Femtosecond Laser Ophthalmic Range Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic treatments, such as LASIK and cataract surgery, face challenges in accurately determining the location and orientation of anatomical features within the eye, like the capsular bag and lens, due to the high cost and limitations of optical coherence tomography systems and the need for precise diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a femtosecond laser, optical system, and sensor to scan and analyze the eye posterior to the cornea, acquiring reflectance images to determine anatomical features and provide therapeutic treatments like capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation, with the ability to vary energy levels for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography systems are used to determine the location and orientation of anatomical features, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The femtosecond laser system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver therapeutic laser energy for ophthalmic procedures and simultaneously perform diagnostic range-finding to determine anatomical feature locations. By integrating both therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities into a single system, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive OCT systems while maintaining measurement precision through the laser's inherent positioning abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simplified optical path that copies the essential measurement function of OCT systems but implements it through laser reflectance detection rather than full OCT hardware. By creating a functional copy of the diagnostic capability using the existing laser infrastructure, the patent achieves comparable anatomical mapping without the complexity and cost of traditional OCT systems.
2Measurement precision
If separate diagnostic and therapeutic systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnostic range-finding function and therapeutic laser delivery into a single integrated system. The same femtosecond laser that delivers therapeutic energy also performs anatomical mapping by detecting reflectance signals at different depths. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate diagnostic equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise anatomical feature detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is designed with universal functionality to perform both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic treatment. By programming the laser to operate in different modes (diagnostic scanning vs. therapeutic ablation) and using the same hardware infrastructure for both purposes, the patent reduces device complexity while preserving measurement precision through the laser's precise focal control and timing capabilities.
3Power
If high energy levels are used for therapeutic treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic, pulsed laser delivery with precise timing control. By delivering laser energy in controlled pulses rather than continuous waves, and by using the round-trip time of flight to precisely target anatomical features, the patent achieves effective treatment while minimizing collateral thermal damage. The pulsed nature allows tissue to cool between pulses and enables precise energy deposition only at the intended target depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through detection of reflectance signals from anatomical features. By monitoring the reflected laser energy and identifying characteristic signals from structures like the anterior capsule, the system provides feedback to confirm proper targeting before delivering therapeutic energy. This feedback mechanism ensures that high energy levels are applied only when the correct anatomical structure is targeted, preventing harmful effects from misplaced treatment.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective analysis and treatment of ophthalmic anatomy, reducing corneal stress and operator learning curve, while improving the accuracy and safety of procedures like cataract removal and capsulotomy.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma-generating focus of the femtosecond laser beam may be scanned along a path within the eye
Implementation Method 2
The optical system may include a focusing lens and a scanner so as to scan a non-plasma-generating focus of the femtosecond energy
Implementation Method 3
acquiring a first reflectance image associated with the focus disposed at the first location and acquiring a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed at the second location
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a machine-readable medium having machine-executable instructions configured to perform a method for analyzing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient posterior to the cornea. The method comprises scanning (1110) a focus of a femtosecond laser beam along a path within the patient's eye, wherein at least a portion of the path is disposed posterior to the patient's cornea, and wherein the path includes a first focus location and a second focus location, acquiring (1120) a first reflectance image associated with the focus disposed at the first focus location, acquiring (1130) a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed at the second focus location, and determining (1140) the presence or absence of an ophthalmic anatomical feature of the eye based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image.