Integrated Ophthalmic SLO-OCT Imaging for Targeted Laser Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmological devices lack the capability to simultaneously perform high-resolution imaging and targeted laser treatment of eye conditions, necessitating separate procedures that can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An integrated imaging and laser delivery device combining scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) pathways with a treatment laser, allowing simultaneous imaging and targeted laser treatment using a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate imaging and laser treatment devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to multiple procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (SLO and OCT) and laser treatment capabilities into a single integrated device. The SLO optical pathway and OCT optical pathway are merged with the treatment laser pathway, allowing simultaneous imaging and treatment through a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions including SLO imaging, OCT imaging, and laser treatment through a single system. The delivery optical pathway is designed to handle multiple optical pathways, enabling the device to serve as both an imaging system and a treatment system.
2Loss of time
If separate imaging and treatment procedures are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to multiple procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by performing imaging and treatment in an integrated workflow. The SLO and OCT imaging pathways continuously monitor the eye while the treatment laser delivers therapy, eliminating gaps between diagnostic and therapeutic phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging pathways (SLO and OCT) perform preliminary assessment and targeting before laser treatment. The system captures images, identifies treatment locations, and plans laser delivery in advance, ensuring accurate and efficient treatment execution.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical pathways are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct pathways (SLO optical pathway, OCT optical pathway, treatment optical pathway) that can be independently optimized and controlled. Each pathway maintains its specific functional characteristics while being integrated into the unified delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery optical pathway acts as an intermediary that combines and directs light from multiple sources (SLO, OCT, treatment laser) through the objective lens. This mediator component enables precise control over multiple optical pathways without requiring direct interaction between them.
4Productivity
If simultaneous imaging and treatment are enabled, then productivity increases, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The SLO and OCT imaging pathways provide real-time feedback during laser treatment. The system continuously monitors the eye and treatment progress, allowing dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters and ensuring accurate delivery while simplifying operator control through automated guidance.
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, simultaneous imaging and treatment of eye conditions, enhancing efficiency and accuracy by aligning imaging and treatment processes, and supporting a wide range of ocular conditions including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery optical pathway comprising an objective lens that focuses light from the SLO optical pathway, the OCT optical pathway and the treatment optical pathway onto a portion of an eye being treated
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical devices for separating returning light from the eye through the objective lens and delivering a portion of the returning light to one of the SLO optical pathway or the OCT optical pathway based on a wavelength of the portion of the returning light
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological device and system is described that allows the simultaneous imaging of an eye using both scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Further the device and system is capable of targeting and delivering a treatment laser for treatment of an eye condition.