Modular Laser Therapeutic Device for Ophthalmic Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic laser devices are limited to separate modules for treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Photodisruptor (PD), and Photocoagulator (PC), lacking a single, integrated device capable of performing all three therapies.

Innovation Solution

A modular laser therapeutic device integrating three therapeutic modules - PD, SLT, and PC - using two laser sources, one emitting 1064 nm pulses for PD and vitreolysis, frequency-doubled to 532 nm for SLT, and a continuous wave at 532 nm for PC, with optomechanical switching between modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate laser devices are used for SLT, PD, and PC treatments, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases and treatment efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three separate laser therapeutic devices (SLT, PD, and PC) into a single integrated device. The laser source, optical components, and control systems are merged while maintaining distinct functional modules for each treatment type, allowing one device to perform multiple ophthalmic procedures that previously required three separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device is designed with universal functionality to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Photodisruptor (PD), and Photocoagulator (PC) treatments. The system uses a single laser source that can be configured for different wavelengths and pulse durations, with interchangeable optical components and adjustable parameters to accommodate all three treatment modalities

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

2Productivity

If multiple separate devices are used for different eye treatments, then each device can be optimized for its specific treatment, but treatment time and operational efficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging SLT, PD, and PC functionalities into one device, the patent eliminates the need to transport and set up multiple separate devices. The integrated system allows ophthalmologists to perform different treatments sequentially or in combination within a single patient visit, reducing overall treatment time and improving clinical workflow efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a single integrated device is used for all treatments, then device complexity decreases and treatment efficiency improves, but the ability to optimize each treatment modality independently is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidtreatment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device is segmented into distinct functional modules for SLT, PD, and PC treatments. Each module maintains its own optimized optical path, beam shaping components, and control parameters. This modular segmentation within the integrated system allows each treatment modality to be independently optimized while benefiting from the convenience of a single device platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 comprehensive eye surgery treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases in a single device, enhancing treatment flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

one emitting 1064 nm pulses for PD and vitreolysis, frequency-doubled to 532 nm for SLT

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency doubling: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 2

with the excitation pulse focused just behind the intraocular lens and posterior capsule, typically to 100-200 micrometers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

This high-intensity laser pulse induces an optical breakdown resulting in a micro explosion initiated by plasma formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical breakdown: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 4

These specific treatment settings limit the heat-related damage and preserve the trabecular meshwork. Such laser pulses induce selective photothermolysis of the intracellular melanin granules in the trabecular meshwork cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective photothermolysis: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 5

a continuous wave at 532 nm for PC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocoagulation: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3878416B1Modular laser therapeutic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 DOLZAN VITA
  • EP3878416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a Modular Laser Therapy Device (MLTD) to be used by ophthalmologists for eye surgery that integrates three most frequently used therapeutic devices into a single, compact unit enabling the treatment with capsulotomy, vitreolysis and iridotomy, with selective laser trabeculoplasty and with photocoagulation. While providing such modular laser device a method is provided for optomechanically coupling different ophthalmic modules into the single unit for which several configurations are possible, using two laser sources. The ophthalmic laser therapy device comprising of two laser sources is also part of the invention.