Femtosecond Laser Ophthalmic Surgery Docking Cone Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery relies on visual inspection and experience for proper placement of the suction cone, leading to potential errors due to the sensitivity of the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a suction cone, a control device for moving the cone, a measuring device to track its position, and a processor to create real-time graphical representations (pictorial representations, histograms) for accurate positioning, with threshold markers for safe operation, and a display to present this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection and experience are used for suction cone placement, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but placement accuracy deteriorates due to the sensitivity of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the suction cone and cornea, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the cone's position and the corneal flap status, eliminating reliance on operator experience and visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the suction cone and the operator's decision-making. The system captures visual information, processes it to determine cone position and corneal status, and presents this information back to the operator, serving as an intelligent mediator that enhances placement accuracy.
2Reliability
If real-time image processing and display are implemented, then placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the camera continuously captures images of the suction cone and cornea, the image processing system analyzes these images in real-time to determine cone position and flap status, and this information is displayed back to the operator during the surgical procedure. This closed-loop feedback system enhances reliability by providing continuous, objective guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image processing that continuously monitors the surgical field without requiring constant operator intervention. The camera and processing algorithms automatically track cone position and corneal changes, reducing the operator's cognitive load and improving consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated position measurement is used, then placement precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the corneal flap status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color and intensity changes in the captured images to detect corneal flap status. The image processing system analyzes variations in pixel intensity and color patterns to determine when the corneal flap has been created and its position, making the detection of this critical surgical milestone automated and objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the surgical field at every moment. This digital representation allows the processing system to analyze corneal flap status, suction cone position, and tissue characteristics without physically manipulating the delicate cornea, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding additional mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system for femtosecond ophthalmic surgery in which the position of a suction cone in the z direction is measured via the measuring device to generate data that is processed and used to create a pictorial representation, a histogram, or other graph based on the data. The pictorial representation may include at least one threshold marker. The disclosure further provides a method of performing docking in femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery including measuring the position of a suction cone with a measuring device, and transmitting data regarding the position to a processor which processes the data and uses it to create a pictorial representation, histogram, or other graph that is presented on a display.