Laser device for eye surgery
20 December 2010
An ophthalmology firm has developed a new type of device for treating eyes with a femtosecond laser.
Zühlke perfected the system, particularly the electronics, mechanics and software according to international regulations.
In eye laser treatments, a curved flap is cut in the top layer of the cornea and pulled back. Previously, this flap was cut with an oscillating knife. Zühlke’s client wanted to use a femtosecond laser for this task.
In the treatment, the ophthalmologist fixes the eye in place with a flexible handpiece using a vacuum. The base device deflects the laser beam through a swiveling arm into the handpiece and focuses it there. An ultra-precise X-Y deflection then creates the cutting geometry. Zühlke’s task was to develop the device and design the system.
As a first step in the project, Zühlke examined the technical feasibility of the undertaking. In order to verify the major risks early on, ideas and concepts were elaborated upon and implemented with the customer and other partners in a functional model with the handpiece and articulated arm. Initial cutting trials yielded positive results and the findings were incorporated directly into the design specifications. Within a year, the mechanics, electronics and software were ready for the first prototype. The FDA had assigned the device software to the highest security class, so an independent security system was required. It was implemented in the electronics with a digital signal processor (DSP). The prototype was then tested for the first time in clinical trials on patients. The objectives of achieving thinner cuts of greater precision and shortening the surgical time were met.
After further optimisation, the device became a series product. The entire advance was developed in accordance with the customer’s development process.
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