Laser Treatment Device with Pressure Transient Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser treatment for retinal diseases relies on empirical settings, leading to temperature fluctuations due to varying tissue properties, which can result in inconsistent photocoagulation and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that uses pulsed treatment radiation and additional measurement radiation to detect pressure amplitudes, allowing for real-time evaluation and control of treatment parameters, adjusting the radiation duration and power based on detected changes to prevent further tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If empirical values are used for treatment parameter settings, then the treatment can be performed with simple equipment and procedures, but the temperature produced in photocoagulation fluctuates due to different pigmentations in the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a detector device to measure pressure transients generated by laser irradiation of the retina, and feeds this information back to automatically adjust treatment parameters. The evaluation device processes the pressure transient signals and the control device modifies laser parameters in real-time based on these measurements, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to individual patient characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual empirical parameter setting with an automated optical-acoustic measurement and control system. Instead of relying on operator experience and visual estimation, the system uses pressure transient detection and automated evaluation algorithms to determine optimal treatment parameters, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated sensing and control.
2Measurement precision
If additional measurement radiation pulses are used to detect pressure transients, then temperature values can be ascertained in real-time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment laser device is designed to perform multiple functions: it delivers therapeutic laser radiation for photocoagulation and simultaneously generates measurement radiation pulses for detecting pressure transients. The single laser system serves both treatment and diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the treatment laser and measurement laser into a single integrated system. The same laser device that delivers therapeutic radiation also generates the measurement pulses, and the detector device serves both treatment monitoring and temperature measurement functions. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If the treatment radiation frequency is increased to at least 100 Hz for real-time control, then the control precision improves, but the energy consumption and potential tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed laser radiation at frequencies of at least 100 Hz, where the laser emits short pulses separated by intervals. This periodic action allows the tissue to cool between pulses, reducing cumulative thermal damage while maintaining the high frequency needed for real-time control. The pulsed regime enables precise energy delivery with minimal continuous exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement radiation pulses are delivered at lower energy levels than the full treatment radiation, providing sufficient signal for detection without causing excessive tissue heating. The system uses partial action (low-energy measurement pulses) in addition to the main treatment pulses, enabling monitoring while minimizing additional energy load and potential damage.
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 enables precise control of laser treatment, reducing tissue damage by detecting early signs of denaturing and adjusting treatment parameters, eliminating the need for calibration to temperature or reference values, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of photocoagulation.
Implementation Method 1
Lasers whose pulsed treatment radiation is in the green wavelength range are primarily used as treatment lasers in photocoagulation. That radiation is particularly strongly absorbed in the fundus layers of the eye.
Implementation Method 2
Tissue expansion and contraction phenomena which occur in that case produce bipolar pressure waves which are detected. Those measured pressure transients are used to ascertain the corresponding temperature values during the radiation treatment, with the aid of the Grüneisen calibration curve
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the treatment of biological, in particular living tissue comprising a treatment laser device 1 for generating a pulsed treatment radiation directed on to a target tissue, in an embodiment additionally including a measurement laser device 2, 3 for generating a pulsed measurement radiation directed on to the target tissue of lower energy and shorter pulse duration than the treatment radiation, a detector device 4 for measuring pressure transients induced by the measurement radiation and a control device 6 for controlling the treatment radiation in dependence on the pressure transients evaluated in respect of a tissue change, wherein a regulating or control algorithm for controlling the treatment radiation is formed from the pressure transients.