Automated Laser Debridement System with 3D Vision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser systems for treating large skin areas, such as those affected by chemical or thermal burns, require significant manual intervention and are time-consuming, making them impractical for efficient treatment, especially in mass casualty scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An automated laser treatment system utilizing a multi-purpose near real-time 3D vision system and robotic or programmable large-area scanning technology to precisely map and treat large areas with minimal physician involvement, incorporating an Er:YAG or CO2 laser for debridement and other dermatological applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual laser treatment is used for large burn areas, then treatment precision can be maintained, but treatment time becomes excessively long and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidtreatment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service treatment where the laser device autonomously navigates and treats burn areas without continuous manual operation, maintaining precision through integrated sensors while dramatically increasing treatment speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control of the laser device is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and robotic positioning to deliver laser treatment, substituting human manual operation with an automated mechanical-electronic system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated laser treatment systems are implemented, then treatment speed increases, but device complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated laser treatment device integrates multiple functions including navigation, sensing, control, and laser delivery in a single unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate manual devices while maintaining high treatment speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary control system acts as a mediator between the operator and the laser treatment process, managing system complexity through a user-friendly interface that abstracts away the underlying computational and mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual excision with steel blades is used, then treatment can be performed with simple equipment, but blood loss increases and treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidblood loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical steel blade excision is replaced with laser-based thermal ablation, substituting mechanical cutting with optical-thermal energy delivery that achieves precise tissue removal with minimal blood loss while reducing equipment complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If early excision is performed to reduce blood loss, then patient outcomes improve, but treatment time window is critical and requires rapid response

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient outcomeVSAvoidtime window

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated laser system enables continuous, uninterrupted treatment operation without manual intervention delays, maintaining constant progress through the critical time window and ensuring complete treatment within the optimal early excision period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs rapid preliminary mapping and treatment planning immediately upon arrival at the burn site, initiating treatment without delay and utilizing the critical early time window to remove eschar and reduce blood loss before complications arise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 rapid, precise, and minimally invasive treatment of large skin areas with reduced blood loss and logistical burden, allowing for quicker patient recovery and improved medical efficiency, especially in mass casualty situations.

Implementation Method 1

Laser vaporization of full thickness burn eschar in a porcine model with immediate engraftment was shown to be associated with minimal blood loss and equal graft take

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser vaporization: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

The least amount of blood is lost when the entire thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue must be excised

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS9084622B2Automated laser-treatment system with real-time integrated 3D vision system for laser debridement and the like

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A method for automated treatment of an area of skin of a patient with laser energy. The method including: identifying the area to be treated with the laser; modeling the identified area of the skin to be treated; and controlling the laser to direct laser energy to within the modeled area of the skin.