Ultrafast laser machining of porcine sclera

Wojciech Stanisław Góra, R. M. Carter, B. Dhillon, D. P. Hand, J. D. Shephard

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The use of ultrafast lasers (pulsed lasers with pulse lengths of a few picoseconds or less) offers the possibility for minimally invasive removal of soft ophthalmic tissue. The potential for using pico- and femtosecond pulses for modification of scleral tissue has been reported elsewhere [1-6] and has resulted in the introduction of new, minimally invasive, procedures into clinical practice [3, 5-10]. Our research is focused on finding optimal parameters for picosecond laser machining of scleral tissue without introducing any unwanted collateral damage to the tissue. Experiments were carried out on hydrated porcine sclera in vitro, which has similar collagen organization, histology and water content (∼70%) to human tissue. In this paper we present a 2D finite element ablation model which employs a one-step heating process. It is assumed that the incident laser radiation that is not reflected is absorbed in the tissue according to the Beer-Lambert law and transformed into heat energy. The experimental setup uses an industrial picosecond laser (TRUMPF TruMicro 5x50) with 5.9 ps pulses at 1030 nm, with pulse energies up to 125 μJ and a focused spot diameter of 35 μm. The use of a scan head allows flexibility in designing various scanning patterns. We show that picosecond pulses are capable of modifying scleral tissue without introducing collateral damage. This offers a possible route for minimally invasive sclerostomy. Many scanning patterns including single line ablation, square and circular cavity removal were tested.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedical Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions VII
EditorsLothar D. Lilg, Ronald Sroka
PublisherSPIE
Volume9542
ISBN (Print)9781628417074
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
EventMedical Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions VII - Munich, Germany
Duration: 21 Jun 201523 Jun 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
Volume9542
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceMedical Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions VII
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period21/06/1523/06/15

Keywords

  • Laser induced breakdown
  • Model
  • Picoseconds
  • Porcine sclera
  • Sclerostomy
  • Simulation
  • Thinning
  • Ultrafast

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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