Microsurgery of lens dislocation in cats and dogs by «open sky» operation
At a Glance
Section titled “At a Glance”| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2019-10-01 |
| Journal | Russian veterinary journal |
| Authors | Алексей Шилкин, Aleksey Shilkin, Юлия Артюшина, Yuliya Artyushina, Денис Ротанов |
| Institutions | Ophthalmology Clinic |
| Citations | 1 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Analysis & Documentation: MPCVD Diamond in Veterinary Ophthalmic Microsurgery
Section titled “Technical Analysis & Documentation: MPCVD Diamond in Veterinary Ophthalmic Microsurgery”Executive Summary
Section titled “Executive Summary”This documentation analyzes the application of diamond microsurgery, specifically Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) micro-blades, in the “Open Sky” operation for lens dislocation (ectopia lentis) in aging domestic animals. The research validates MPCVD diamond as the optimal material for ultra-low trauma surgical tools.
- Diamond Superiority Confirmed: The study conclusively demonstrates that diamond micro-blades produce significantly better surgical outcomes (thin, transparent scar tissue) compared to metal instruments (rough, opaque scarring).
- Precision Tooling: Diamond cutting edges achieved a precision of approximately 50 nm (500 Angstroms), allowing tissue dissection without severe damage to collagen fibers or corneal endothelium.
- Reduced Trauma: Utilizing diamond microsurgery optimizes the “Open Sky” method, making it less invasive, faster, and safer than phacoemulsification for aged or systemically compromised patients.
- Improved Recovery: Post-operative analysis showed rapid corneal restoration, minimal inflammation, and the absence of complications like vitreous block, resulting in stable intraocular pressure (IOP).
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: Replicating or advancing this surgical precision requires the highest quality, Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD), which 6CCVD provides, polished to sub-nanometer roughness (Ra < 1 nm).
- Application Focus: This research directly supports the use of 6CCVD SCD materials in high-precision, low-invasiveness surgical instrument manufacturing, particularly in ophthalmology and delicate microsurgery.
Technical Specifications
Section titled “Technical Specifications”The following hard data points were extracted relating to the surgical requirements and material performance for diamond microsurgery in this application.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Edge Thickness (Diamond) | ~50 (0.05) | nm (µm) | Extreme precision achieved by the diamond micro-blade (500 A) |
| Corneal Incision Depth (Non-penetrating) | 400-500 | µm | Initial stage of the L-shaped incision profile |
| Sox Knife Working Angle | 30 | ° | Angle relative to the iris surface during the second incision stage |
| Material Required for Blades | Diamond/Leucosapphire | N/A | Confirmed superior material for low-trauma cutting |
| Target Patient Age | 10-14 | Years | Focus on optimized surgery for aged cats and dogs |
| Microscope Magnification Range | 6.4 - 20 | x | Required magnification for precise diamond microsurgery |
| Post-operative Scar Quality (Diamond) | Delicate, Transparent | N/A | Result achieved using diamond micro-blades |
| Post-operative Scar Quality (Metal) | Rough, Bulging, Opaque | N/A | Result of standard metal blade/scissor incisions |
Key Methodologies
Section titled “Key Methodologies”The successful adaptation of the “Open Sky” procedure was critically reliant on minimizing tissue trauma through optimized micro-tooling and specific surgical sequencing.
- Pre-operative Miosis: Use of Prostaglandins (Xalatan, Travatan) or Pilocarpine (1%) to achieve maximum pupillary constriction, reducing the risk of vitreous prolapse.
- Viscoelastic/Sterile Air Protection: Introduction of adhesive, light viscoelastic material and sterile air into the anterior chamber (PCG) to maintain volume, protect the corneal endothelium, and prevent corneal folding.
- Diamond Microsurgery Incision: Full transition from metal to advanced diamond or leucosapphire blades for corneal sectioning.
- Two-Stage L-Shaped Incision Profile:
- Stage 1: Non-penetrating cut (400-500 µm depth) using a pointed diamond micro-blade, positioned perpendicular to the corneal surface.
- Stage 2: Completion of the deep corneal layers using a specialized blunt-tipped “Soxa” diamond micro-blade at a 30° angle, ensuring the non-cutting edge glides safely over the iris.
- Bimanual Nucleus Expression: Delicate core extraction using “Hummingbird” forceps and an ophthalmic spatula, minimizing external pressure.
- Vitreous Management (Vitrectomy): Crucial stage using a vitreotome with a cut rate of not less than 1200 or Vannas microscissors to mechanically remove displaced vitreous (CT) fibers from the PCG.
- Wound Closure: Application of 3-4 provisional and 8/0-9/0 continuous/single corneal sutures, followed by balanced salt solution replacement.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled “6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities”The core finding of this research—that extremely low trauma requires cutting edges fabricated from the hardest, most consistent material—directly aligns with 6CCVD’s specialized capabilities in MPCVD diamond technology.
To manufacture the high-precision micro-blades described (50 nm edge thickness, Ra < 1 nm polish), only the highest quality Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) is suitable.
| Material Requirement (Ophthalmology) | 6CCVD Solution & Capability | Engineering Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-blade Material Quality | Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) | SCD offers unparalleled hardness and thermal stability, guaranteeing a consistent, durable edge capable of reaching the required 50 nm thickness. |
| Surface Finish | Precision Polishing (Ra < 1 nm for SCD) | Our in-house polishing capability ensures atomic-level smoothness, reducing frictional resistance during incision and minimizing trauma to the delicate corneal endothelium. |
| Tool Geometry Fabrication | Custom Laser Cutting & Shaping | We can process SCD wafers into customized blanks or plates up to 500 µm thickness, providing precise geometric profiles needed for specialized blades (e.g., specific wedge angles for “Soxa” knives). |
| Tool Integration/Mounting | Custom Metalization Services (Au, Pt, Ti, W) | 6CCVD offers thin-film metal deposition to facilitate secure integration of the SCD blade into complex surgical handles or automated systems. |
| Research Scalability | Large Format Capability (PCD up to 125 mm) | For large-scale production of tools or experimental arrays, 6CCVD supplies Poly-Crystal Diamond (PCD) wafers up to 125 mm in diameter, offering cost efficiency for certain components. |
| Logistics | Global Shipping & Regulatory Compliance | Secure, DDU/DDP global shipping ensures materials reach precision instrument manufacturers worldwide promptly and reliably. |
Engineering Support
Section titled “Engineering Support”This research highlights the critical transition to advanced materials in delicate surgical applications. 6CCVD’s in-house PhD team possesses deep expertise in diamond material physics and surface engineering necessary to consult on optimal material selection (SCD vs. PCD), crystal orientation, and finishing processes for specialized Ophthalmic Micro-Tooling projects.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
The lens dislocation (ectopia) is a partial or complete lens displacment from the normal anatomical position to the anterior chamber of an eye or into the vitreous body due to a violation of the integrity of the Zinn ligaments that hold the lens in a normal position. There are two different methods for dislocated lenses removing ― the «open sky» surgery technique or the ultrasonic phacoemulsification. According to results and clinical analysis of the lens dislocation surgery in small pets we have identified that using the «open sky» surgery is the optimal method for lens dislocation surgery in the anterior chamber in aged cats and dogs or pets with severe somatic pathology. Our technique of surgery with performing diamond microsurgery is more efficient and perfect, requires much less time than phacoemulsification. It optimizes the stages of the operation, minimizes complications and significantly improves the results of operations.