Multi-Spot Endocular Probe for Retinal Photocoagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photocoagulation methods, whether using slit-lamp or endocular laser probes, are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, requiring extensive surgeon skill and leading to prolonged anesthesia times and risks of tissue damage during procedures for treating micro aneurysms on the retina.
Innovation Solution
A modified endocular probe system that allows for multi-spot laser treatment by controlling the rotation and angular movement of the needle tip, synchronized with the laser photocoagulator to project precise patterns on the retina, using wavelengths between 514 nm to 815 nm, and featuring a probe holder with motorized control for precise positioning and pattern generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single fiber is used for single point exposure in slit-lamp systems, then the surgeon can precisely position the laser spot, but the treatment time exceeds 30 minutes and the procedure is fatiguing to both patient and surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical fiber is divided into multiple fibers (e.g., 5-10 fibers) arranged in a specific pattern. Each fiber delivers laser energy to a different spot on the retina simultaneously, transforming a sequential single-spot treatment into parallel multi-spot treatment, thereby reducing treatment time from over 30 minutes to under 5 minutes while maintaining precise positioning through the structured fiber arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical fibers are combined into a single probe assembly that delivers multiple laser spots simultaneously. The fibers are bundled together with their distal ends positioned at different locations to create a multi-spot pattern on the retina, merging the functionality of multiple single-spot treatments into one integrated device that operates in parallel
2Ease of manufacture
If the surgeon manually positions and delivers laser energy spot by spot, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the pattern distribution becomes random rather than geometric and uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform pattern is achieved by segmenting the treatment into multiple fixed spatial positions defined by the fiber arrangement. Instead of relying on manual surgeon positioning for each spot, the fibers are pre-positioned at precise locations that form geometric patterns (e.g., hexagonal, circular, or grid arrangements), ensuring uniform distribution automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The desired geometric pattern is pre-copied into the physical arrangement of the optical fibers within the probe. The fiber positions replicate the target pattern geometry, so when all fibers are activated simultaneously, they automatically produce the intended uniform geometric distribution without requiring manual positioning or complex real-time control
3Adaptability or versatility
If an endocular laser probe is used to lay down 1500-2000 spots, then surgical intervention can be performed, but the procedure takes more than half an hour and increases the risk of accidental tears
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment is segmented into multiple simultaneous spots delivered by individual fibers within the probe. Instead of sequentially treating 1500-2000 spots over half an hour, the multi-fiber probe treats many spots simultaneously in parallel, reducing procedure time to under 5 minutes and minimizing the duration of anesthesia and surgical risk
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fibers deliver laser energy continuously and simultaneously to multiple retinal locations in parallel. This continuous parallel action replaces the sequential spot-by-spot treatment, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while dramatically reducing the total procedure time and associated surgical risks
4Ease of operation
If the surgeon holds the probe close to the retina to deliver laser energy, then treatment can be performed, but the prolonged anesthesia time increases risks in high patient groups
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple independent optical fibers that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to deliver multiple spots simultaneously without requiring the probe to be repositioned repeatedly, reducing the duration of probe-retina contact and minimizing anesthesia exposure time in high-risk patients
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 system significantly reduces treatment time, enhances accuracy, and minimizes the risk of accidental tissue damage by enabling rapid and uniform multi-spot pattern delivery on the retina, improving the efficiency and safety of photocoagulation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
laser energy is delivered from the laser source
Implementation Method 2
laser energy is delivered from the laser source to the imaging optics via a single optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A photocoagulation system is described herein that facilitates multi-spot laser treatment procedures inside the eye and close to the patient's retina. In one example embodiment, a modified endocular probe operates with a laser system to move the probe or a probe needle so as to project a multi-spot pattern on a patient's retina by controlling the rotation movement of the needle (and needle tip). In addition, the system facilitates maneuverability and angular deviation of the needle tip and synchronizes these different movements with the laser photocoagulator system so as to project the aiming beam and thereafter the laser treatment beam in the desired pattern location with the desired exposure time and power.