Adjustable Fractional Laser Lens Group for Lesion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional laser treatment systems lack control over lesion characteristics such as treatment zone width, depth, and disruptiveness, leading to unpredictable side effects and efficacy, particularly in achieving desired treatment depths and minimizing downtime.
Innovation Solution
A fractional optical treatment system with an adjustable lens group and discretely interchangeable optical elements that adjust the laser wavelength's absorption characteristics and beam parameters, such as spot size, focal depth, and numerical aperture, to optimize treatment zone dimensions and depth penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the percentage of treated tissue at the dermal-epidermal junction is increased to improve treatment efficacy, then treatment efficacy is improved, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating treatment zones with specific dimensional characteristics (width, depth, aspect ratio) that concentrate treatment effects in localized regions. By controlling the lesion width at the DE junction and adjusting treatment zone dimensions, the system delivers high efficacy in treated areas while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, thus reducing side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of treatment zone characteristics including width, depth, aspect ratio, and percentage of DE junction treatment. These adjustable parameters enable optimization of treatment efficacy while maintaining side effects within acceptable ranges, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the treatment zone width is reduced to minimize side effects and reduce healing time, then side effects are reduced, but treatment efficacy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by precisely controlling treatment zone width as an independent adjustable parameter. By optimizing the balance between treatment zone width and other parameters (depth, aspect ratio, percentage of DE junction treated), the system maintains sufficient treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects and healing time through appropriately sized treatment zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing aspect ratio as a controllable parameter that relates treatment zone depth to width. By adjusting the aspect ratio, the system can achieve deep treatment penetration with narrower surface zones, or broader coverage with appropriate depth, thus decoupling the trade-off between width reduction and efficacy maintenance.
3Length of moving object
If the laser wavelength absorption is increased to improve treatment depth penetration, then treatment depth is improved, but control over lesion characteristics becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by selecting specific laser wavelengths (1450-1650 nm range) that provide optimal depth penetration while maintaining controllable lesion characteristics. By combining wavelength selection with adjustable treatment zone parameters (width, depth, aspect ratio), the system achieves both deep penetration and precise control over lesion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making treatment zone characteristics (width, depth, aspect ratio, percentage of DE junction treatment) dynamically adjustable parameters. This allows real-time optimization of lesion characteristics for each treatment scenario, maintaining precision control even when using wavelengths that enable deep tissue penetration.
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 system provides improved control over treatment zone characteristics, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy by allowing deeper penetration with adjustable lesion depths and widths, and the ability to switch between semi-ablative and non-semi-ablative modes, reducing downtime and infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
lasers are used in cosmetic dermatological procedures... absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser... primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water
Implementation Method 2
concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions... optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series
Data Source
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AI summary
In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480- 1640 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 7 cm-1 to about 26 cm-1.