Cell-Selective Laser Therapy with Variable Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selectively working laser systems for eye therapy lack flexibility in pulse length and pattern usage, limiting their universal applicability and therapeutic effectiveness, as they are based on fixed pulse lengths and do not allow for structured intracellular or cellular destruction.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive, cell-selective laser therapy method using a frequency-doubled, continuously working solid-state laser with a control unit that regulates pulse lengths from 50 ns to continuous, enabling selective therapies by varying pulse lengths and energy densities, and employing scanning systems to create patterns for targeted treatment of melanin-containing cells in the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed pulse length laser systems are used for selective laser therapy, then the treatment protocol is simplified, but the adaptability to different therapeutic needs and eye conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system dynamically adjusts pulse length based on the selected treatment mode (SLT, SRT, or 2RT). The control system automatically configures appropriate pulse duration parameters for each therapeutic application, providing adaptability without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key laser parameters including pulse length and energy density according to the specific therapeutic need. Different treatment protocols (SLT for glaucoma, SRT for macular diseases, 2RT for retinal regeneration) utilize optimized parameter sets that are automatically selected based on the treatment mode.
2Manufacturing precision
If short pulse lengths are used for selective cell therapy, then cellular selectivity is improved, but the ability to perform coagulative or stimulating therapies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system dynamically adjusts pulse length based on the selected treatment mode (SLT, SRT, or 2RT). The control system automatically configures appropriate pulse duration parameters for each therapeutic application, providing adaptability without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key laser parameters including pulse length and energy density according to the specific therapeutic need. Different treatment protocols (SLT for glaucoma, SRT for macular diseases, 2RT for retinal regeneration) utilize optimized parameter sets that are automatically selected based on the treatment mode.
3Reliability
If high energy density is used for effective cell destruction, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsed laser delivery with precise control over pulse duration and repetition rate. This periodic action allows energy to be delivered in controlled bursts that achieve therapeutic effects while permitting thermal dissipation between pulses, reducing cumulative thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of short pulse lengths allows the laser energy to be delivered and absorbed so rapidly that thermal diffusion to surrounding tissues is minimized. The treatment rushes through the interaction time before significant heat spread can occur, achieving effective cell destruction with reduced thermal damage zone.
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 approach allows for flexible and precise treatment of melanin-containing cells, improving therapeutic outcomes by enabling selective destruction or stimulation of cells, reducing thermal damage, and enhancing the effectiveness of treatments such as glaucoma therapy and retinal regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
The selective absorption is known in particular for melanin-containing cells in the eye, wherein particularly lasers in the green spectral range are used in this case, since a high absorption coefficient of melanin is present for wavelengths of e.g. 532 nm
Implementation Method 2
Micro vaporization on the melanin granules in the cell causes the photo disruption of the irradiated cells
Implementation Method 3
Micro vaporization on the melanin granules in the cell causes the photo disruption of the irradiated cells
Implementation Method 4
the control unit regulates the pump source in such a way that the solid-state laser emits individual pulses with pulse lengths ranging from 50 ns to continuous
Implementation Method 5
employing scanning systems to create patterns for targeted treatment of melanin-containing cells in the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a minimally invasive, cell-selective laser therapy on the eye. The method, based on a short-pulse laser system, allows for different selective types of therapy on the eye. The method is based on a frequency-doubled, continuously working solid-state laser including a pump source and a control unit. The control unit regulates the pump source such that the solid-state laser emits individual pulses with pulse lengths ranging from 50 ns to continuous, wherein pulse lengths ranging from 50 ns to 50 μs are provided for selective therapies and pulse lengths ranging from 50 μs to continuous are provided for coagulative or stimulating therapies, in particular in the range from 1 ms to 500 ms. The proposed method enables a selective treatment of melanin-containing cells in the different areas of the eye via the targeted control of the pump source.