Direct-Diode Adapter for Compact Photothermal Ophthalmic Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical systems, such as photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation lasers, are bulky, complex, costly, and not easily deployable at the point-of-care, lacking ease of use and requiring external fiber-optic cables.
Innovation Solution
A compact adapter unit with a direct diode laser integrated into a diagnostic instrument, emitting therapeutic light directly above or in line with the viewing path, eliminating the need for external fiber-optic connections and allowing retrofitting to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a semiconductor pumped solid-state laser is used for photothermal ophthalmic treatment, then therapeutic light can be emitted, but the apparatus becomes bulky, complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser source from an external apparatus and integrates it directly into the adapter unit that attaches to the slit lamp. This eliminates the need for complex external laser systems, fiber-optic cables, and dedicated interfaces, thereby reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining therapeutic light emission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the laser source, optical elements, and adapter housing into a single integrated unit that attaches to the existing diagnostic instrument. This merging of components reduces the overall system complexity and eliminates the need for separate external laser apparatus
2Power
If a semiconductor pumped solid-state laser is used for photothermal ophthalmic treatment, then therapeutic light can be emitted, but the apparatus becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a direct diode laser source which is more cost-effective than semiconductor pumped solid-state lasers. The simplified adapter unit design with fewer components reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the required output power for therapeutic applications
3Power
If an external fiber-optic cable system is used for laser delivery, then therapeutic light can be delivered to the target, but the system lacks ease of use and requires dedicated interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser source directly with the adapter unit that attaches to the slit lamp, eliminating the need for external fiber-optic cables and dedicated interfaces. This integration significantly improves ease of use by allowing the system to be attached to standard diagnostic instruments without specialized connections
4Device complexity
If a compact adapter unit with direct diode laser is used, then the system becomes simpler and more cost-effective, but must ensure sufficient output power for photothermal treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a direct diode laser operating at wavelengths of 480-632 nm, which are well-absorbed by ocular structures. By optimizing the laser wavelength and using appropriate optical elements (lenses, mirrors, beam expanders), the system achieves sufficient output power for photothermal treatment while maintaining a compact and simple design
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
The adapter unit provides a cost-effective, versatile, and safer solution for ophthalmic treatments like photocoagulation, reducing complexity and risk of errors, while maintaining ease of use and compatibility with various diagnostic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
causing absorption of light by structures of a subject's eye, such as melanin or blood
Implementation Method 2
absorption of light by structures of a subject's eye... for photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation
Implementation Method 3
one or more optical elements configured to direct the emitted light as a treatment beam towards the target area
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for photothermal ophthalmic treatment, in particular photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation, the apparatus comprising a diagnostic instrument and an adapter unit, the diagnostic instrument being configured to emit illumination light from an illumination output along a free-air illumination output path towards a target area, to receive light from the target area along a free-air viewing path and to provide a magnified view of the target area, wherein the adapter unit comprises: a housing detachably mountable to said diagnostic instrument; at least one treatment direct diode laser positioned within the housing; the direct diode laser comprising a treatment laser diode configured to emit light at a wavelength suitable for photothermal ophthalmic treatment in the wavelength range of 480 and 632 nm, one or more optical elements configured to direct the emitted light as a treatment light beam towards the target area when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument; and wherein the treatment direct diode laser is located above or in line with said viewing path when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument and wherein at least one of the optical elements is configured to extend into at least one of the free-air viewing path and the free-air illumination output path of the diagnostic instrument when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument in an operational position.