SMILE Laser Planning Unit for Corneal Lenticule Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In eye surgery, particularly during the SMILE method, the small opening cut makes it difficult to clearly identify and correctly separate the lenticule cuts, leading to potential errors during lenticule removal.
Innovation Solution
A planning unit is developed to produce control data for a treatment device that includes a calculation module for establishing cornea cutting planes, specifically determining a cap cut, a lenticule cut, and two access cuts – a first access cut for accessing the cap cut and a second access cut for accessing the lenticule cut – to ensure optimal positioning and accurate separation of the lenticule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a small opening cut is used to access the lenticule, then the biomechanical integrity of the cornea is better preserved, but it becomes difficult to clearly identify and correctly separate the lenticule cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access cut into two separate cuts: a first access cut for accessing the cap cut and a second access cut for accessing the lenticule cut. This segmentation allows each cut to be optimally positioned and identified, with the second access cut specifically providing clear access to the lenticule cut plane for accurate identification and separation while maintaining corneal integrity.
2Productivity
If only one treatment device is used, then the treatment process is simplified and efficiency is improved, but the precision and control of multiple cutting functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single laser treatment device that performs multiple functions: creating the cap cut, creating the lenticule cut, and creating both access cuts. This multi-functional approach maintains treatment efficiency while achieving precise cutting planes through computer-controlled laser positioning and planning software that calculates optimal cut geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical multi-device systems with a laser-based system that uses optical focusing and computer control to achieve precise cutting. The laser can be dynamically positioned and focused to create different cut types (cap cut, lenticule cut, access cuts) with high precision using a single device, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical treatment devices.
3Reliability
If the lenticule is removed through a small opening cut, then fewer nerve fibers are cut and corneal sensitivity recovery is improved, but the risk of errors during lenticule removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates the second access cut in advance, specifically positioned to provide clear access to the lenticule cut plane. This preliminary action ensures that when lenticule removal is needed, the surgeon has optimal access and clear identification of the cutting plane, reducing the risk of errors while still maintaining the benefits of minimal corneal disruption through the small opening approach.
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 solution ensures precise positioning of the access cuts, reducing the risk of errors during lenticule removal and improving the accuracy of refraction correction by clearly defining the cutting planes, thereby enhancing the surgical precision and minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a treatment device which produces at least one cutting plane in the cornea by means of a laser unit
Implementation Method 2
the LASIK operation provides the use of an excimer laser, which removes, by ablation, the corneal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A planning unit produces control data for a treatment device for eye surgery which produces at least two cutting planes in a cornea of the eye using a laser unit. The planning unit includes a calculation module for establishing cornea cutting planes and is configured to establish the cornea cutting planes based on data of a refraction correction. The cornea cutting planes are determined so as to include a cap cut, a lenticule cut, a first access cut for accessing the cap cut, and a second access cut for accessing the lenticule cut. The planning unit is also configured to produce a control data set for actuating the laser unit for the cornea cutting planes.