Ophthalmic Laser Imaging Feedback for Tissue Modification Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmological laser treatment systems lack effective real-time monitoring capabilities to assess the extent of tissue modification during laser treatment, which can impede precise control and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmological laser treatment device equipped with an optical system, scanner system, imaging system, and electronic circuit that captures images of the treatment area in real-time, generates an eye tissue modification score based on these images, and adjusts treatment parameters accordingly, enabling dynamic feedback and improved precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-time imaging monitoring is introduced during laser treatment, then treatment precision and control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue modification monitoring precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is optically coupled to the existing optical system, merging the monitoring function with the treatment system. The beam splitter allows simultaneous passage of the laser beam and imaging light through the same optical path, integrating monitoring without requiring a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system serves multiple functions: it focuses the laser beam for treatment while simultaneously enabling imaging of the treatment area. The beam splitter and imaging system allow the same optical path to serve both treatment and monitoring purposes, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If imaging system captures images during laser activation, then real-time feedback is improved, but potential interference with treatment laser beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time feedback informationVSAvoidinterference with treatment laser
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path is segmented using a beam splitter, separating the laser beam path from the imaging light path. This allows the laser beam to continue uninterrupted while imaging light captures images of the treatment area, eliminating interference between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that allows both the laser beam and imaging light to coexist in the optical system without interfering with each other. It directs the laser beam to the eye tissue while allowing imaging light to capture images simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous imaging during treatment is implemented, then treatment efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system captures images at specific intervals synchronized with the laser treatment pulses rather than continuously. This periodic imaging approach provides real-time feedback while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 real-time monitoring of tissue modification, allowing for precise control of laser treatment without interruption, enhancing treatment accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements configured to focus a treatment laser beam onto a focal spot in eye tissue of an eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser focusing: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of optical elements configured to focus a treatment laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a scanner system coupled to the optical system and configured to move at least one of the optical elements of the optical system such that the focal spot in the eye tissue moves according to a scan pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical scanning:

Implementation Method 4

an imaging system optically coupled to the optical system and configured to capture one or more images of the area surrounding the focal spot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

an imaging system optically coupled to the optical system and configured to capture one or more images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 6

The eye tissue may be modified due to it being disrupted and/or ablated by the treatment laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 7

the treatment laser beam disrupting and/or ablating the eye tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodisruption: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentEP4706608A1Ophthalmological laser treatment device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ZIEMER OPHTHALMIC SYST
  • EP4706608A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706608A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4706608A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmological laser treatment device (1), comprising: an optical system (2), a scanner system (3) coupled to the optical system (2), an imaging system (4), and an electronic circuit (5) configured to: receive one or more images, generate an eye tissue modification score, using the one or more images, the eye tissue modification score being indicative of an extent of modification of the eye tissue, and generate one or more feedback signals depending on the eye tissue modification score.