Femtosecond UV Laser Corneal Flap Creation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical laser treatments for the eye, particularly using femtosecond lasers, often result in undesired modifications or damage to non-target tissue structures such as the lens or retina during corneal interventions.
Innovation Solution
Employing pulsed treatment radiation with wavelengths between 190 nm and 380 nm and pulse durations in the femtosecond range, specifically focusing on the cornea to minimize impact on unintended eye regions through photoablation and photodisruption, with optimized parameters such as pulse repetition rates and energies to achieve precise corneal flap creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If femtosecond lasers with wavelengths in the IR or visible range are used for corneal surgery, then tissue separation and flap creation are achieved, but undesired damage to non-target structures such as the lens and retina occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching from conventional IR/visible wavelengths to UV wavelengths (190-380 nm) for laser treatment. This parameter change in wavelength results in shallower penetration depth and reduced damage to non-target structures while maintaining effective corneal ablation and flap creation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by using UV radiation that is selectively absorbed by corneal tissue, creating localized action confined to the cornea. The shorter wavelength provides more localized energy deposition, ensuring that only the intended corneal region is affected while sparing deeper ocular structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV radiation with wavelength 190-380 nm and femtosecond pulse duration is used, then damage to non-target eye structures is reduced, but the complexity of optimizing multiple parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, repetition rate) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through femtosecond pulsed radiation with controlled repetition rates (1 kHz to 1 MHz). This pulsed delivery allows precise control of energy deposition over time, enabling optimization of both safety and efficiency without requiring continuous high-power exposure that would increase system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling adjustable pulse repetition rates and variable wavelength selection within the UV range. This dynamic parameter control allows the system to adapt to different surgical requirements and tissue conditions, reducing the need for multiple fixed-parameter systems
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
Significantly reduces damage to non-target eye structures during corneal interventions, allowing for high-quality flap production with minimal radiation penetration into the lens and retina, while maintaining efficient ablation thresholds and processing times.
Implementation Method 1
by the action of pulsed treatment radiation with a wavelength of between about 190 nm and about 380 nm and a pulse duration in the femtosecond range... It is thereby possible to surgically intervene only on the cornea, in particular by a photoablation and/or photodisruption
Implementation Method 2
by the action of pulsed treatment radiation with a wavelength of between about 190 nm and about 380 nm and a pulse duration in the femtosecond range... It is thereby possible to surgically intervene only on the cornea, in particular by a photoablation and/or photodisruption
Implementation Method 3
The arrangement according to the invention preferably comprises means for focusing the treatment radiation on or in a cornea
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for carrying out surgical laser treatments of the eye is adapted to emit pulsed treatment radiation with a wavelength of between about 190 nm and about 380 nm and a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. Such treatment radiation allows nonaggressive corneal or intraocular laser treatment of the eye, for example in order to make corneal cuts or deliberately ablate corneal tissue.