Automated Corneal Cross-Linking Pattern Generation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cross-linking treatments for keratoconus require manual analysis and judgment from physicians to create treatment patterns, which can be time-consuming and subjective.

Innovation Solution

An automated process that receives tomography data to identify keratoconic defects and segment them into treatment zones based on predefined geometric parameters, allowing for optimized and customized treatment patterns without relying on physician analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual analysis and judgment by physicians is used to create treatment patterns, then treatment customization and clinical expertise are applied, but the process becomes time-consuming and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment customizationVSAvoidtreatment planning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated treatment pattern generation where the software independently analyzes tomographic data, identifies keratoconic defects, segments treatment zones, and creates optimized treatment patterns without requiring manual physician intervention for each step, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining customization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physician analysis and pattern creation with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to process tomographic data and generate treatment patterns, eliminating the time-consuming manual workflow while preserving treatment adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual analysis and judgment by physicians is used to create treatment patterns, then clinical expertise is applied, but subjectivity increases in treatment planning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical expertiseVSAvoidtreatment planning objectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces subjective manual physician judgment with objective automated algorithms that consistently apply predefined geometric parameters and optimization criteria to all cases, eliminating variability and subjectivity while maintaining reliability through validated computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the treatment planning process from subjective clinical judgment to objective parameter-based decision-making by using predefined geometric parameters, automated defect identification metrics, and quantifiable optimization criteria that provide consistent, measurable, and reproducible treatment patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated process is used to generate treatment patterns, then time efficiency and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment planning efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves high productivity by integrating multiple functions into a single automated platform that performs tomographic data processing, defect identification, treatment zone segmentation, and pattern optimization simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate tools and procedures despite the increased automation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 automated process reduces the burden on physicians, minimizes subjectivity in treatment planning, and enables more efficient and effective cross-linking treatments for keratoconus, improving visual quality by stabilizing and strengthening the cornea.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination system is configured to deliver illumination that activates a photosensitizing agent applied to a cornea

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoactivation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250166188A1Systems and methods for generating patient-specific corneal cross- linking treatment patterns

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 AVEDRO INC

AI summary

An automated process receives input tomography data and generates an optimized (customized) treatment pattern for an individual patient without relying on the physician's analysis and judgment. For example, a method for treating a cornea includes receiving tomographic data for a cornea. The method includes identifying a keratoconic defect in the cornea based on the tomographic data. The method includes segmenting the keratoconic defect into treatment zones based on predefined geometric parameters, wherein the treatment zones indicate where a cross-linking agent is to be applied on the cornea and photoactivated to treat the keratoconic defect.