Segmented Suction Ring for Corneal Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and imaging corneal tissue during refractive surgery lack the ability to effectively utilize the electromagnetic radiation generated by pulsed laser interactions for real-time diagnostic purposes, limiting the precision and usability of corneal tissue analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a laser source, optical unit, suction ring, and interface unit with transparent or translucent sections to detect and guide Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), Third Harmonic Generation (THG), fluorescence, and plasma radiation emitted from the cornea, allowing for the generation of three-dimensional models and real-time monitoring of corneal tissue during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction ring and interface unit are made opaque for structural integrity and vacuum sealing, then mechanical stability is improved, but the detection of electromagnetic radiation from corneal tissue is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The suction ring is divided into opaque segments for structural integrity and transparent segments for radiation detection. The interface unit is segmented with transparent portions that allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through to detectors while maintaining the vacuum seal through the opaque portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suction ring and interface unit have different optical properties - some areas are transparent to allow radiation detection while other areas remain opaque for structural support and vacuum sealing. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between mechanical stability and radiation detection.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard opaque surgical apparatus is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but real-time corneal tissue imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The suction ring and interface unit serve dual functions: maintaining vacuum seal for surgical stability and allowing electromagnetic radiation transmission for real-time imaging. This multi-functionality enables both surgical operation and diagnostic imaging without requiring separate apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates composite construction with both opaque and transparent materials in the suction ring and interface unit, enabling simultaneous vacuum sealing and radiation detection capabilities in a single integrated component.
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser radiation intensity is increased to improve cutting precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the generation of detectable electromagnetic radiation for imaging decreases due to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time detection of electromagnetic radiation (SHG, THG, fluorescence) from corneal tissue to provide feedback on tissue properties and laser interaction. This feedback allows optimization of laser parameters to achieve precise cutting while minimizing tissue damage by adjusting intensity based on actual tissue response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical observation methods with optical detection of electromagnetic radiation (second harmonic generation, third harmonic generation, fluorescence) to monitor corneal tissue during surgery. This substitution enables non-contact, real-time imaging that does not interfere with the mechanical cutting process.
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 diagnostic capabilities by providing surgeons with detailed, real-time images of corneal substructures, improving the precision and usability of refractive surgery through the detection and processing of low-intensity, non-linearly generated electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 1
the impinging radiation generates electromagnetic radiation in the corneal tissue, which can be used to generate e.g., a three dimensional model of the cornea for diagnostic purpose or monitor the layer of the corneal tissue during incisions
Implementation Method 2
Such electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye in response to interaction of corneal tissue with pulsed laser radiation is e.g., SHG, fluorescence radiation, as well as THG and plasma radiation
Implementation Method 3
Such electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye in response to interaction of corneal tissue with pulsed laser radiation is e.g., SHG, fluorescence radiation, as well as THG and plasma radiation
Implementation Method 4
Such electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye in response to interaction of corneal tissue with pulsed laser radiation is e.g., SHG, fluorescence radiation, as well as THG and plasma radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for cutting or ablating corneal tissue of an eye provide for detection of electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye. A detector is provided and coupled to a computer controlling the cutting or ablating laser radiation so that a two- or three-dimensional image of radiation exiting the eye can be generated.