Non-Contact Laser Coagulation System for Remote Eye Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser coagulation systems for treating eye disorders require contact lenses, limiting field of view and causing discomfort, and are prone to errors due to manual operation and patient movement, making them unsuitable for remote applications.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact laser imaging and coagulation system that allows remote control of laser procedures using a wide-angle digital image acquisition system, photoacoustic temperature measurement, and remote operation modules for precise laser application without the need for contact lenses or manual indentation of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a contact lens is used to neutralize corneal refractive power and provide variable field of view, then the surgeon can view the retina through the slit lamp microscope, but the field of view is limited (maximum 50-60 degrees) and the surgeon must move the contact lens from one side of the eye to the other side during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the contact lens from the system entirely, replacing it with a non-contact optical setup that uses a combination of lenses and mirrors to achieve both wide field of view and precise retinal visualization without requiring manual lens positioning on the cornea
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of multiple lenses and mirrors that act as mediators between the light source and the retina, enabling the surgeon to view the entire retina through a single stationary position without manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If a contact lens is positioned on the cornea and held in position by the surgeon, then the surgeon can view the retina during laser application, but the contact lens can cause corneal abrasion on an anesthetized cornea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the contact lens that causes corneal abrasion by replacing it with a non-contact optical system that visualizes the retina through remote positioning, thereby removing the source of harm while preserving the diagnostic and treatment capability
3Ease of operation
If the surgeon moves the contact lens from one side of the eye to the other side during the procedure, then the peripheral retina can be viewed, but the patient is also required to move his or her eye in order to permit the surgeon to see the peripheral retina
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic optical elements including movable mirrors and adjustable lens positions that can dynamically adjust the field of view to capture peripheral retina without requiring physical movement of contact lenses or patient eye movements, thereby reducing procedure time
4Power
If conventional laser coagulation systems are used, then laser energy can be transmitted to the eye structure, but the systems require manual operation and are prone to errors due to patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including real-time image monitoring and automated tracking systems that continuously adjust laser delivery parameters based on patient eye position and movement, thereby maintaining procedure accuracy despite patient motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated optical and electronic systems that use image processing and computer control to precisely deliver laser energy, eliminating human error and improving reliability
5Area of stationary object
If a contact lens is used to provide variable field of view, then the surgeon can examine the fundus structures, but the field of view is limited and requires multiple eye movements by the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a limited 50-60 degree field of view to a wide field of view exceeding 130 degrees by changing the optical geometry and using combinations of lenses and mirrors, allowing the surgeon to view the entire retina without requiring patient eye movements
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 efficient, precise, and comfortable laser treatment of eye disorders from a remote location, reducing procedure time and error, and providing a wider field of view without the need for contact lenses or manual indentation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser generation system for transmitting an aiming laser beam and at least a first coagulation laser beam to the eye structure
Implementation Method 2
laser coagulation of predetermined biological structures of the eye, such as the retina
Implementation Method 3
the photoacoustic system being configured to measure temperature of eye structure tissue subjected to the first laser energy
Data Source
AI summary
An integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow a physician (e.g., a surgeon) to perform laser surgical procedures on an eye structure or a body surface with an integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®.