Endpoint-managed photocoagulation using Arrhenius integral feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based ophthalmic interventions lack uniformity and reproducibility in creating visible and sub-visible lesions due to subjective clinician adjustments and non-linear relationships between laser power and duration, leading to inconsistent results across patients and clinicians.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows adjustment of laser energy delivery by selecting a single numerical value, with the system automatically adjusting power and duration based on an operating curve determined by the Arrhenius integral value, ensuring consistent and reproducible lesion creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clinicians manually titrate laser power and duration based on visual assessment, then treatment flexibility is maintained, but uniformity and reproducibility of lesions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control by capturing images of the retinal tissue, analyzing lesion characteristics through image processing algorithms, and automatically adjusting laser parameters based on the analyzed feedback. This closed-loop system eliminates subjective visual assessment while maintaining treatment adaptability through algorithm-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment of laser parameters by clinicians with an automated computational system that uses image analysis and algorithms to determine optimal settings. This substitution of manual operation with automated systems resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
2Measurement precision
If clinicians increase power and duration to compensate for sub-visible lesions, then visible endpoints can be achieved, but over-adjustment occurs due to non-linear tissue response
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual tissue response through real-time image capture and analysis, providing feedback that prevents over-adjustment. By objectively measuring lesion characteristics rather than relying on clinician estimation, the system maintains consistent power and duration settings that account for the non-linear tissue response without causing over-treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of partial action by using sub-threshold micropulse parameters that deliver just enough energy to achieve the desired therapeutic effect without exceeding the threshold that would cause excessive tissue damage. This approach achieves visible endpoints while preventing over-adjustment through precise control below the damage threshold.
3Productivity
If standard power and duration are applied initially, then treatment time is reduced, but inadequate lesion creation occurs due to varying tissue pigmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the patient's tissue properties through initial imaging and analysis before delivering the therapeutic laser treatment. This preliminary action captures tissue pigmentation characteristics and other relevant parameters, allowing the system to pre-calculate optimal power and duration settings that are tailored to the individual patient, thereby achieving both efficiency and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing laser parameters based on the specific local characteristics of each patient's tissue, particularly varying pigmentation levels. Rather than using uniform standard settings for all patients, the system adjusts power and duration locally according to measured tissue properties, ensuring adequate lesion creation while maintaining treatment efficiency.
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 enables precise control over lesion creation, reducing variability between clinicians and improving the reproducibility of both visible and sub-visible endpoints, enhancing the reliability of laser-based eye treatments.
Implementation Method 1
application of laser energy in the form of a laser treatment beam having a controlled power and controlled duration to targeted tissue structures
Implementation Method 2
delivering laser energy to create reproducible visible and sub-visible lesions on an eye
Implementation Method 3
a detection device configured to capture images of the eye
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and processes are described relating to laser-based ophthalmic intervention technologies and, more specifically, to techniques for delivering reproducible amounts of laser energy to create visible and sub-visible lesions on an eye. The subject technology may provide a user with the ability to adjust the amount of energy to be delivered to the eye tissue by selecting a single numerical value. In response, the system may adjust the power and/or duration of the laser treatment beam pulse according to an operating curve determined by the system.