Auto-titrating Laser Algorithm for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser systems require manual titration of laser power by surgeons, which is time-consuming and inefficient, as they lack the ability to auto-turate, necessitating multiple probing shots to achieve the desired tissue effect.
Innovation Solution
An auto-titrating laser system and method that uses an algorithm to configure laser parameters based on user inputs, allowing the laser to fire in a defined pattern and automatically determine optimal power settings upon observing a desired tissue effect, thereby automating the titration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual titration is performed by the surgeon, then the laser power can be adjusted to achieve desired tissue effect, but the surgical procedure becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary titration actions automatically by executing a predefined algorithm that fires the laser in a defined pattern and observes tissue effects, determining optimal laser parameters before the actual surgical procedure begins. This preliminary automated titration eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually perform time-consuming test shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically configuring laser parameters through an algorithm that monitors tissue effects and adjusts power settings without requiring continuous surgeon intervention. The algorithm independently determines optimal laser parameters based on observed tissue responses during the titration process.
2Reliability
If multiple probing laser shots are fired to titrate power, then the desired tissue effect can be achieved, but the number of steps and complexity of the setup process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The titration process is segmented into distinct phases: an automated algorithm-controlled phase that performs preliminary titration with predefined patterns, and a surgical phase where the surgeon performs the actual procedure. This segmentation separates the complex titration steps from the surgical steps, reducing overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the algorithm observe tissue effects in real-time during titration and use this information to automatically adjust laser power settings. The algorithm receives feedback from tissue response and continuously optimizes parameters, simplifying the titration process while ensuring reliable tissue effect achievement.
3Ease of operation
If the laser is manually titrated incrementally, then the surgeon can observe tissue discoloration to determine appropriate power, but the efficiency and flow of the surgical procedure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of incremental power adjustment and visual observation is replaced by an automated algorithmic system. The algorithm electronically controls power increments, automatically observes tissue effects through sensors, and determines optimal settings without requiring the surgeon to manually adjust each parameter and visually inspect tissue changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The algorithm performs all necessary titration adjustments and power optimization as preliminary actions before the surgical procedure begins. By completing the power titration and parameter optimization in advance, the system allows the surgeon to immediately begin the surgical procedure without efficiency losses from manual setup steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for auto-titrating a surgical laser are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises: providing an algorithm, wherein the algorithm is operable to configure the laser based on one or more user inputs; providing a first user input operable to cause the algorithm to execute and fire the laser in a defined pattern; providing a second user input, in response to an observed condition, operable to cause the laser to stop firing and to cause the algorithm to determine one or more laser parameter values and configure the laser based on the one or more laser parameter values, wherein a final laser power value when the laser stops firing is an input to the algorithm and wherein the algorithm determines the one or more laser parameters based on the final laser power value. The method can further comprise placing the laser in a “ready” (surgical) mode, either automatically by the auto-titration algorithm or via another user input. Once in a ready mode, a user, such as a surgeon, can perform a surgical procedure with the automatically configured laser. The user inputs can be provided by activating a control switch, such as the footswitch typically used by ophthalmic surgeons to control the operation of an ophthalmic surgical laser.