Enhanced Methods for Glaucoma Treatment using Ultrashort Laser Pulses

Publication ID: 24-11857463_0006_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Methods for Glaucoma Treatment using Ultrashort Laser Pulses,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857463_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857463_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,463.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept improves upon the original patent by introducing advanced laser-based systems and methods for treating glaucoma, enhancing visualization, reducing thermal damage, and optimizing photodisruptive removal of outflow obstructing tissues.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent described methods for treating glaucoma using visible and infrared ultrashort laser pulses. However, the existing approach has limitations, such as inadequate visualization of Schlemm's canal during treatment, potential thermal damage to surrounding tissue, and lack of real-time control over laser pulses. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing enhanced systems and methods that improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of glaucoma treatment.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises advanced laser-based systems and methods that build upon the original patent. The new claims introduce a system for treating glaucoma that incorporates a laser device emitting ultrashort pulses, a goniolens or fiberoptic element for precise targeting, and an optical coupling system to control localized and diffuse pressure gradients. Additionally, the inventive concept includes methods for enhancing visualization of Schlemm's canal during treatment, reducing thermal damage, and optimizing photodisruptive removal of outflow obstructing tissues. These advancements enable real-time visualization of Schlemm's canal, minimize heat generation, and ensure precise and controlled removal of obstructing tissues.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements over the original patent, including the use of optical coherence tomography or photoacoustic spectroscopy for real-time visualization, pulse duration control for optimized photodisruption, and feedback control systems for precise laser pulse adjustment. These advancements provide a significant inventive step beyond the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different laser wavelengths, pulse durations, or optical systems. Variations could also involve the integration of additional sensors or imaging modalities to further enhance visualization and treatment outcomes.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the ophthalmic industry, offering improved glaucoma treatment options for patients. The enhanced systems and methods could be marketed as premium offerings, providing a competitive advantage for companies adopting this technology.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61F9/00825
A	A61	A61F9/009
A	A61	A61F9/0084
A	A61	A61F2009/00851
A	A61	A61F2009/00865
A	A61	A61F2009/00868
A	A61	A61F2009/00891
A	A61	A61F2009/00897

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Ophthalmic laser surgery, specifically glaucoma treatment techniques involving photodisruptive laser interventions for trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal modification

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or ophthalmological laser surgeon with expertise in ultrashort pulse laser systems, optical imaging techniques, and minimally invasive surgical interventions for ocular fluid dynamics

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technical extensions of the source patent's core laser-based glaucoma treatment methodology. The disclosed improvements in visualization, pulse control, and thermal management are logical incremental advancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize the original laser photodisruption technique. These variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches within the established technological framework of ophthalmic laser surgery.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Laser pulses directed through cornea to ablate trabecular meshwork

PTD Variation

Incorporating optical coherence tomography for real-time canal visualization during laser intervention

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding imaging modalities to surgical laser systems is a known technique for improving precision, representing a predictable enhancement to existing interventional approaches

Source Patent Element

Scanning ablation patterns in trabecular meshwork

PTD Variation

Implementing pulse duration control to optimize photodisruptive removal based on tissue characteristics

Obviousness Reasoning

Adaptive pulse parameter modification is a standard engineering approach for improving tissue-specific laser interactions, representing a finite and predictable solution set

Source Patent Element

Transcorneal laser photodisruption technique

PTD Variation

Introducing feedback control systems to monitor and adjust laser pulses in real-time

Obviousness Reasoning

Closed-loop control systems are a well-established method for improving surgical precision, constituting a known technique with expected results in medical device engineering

Source Patent Element

Laser-based trabecular meshwork modification

PTD Variation

Utilizing ultrashort pulse durations between 20 fs to 300 ps to minimize thermal damage

Obviousness Reasoning

Selecting optimal pulse parameters to reduce collateral tissue damage represents a standard optimization approach familiar to skilled practitioners in laser surgical techniques

Source Patent Element

Gonioscopic lens-assisted laser targeting

PTD Variation

Implementing optical coupling systems to control localized and diffuse pressure gradients

Obviousness Reasoning

Pressure management techniques are a predictable engineering solution for improving surgical intervention precision and minimizing potential complications

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857463 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the presented glaucoma treatment modifications obvious and lacking inventive step. The incremental improvements in laser pulse control, visualization techniques, and tissue interaction management represent predictable engineering solutions within the established technological framework of ophthalmic laser surgical interventions.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,463
Title	Methods for the treatment of glaucoma using visible and infrared ultrashort laser pulses