Automated Laser Photocoagulation System for Retinal Abnormality Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser photocoagulation systems in ophthalmology lack precision and efficiency in identifying and treating retinal abnormalities, often requiring significant user input and relying on manual alignment, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical optimization system that includes an imaging device for data collection, a treatment delivery device, and a processor to identify abnormalities and generate a treatment plan, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery of laser treatment with real-time updates and precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual alignment and user input are used in laser photocoagulation, then the system requires less automation, but precision and consistency of treatment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous operation where the imaging device automatically identifies abnormalities, the processor generates treatment plans, and the treatment delivery device applies laser treatment without continuous user input. The system serves itself by integrating imaging, analysis, and treatment delivery in an automated workflow that reduces manual intervention while maintaining high precision through algorithmic abnormality detection and automated treatment parameter determination.
2Productivity
If manual alignment procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the imaging device, processor for abnormality identification and treatment planning, and treatment delivery device into an integrated automated system. This consolidation of functions into a unified platform enables seamless workflow where imaging data automatically flows to the processor, which then controls the treatment delivery device, thereby reducing procedural time through eliminated manual steps while accepting the necessary complexity of integrating multiple subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device captures and analyzes retinal images before treatment delivery, automatically identifying abnormalities and generating treatment plans in advance. This preliminary automated assessment and planning phase eliminates the need for manual alignment procedures during treatment delivery, streamlining the overall workflow and reducing procedural time despite the added complexity of pre-treatment imaging and analysis systems.
3Measurement precision
If automated abnormality identification is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and manual treatment planning with an automated processor that uses image processing algorithms to identify abnormalities and determine treatment parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated computational analysis significantly improves measurement precision and detection accuracy while accepting the complexity of implementing sophisticated image processing and automated decision-making algorithms.
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
The system enhances precision and efficiency by automatically identifying retinal abnormalities and delivering targeted laser treatment, reducing user input and procedural time while ensuring accurate application of treatment parameters.
Implementation Method 1
Visualizing a tissue with an OCT device to obtain imaging data of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
Laser photocoagulation may include the use of laser energy to precisely and finely cauterize one or more of the locations on the retina
Implementation Method 3
Laser photocoagulation may include the use of laser energy to precisely and finely cauterize one or more of the locations on the retina to provide therapeutic benefits
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for treating tissue abnormalities are disclosed. The tissue may be visualized for determining a presence of one or more abnormalities contained therein. Imaging data obtained by visualization may be used to determine the presence of one or more abnormalities. Each of the detected abnormalities may be identified and a treatment plan developed for treating the abnormalities. Treatment may be delivered to the abnormalities according to the treatment plan.