Biomechanical FEM model of the cornea in femtosecond laser assisted keratoplasty

Francesca Rossi; Michele Rossi; Roberto Pini; Alex Malandrini; Annalisa Canovetti; Paolo Ferrara; Luca Menabuoni

doi:10.1117/12.2527012

22 July 2019 Biomechanical FEM model of the cornea in femtosecond laser assisted keratoplasty

Francesca Rossi, Michele Rossi, Roberto Pini, Alex Malandrini, Annalisa Canovetti, Paolo Ferrara, Luca Menabuoni

Proceedings Volume 11079, Medical Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions IX; 1107906 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2527012
Event: European Conferences on Biomedical Optics, 2019, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Femtosecond laser is routinely used in Ophthalmology to cut donor and patient’s cornea in lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty. Different cut shapes can be chosen, on the basis of the specific patient’s pathology and morphology and on surgeon’s skills. Different cut geometries provide different internal load resistance of the cornea, and this can affect the surgical outcomes. This work aims to qualitatively evaluate the biomechanical load resistance of the different configurations that are currently used in laser assisted keratoplasty, in order to support the surgeon’s choice. A 3D finiteelement biomechanical model of the human cornea was developed and different geometric configurations were designed, taking into account the possible different orientations of the cornea lamellae. We evidenced a different wound resistance to internal loads in the different laser trephined profiles, as well as a different distribution of the stresses in relation to the donor cornea orientation. The analyzed profiles are the mushroom, top hat and anvil. The anvil profile resulted more resistant to the increasing internal pressure, in accordance with the clinical results. The anvil profile enabled the apposition of a restricted number of sutures and early suture removal, thanks to its greater mechanical load resistance. These advantages can contribute to a faster visual recovery in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty.

Citation Download Citation

Francesca Rossi, Michele Rossi, Roberto Pini, Alex Malandrini, Annalisa Canovetti, Paolo Ferrara, and Luca Menabuoni "Biomechanical FEM model of the cornea in femtosecond laser assisted keratoplasty", Proc. SPIE 11079, Medical Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions IX, 1107906 (22 July 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2527012

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available