Ophthalmological Laser Spatial Pulse Distance Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of laser incisions in ophthalmological treatments due to limited bubble size in corneal tissue compared to water, resulting in suboptimal incision efficiency, is caused by the restoration forces of the lamellar structure, which restricts bubble expansion and reduces the effectiveness of laser-induced optical breakthroughs.
Innovation Solution
The method determines an optimized spatial pulse distance for ophthalmological lasers by calculating the laser pulse effect diameter based on a tissue factor and energy portion above the optical breakthrough threshold, adjusting the overlap factors for adjacent pulses, and using these calculations to control the placement of laser pulses for contiguous incisions or refractive index changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser pulses are used to create optical breakthrough in corneal tissue, then tissue separation is achieved, but bubble expansion is limited by restoring forces of the lamellar structure resulting in smaller bubble size and reduced incision efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the spatial pulse distance between adjacent laser pulses to optimize the incision process. By adjusting this parameter based on the relationship between pulse energy and bubble formation, the method compensates for the limited bubble expansion in corneal tissue, thereby maintaining high incision efficiency despite the constrained bubble size environment.
2Volume of moving object
If higher laser pulse energy is used to increase bubble size, then more effective tissue separation is achieved, but the risk of damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total incision task into multiple discrete laser pulses distributed along a pulse path. Instead of using a single high-energy pulse that would risk tissue damage, the method uses multiple lower-energy pulses spaced at optimized intervals. This segmented approach accumulates the cutting effect while distributing the energy load, thereby achieving effective tissue separation without exceeding damage thresholds for surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering laser pulses at regular, optimized spatial intervals along the incision path. This periodic delivery allows the tissue to respond to each pulse in a controlled manner, with the spacing between pulses designed to allow adequate energy dissipation and prevent cumulative overheating or excessive mechanical stress that could damage surrounding tissue.
3Device complexity
If fixed spatial pulse distance is used for laser pulse placement, then the control system is simplified, but optimal incision efficiency cannot be achieved due to varying tissue responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adaptive control system that dynamically adjusts the spatial pulse distance between adjacent laser pulses based on real-time calculations. The control device computes the optimal spacing for each pulse pair considering factors such as pulse energy, desired bubble size, and overlap requirements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to optimize incision efficiency for varying conditions while maintaining manageable control complexity through algorithmic automation.
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 approach allows for automated adjustment of spatial pulse distances based on laser pulse energy, optimizing incision efficiency by ensuring appropriate bubble formation and size, thereby enhancing the treatment effectiveness of ophthalmological lasers.
Implementation Method 1
By focusing a laser pulse, non-linear absorption processes arise within the focus volume, which results in a very fast temperature and pressure increase
Implementation Method 2
laser pulses effect an optical breakthrough, in particular a photodisruption and/or photoablation, in a focus situated within the organic tissue
Implementation Method 3
laser pulses effect an optical breakthrough, in particular a photodisruption and/or photoablation, in a focus situated within the organic tissue
Implementation Method 4
a very fast temperature and pressure increase in the form of a laser-induced optical breakthrough in the form of a plasma expansion upon exceeding a critical value
Implementation Method 5
Herein, a shock wave arises, which propagates into the surrounding medium and causes the formation of a cavitation bubble
Implementation Method 6
a shock wave arises, which propagates into the surrounding medium and causes the formation of a cavitation bubble
Implementation Method 7
The high temperature and the high pressure of the gas in the bubble then result in the bubble oscillation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an optimized spatial pulse distance of laser pulses for an ophthalmological laser of a treatment apparatus. The method includes determining, by a control device of the treatment apparatus, a laser pulse effect diameter based on a predetermined tissue factor of tissue to be irradiated and a laser pulse energy portion above an optical breakthrough threshold. The method further includes determining the optimized spatial pulse distance based on the determined laser pulse effect diameter and a preset overlap factor for adjacent laser pulses.