Multi-Spot Ophthalmic Laser for Precise RPE Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser devices lack the precision to deliver laser energy effectively to retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, causing unintended damage to neighboring cells and hindering cell regeneration due to non-uniform energy distribution and thermal shock waves.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spot ophthalmic laser device with a laser module producing laser pulses of specific parameters, coupled with a multimode optical fibre and optical fibre bundle, delivering multiple spatially distributed laser spots of defined size and energy, ensuring a consistent energy projection through a controlled spot-to-space ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single laser beam is used to treat RPE cells, then the laser can be delivered to the retina, but the energy distribution becomes non-uniform causing thermal shock waves and damage to neighboring cells
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser beam is segmented into multiple spatially distributed laser spots (array of 3-9 spots) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise targeting of specific RPE cells while leaving neighboring cells unaffected, eliminating the thermal shock waves caused by non-uniform energy distribution in single-beam treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
Each laser spot in the array can be independently controlled in terms of energy, duration, and spatial position. This local quality control enables different energy levels to be applied to different target cells based on their specific needs, while maintaining uniform energy distribution within each spot to prevent thermal shock waves.
2Reliability
If laser energy is increased to effectively treat RPE cells, then cell regeneration is promoted, but neighboring cells are exposed to harmful energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The laser array segments the total energy into multiple discrete spots, each targeting a specific RPE cell. This allows high energy to be concentrated on individual target cells for effective treatment and regeneration, while the spatial separation ensures that neighboring cells receive minimal or no energy exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system acts as an intermediary that precisely controls the spatial distribution and energy of each laser spot. Through optical scanning and focusing mechanisms, the system delivers the required energy to target cells while automatically limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
3Ease of operation
If a uniform beam profile is used, then the laser can be easily delivered, but the energy distribution is non-uniform causing detrimental thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to create a perfectly uniform single beam, the system segments the beam into multiple spots with controlled energy distribution. Each spot can be optimized for uniform energy delivery to its target, while the overall array provides the necessary precision. This approach maintains operational simplicity while achieving the required energy uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser delivers energy in periodic pulses through the array configuration, with each spot delivering controlled energy bursts. This periodic pulsed delivery allows thermal diffusion to occur between pulses, preventing thermal shock waves while maintaining effective treatment energy levels.
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
The device achieves precise energy delivery to targeted RPE cells while minimizing exposure to neighboring cells, promoting effective cell regeneration and reducing thermal shock, thus improving treatment efficacy for age-related retinal degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
each micro-fibre is covered by a cladding that reflects the energy back into individual micro-fibres
Implementation Method 2
a laser module producing a laser pulse or sequence of laser pulses each having: a pulse duration in the range of 10ps to 20μs; a wavelength in the range 500nm to 900nm
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-spot ophthalmic laser device that produces spatially distributed laser spots with the spatial distribution of the laser spots defined by a spot diameter to space ratio in the range 1:2 to 1:20. The multi-spot ophthalmic laser device comprises: a laser module producing a laser pulse or sequence of laser pulses each having: a pulse duration in the range of 10ps to 20μs; a wavelength in the range 500nm to 900nm; and a pulse energy in the range 10μJ to 10mJ per pulse; and an optical beam profiling module that modifies an output beam profile of each pulse of the laser module to deliver multiple spatially distributed laser spots of defined size and energy. The multi-spot ophthalmic laser device is used in a method of improving the function of the retina of a human eye by irradiation through the cornea of the eye to the retinal pigmented epithelium by a treatment laser having a beam profile with spatially distributed energy peaks.