Adaptive Laser Setting Control for Changing Tissue Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser systems lack the ability to automatically adjust laser settings in response to changing tissue or stone composition during procedures, leading to less efficient treatment outcomes and longer treatment durations, which depend heavily on the skill and experience of the physician.
Innovation Solution
A laser system equipped with processing circuitry that can determine and adjust laser settings, such as wavelength, intensity, and pulse width, based on real-time analysis of the target's composition, providing automatic or prompted adjustments and notifications to the user through a graphical user interface, ensuring optimal energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laser settings are manually adjusted by the physician during the procedure, then the treatment can be adapted to changing conditions, but the treatment time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system automatically monitors target characteristics and adjusts laser settings without requiring continuous manual intervention from the physician. The system serves itself by detecting changes in tissue or stone composition and autonomously modifying parameters such as power, pulse duration, and wavelength to maintain optimal treatment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the laser interacts with the target and the resulting signals (such as acoustic emissions, optical backscatter, or temperature changes) are detected and analyzed. This feedback loop enables the system to continuously adjust laser settings based on the actual treatment conditions and target properties.
2Reliability
If the physician relies on skill and experience to optimize laser settings, then treatment outcomes can be improved, but the system lacks automation and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the physician's manual skill and experience-based decision-making with automated computational algorithms and machine learning models. These digital systems analyze target characteristics and determine optimal laser settings, substituting human expertise with consistent, data-driven automation that reduces variability in treatment outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple laser parameters (power, pulse duration, wavelength, duty cycle) based on real-time analysis of target properties. By systematically adjusting these parameters according to measured characteristics rather than relying solely on physician judgment, the system achieves more consistent and reliable treatment outcomes across different operators and procedures.
3Productivity
If laser intensity is increased to reduce treatment time, then productivity improves, but the risk of damaging surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different laser parameters to different regions or depths of the target. By analyzing local characteristics of the tissue or stone and adjusting laser settings accordingly, the system delivers high intensity where needed to maintain productivity while reducing intensity in areas where it would cause harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser settings are dynamically adjusted during the procedure based on real-time feedback from the treatment zone. The system transitions from static pre-set parameters to dynamic, adaptive control where power, pulse duration, and other parameters change continuously to match the actual treatment conditions, maximizing efficiency while minimizing damage risk.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables more efficient and effective laser procedures by automatically adjusting settings to match changing tissue or stone compositions, reducing treatment time and improving outcomes regardless of the physician's skill level.
Implementation Method 1
lasers are used to ablate or cut tissue or reduce stones, such as kidney stones or gall stones, into small fragments
Implementation Method 2
laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are system and methods for a laser system comprising at least one laser, a processor, and a user interface. The processor can receive a range for at least one setting of the at least one laser that the at least one laser can operate within. The processor can further determine a proposed updated value for the at least one setting and determine that the proposed updated value is within the range. An indication of the proposed updated value and an option for a user to accept or reject the proposed updated value can be provided on a user interface. Responsive to an acceptance the at least one setting can be adjusted based on the proposed updated value. Responsive to no rejection within a predetermined period of time, the processor can cause the at least one setting to be adjusted or cancel adjustment of the at least one setting.