Eye Surgery Laser Calibration via Thermal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excimer laser systems used in refractive eye surgery face challenges in minimizing complications and corneal dehydration due to high repetition rates, which can cause unintended tissue damage and temperature increases, especially when operating at increased frequencies beyond 750 Hz.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature detection device, such as a thermal imaging camera, to monitor and control the temperature of the eye or test object during laser exposure, allowing for real-time adjustments in pulse energy and ablation parameters to prevent thermal damage and ensure precise tissue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser repetition rate is increased to reduce treatment time, then productivity is improved, but temperature increase and thermal damage to tissue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature detection device continuously monitors tissue temperature during laser treatment. The control device receives temperature signals and adjusts laser parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that prevents thermal damage while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal monitoring of the eye with a non-contact optical measurement system. The temperature detection device uses optical methods to measure tissue temperature without physical contact, enabling continuous monitoring during high-speed laser treatment
2Productivity
If the laser repetition rate is increased to reduce treatment time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of thermal damage to adjacent tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses real-time temperature feedback to dynamically adjust laser pulse parameters. When temperature approaches dangerous thresholds, the system automatically reduces pulse energy or adjusts scanning speed, preventing thermal damage to adjacent tissue while maintaining efficient treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of laser scanning speed and pulse duration based on real-time temperature conditions. The system adapts its operational parameters during treatment, switching between high-speed mode for productivity and low-speed mode for thermal protection as needed
3Manufacturing precision
If pulse energy is increased to achieve desired ablation depth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but temperature increase and thermal damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic scanning of the laser beam across the tissue surface rather than concentrated continuous heating. The scanning motion distributes thermal energy over time and space, enabling precise ablation depth control through multiple low-energy passes instead of single high-energy pulses
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically changes multiple laser parameters simultaneously including pulse energy, scanning speed, and pulse duration based on real-time temperature feedback. This multi-parameter optimization allows precise control of ablation depth while maintaining temperature below damaging thresholds
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 reduces the risk of thermal damage and complications by allowing for precise control of pulse energy and ablation depth, minimizing the risk of eye damage and optimizing the surgical process, even at higher laser repetition rates like 1050 Hz.
Implementation Method 1
Argon fluoride excimer lasers, which emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 193 nm, are currently usually used in refractive eye surgery for the treatment of ametropia by photoablation of the cornea
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a temperature detection device, such as a thermal imaging camera, to monitor and control the temperature of the eye or test object during laser exposure
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) for surgical treatment of an eye comprises a laser arrangement (12) designed to emit light with a wavelength and repetition rate suitable for the surgical treatment of the eye. The system (10) further comprises a temperature detector (14), which is designed to detect the temperature of an object (26) to which the light from the laser arrangement (12) is to be applied.