Laser Vitreolysis Assembly with Depth-Aware Exclusion Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser vitreolysis techniques for treating ocular opacities, such as floaters, face challenges in accurately targeting deep vitreous opacities due to limited precision, risking damage to sensitive eye structures and requiring complex, time-consuming procedures that are stressful for both patients and doctors.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement combining a measuring system for depth information with a laser system, an eye tracker unit, and a control and operating unit to overlay 3D depth profiles onto 2D live images, generating exclusion zone markings for sensitive structures, allowing for precise and safe laser focusing and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If YAG lasers are used for laser vitreolysis, then the treatment can be performed without opening the eye, but the precision and accuracy are insufficient for deep vitreous region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measuring system (OCT or OCDR) that provides depth information about ocular structures and floaters. This measuring system acts as a mediator between the laser system and the target, enabling precise depth measurement and localization of vitreous opacities without requiring the laser itself to perform the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical aiming and manual localization methods with an optical measuring system (OCT/OCDR) that uses light waves to capture depth information. This substitution of mechanical/visual estimation with optical measurement enables more precise and objective depth detection of floaters and ocular structures.
2Ease of operation
If manual localization of floaters is performed, then the operator can control the treatment, but the process is time-consuming and stressful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated localization and depth determination. The measuring system automatically identifies floaters and ocular structures, and the control unit automatically determines depth positions and generates exclusion zones. This automation reduces the operator's workload and treatment time while maintaining precise control through the generated guidance information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measuring system continuously provides depth information about ocular structures and floaters, the control unit processes this information to determine safe treatment zones, and the display unit presents real-time guidance. This closed-loop feedback system enables automated localization and depth-aware treatment planning, reducing manual intervention requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser focus is placed deep in the vitreous, then floaters can be treated, but the risk of damaging sensitive structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the measuring system to obtain depth information about ocular structures and floaters before initiating laser treatment. The control unit then uses this pre-acquired information to determine safe depth positions and generate exclusion zones that prevent the laser from damaging sensitive structures. This preliminary measurement and planning phase ensures safe deep vitreous treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating exclusion zones based on measured depth information of sensitive ocular structures. These exclusion zones act as a protective buffer that prevents the laser focus from accidentally damaging the retina, lens, or other sensitive tissues while still allowing treatment of floaters at safe depths.
4Measurement precision
If depth information is obtained using measuring systems, then precise targeting is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the measuring system to serve multiple functions: it not only measures depth information for floaters but also identifies ocular structures, determines safe treatment zones, and provides guidance for laser focusing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 solution simplifies the treatment process by enabling easier handling and precise targeting of ocular opacities, reducing the risk of eye damage and improving treatment efficiency, making laser vitreolysis safer and more effective.
Implementation Method 1
short laser light pulses are directed at the vitreous opacities to achieve optical breakthrough or photodisruption due to the high laser intensity in the focal area
Implementation Method 2
Laser vitreolysis is a gentle, low-risk, and painless laser treatment that vaporizes or atomizes vitreous opacities
Implementation Method 3
forming a cutting or expanding laser plasma, which vaporizes and/or crushes the floaters, allowing them to dissolve
Implementation Method 4
The floaters and the surrounding vitreous absorb the laser energy, forming a cutting or expanding laser plasma
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The assembly for laser treatment of ocular opacities consists of: a measurement system for obtaining depth information regarding ocular structures; a laser system; an eye-tracker unit; a display unit; and a control-and-operating unit. According to the invention, the control-and-operating unit is designed to determine, from the depth profiles, the depth of ocular structures relative to the depth of the laser focus, and, in particular for the retina and the capsular bag, to determine a blocked zone for the laser treatment. Furthermore, the control-and-operating unit is designed to generate, at least for the blocked zones of the retina and capsular bag and the laser focus, at least one tag in each case, the characteristic of which corresponds to the particular depth in the eye, in order to display these tags on the display unit and to overlay them with the live image. The invention relates to a partially automated therapy apparatus for laser treatment of ocular opacities in which two-dimensional views of the eye are combined with three-dimensional imaging from the measurement system.