal epithelium, often requiring mechanical scraping and causing patient discomfort due to invasive procedures and potential residual debris.
Innovation Solution
A scanning laser system that uses a pulsed beam to induce fluorescence in the epithelial tissue, allowing for real-time optical feedback to detect penetration and adjust beam size and position, enabling precise removal of the epithelial layer with enhanced accuracy and reduced invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical scraping is used to remove the epithelium, then the epithelial layer can be removed, but the procedure becomes invasive and causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraping instruments with a laser ablation system that uses optical energy to remove the epithelial layer. The laser beam delivers controlled energy to vaporize and remove epithelial tissue without requiring physical contact or mechanical tools, thereby eliminating the invasiveness and patient discomfort associated with mechanical scraping while maintaining effective epithelial removal
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical scraping is used to remove the epithelium, then the epithelial layer can be removed, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation system removes the epithelial layer rapidly through optical vaporization, significantly reducing the time required compared to mechanical scraping. The laser can remove epithelial tissue in a continuous, controlled manner without the time-consuming steps of instrument insertion, manual scraping, and debris removal, thereby reducing overall procedural time
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system delivers energy in controlled pulses or continuous waves that systematically remove epithelial tissue layer by layer. This periodic energy delivery allows for efficient, rapid removal of the entire epithelial layer across the treatment area, reducing the time required compared to sequential mechanical scraping operations
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical scraping is used to remove the epithelium, then the epithelial layer can be removed, but residual debris remains on the cornea
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation system vaporizes epithelial tissue directly into gas phase, eliminating the creation of solid debris fragments that occur with mechanical scraping. The optical energy cleanly removes tissue through controlled vaporization, leaving a smooth corneal surface without residual debris that would require additional cleaning steps
Solution Approach 2:
The laser energy causes the epithelial tissue to undergo a phase transition from solid to gas through vaporization. This phase change process removes tissue cleanly without leaving behind solid debris fragments, as the tissue is converted directly to vapor that is evacuated from the treatment area, resulting in a cleaner corneal surface
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical scraping is used to remove the epithelium, then the epithelial layer can be removed, but the procedure becomes invasive requiring surgical instruments to touch the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system replaces all mechanical surgical instruments with an optical delivery system. The laser beam is delivered through optical fibers or free-space optics that do not require physical contact with the eye, eliminating the need for surgical scrapers, brushes, or other mechanical tools that touch the cornea, thereby reducing procedural invasiveness
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 system improves the accuracy and efficacy of laser eye surgery by providing real-time monitoring and feedback for precise epithelial removal, reducing procedural time and patient discomfort, and ensuring uniform ablation with minimal residual errors.
Implementation Method 1
A scanning laser procedure is described which uses a pulsed beam to induce fluorescence in epithelial tissue so that penetration may be detected
Implementation Method 2
A region of an epithelial layer is irradiated with a pulsed beam of an ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary a location of the beam within the region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such penetration of the epithelial layer can be detected.