Femtosecond Laser Range Finding for Ophthalmic Anatomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic treatments, such as LASIK and cataract surgery, face challenges in accurately locating and treating anatomical features within the eye, particularly due to the high cost and limitations of optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems and the need for precise diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a femtosecond laser, optical system, and computing device to scan and analyze the ophthalmic anatomy posterior to the cornea, acquiring reflectance images to determine anatomical features and provide therapeutic treatments like capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation, while minimizing corneal stress and operator learning curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are used to locate anatomical features within the eye, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diagnostic OCT functionality with the therapeutic femtosecond laser system into a single integrated platform. The same optical system and scanning mechanisms are used for both imaging and treatment, eliminating the need for separate expensive OCT systems while maintaining measurement precision for locating anatomical features like the lens and capsular bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can scan and image anatomical structures for diagnosis, track the laser focus position for range finding, and guide therapeutic treatments. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity and cost while preserving the precision needed for accurate anatomical feature localization.
2Manufacturing precision
If femtosecond laser energy is increased to improve therapeutic treatment effectiveness, then treatment precision is improved, but harmful effects such as plasma generation in fluid increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs range finding and precise localization of anatomical features before delivering therapeutic laser energy. By using the optical system to map the eye's anatomy and determine exact focus positions in advance, the laser can be applied at optimized energy levels that ensure precise treatment while avoiding excessive energy that would cause plasma generation or bubble formation in ocular fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact methods with optical-based range finding and positioning. The optical system non-invasively measures anatomical feature locations and guides the laser focus without physical contact, allowing precise energy delivery that minimizes harmful plasma generation while maintaining high treatment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser scan path is extended to cover more anatomical structures, then diagnostic capability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning system operates continuously during the procedure, performing range finding, anatomical imaging, and treatment guidance in an uninterrupted sequence. The same scanning mechanisms that image anatomical structures are used to guide laser treatment without requiring separate scanning operations, thereby maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability while minimizing total procedure time.
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 efficient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, reducing corneal stress and post-cataract removal complications, with the ability to perform incisions and treatments with high accuracy and precision, improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be configured for sensing the signals in response to the energy generating a plasma at the focus when the plasma is disposed in the fluid and when the focus is at the second location.
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 along a path within the patient's eye.
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may include an image acquisition device configured for acquiring tissue interface reflectance images and the computing device may be configured to determine the location of the fluid/tissue interface based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for analyzing the anatomy of a patient's eye with circular or rotated polarized laser beams, or with laser beams of different wavelengths are disclosed. One system includes a polarization beam-splitter and a quarter-wave plate, wherein the quarter-wave plate is configured to circularly rotate a laser beam received from a laser that is transmitted and passes through the polarization beam-splitter, and to transform a circularly rotated back-reflected beam to a linearly polarized laser beam that is perpendicular to the beam that was transmitted through the polarization beam-splitter. Substantially all of the back-reflected beam is directed to a photo-detector for analysis. A Faraday rotator subsystem may be substituted for a polarization beam-splitter. An optical system including a laser that generates a laser beam of a first wavelength for therapeutic treatment, and another laser that generates a laser beam of a second wavelength for measurement is also disclosed.