Non-Contact Laser Coagulation System for Remote Retinal Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser coagulation systems for treating eye disorders require contact lenses, leading to corneal abrasions, pupil dilation, and physician fatigue, and lack non-contact methods for precise and documented procedures.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact laser imaging and coagulation system that allows remote control of laser procedures via a central control system and local imaging apparatus, using digital image acquisition, photoacoustic systems, and eye tracking for precise laser application without physical contact, enabling treatment of eye disorders like diabetic retinopathy from a geographically remote location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact lens is used during laser coagulation, then the refractive power of the cornea is neutralized and a variable field of view is provided, but corneal abrasion occurs and topical anesthesia is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the contact lens from the laser coagulation system, extracting the harmful element while maintaining the necessary optical functions through a non-contact design that uses the patient's natural eye anatomy without requiring corneal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that allows laser delivery and retinal imaging without direct corneal contact, using the natural corneal refractive properties as a mediator rather than requiring a contact lens to neutralize them
2Measurement precision
If a contact lens is used during laser coagulation, then the refractive power is neutralized, but pupil dilation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for pupil dilation by eliminating the contact lens requirement, allowing the procedure to be performed with the pupil in its natural state without requiring pharmacological intervention
3Ease of operation
If the ophthalmoscope is carried on the physician's head for 30-60 minutes, then laser delivery is enabled, but extreme fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy ophthalmoscope from the physician's head by integrating the laser delivery system with the imaging apparatus, eliminating the need to carry separate equipment and reducing physical burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the laser delivery system with the imaging apparatus into a single integrated unit, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously without requiring the physician to carry separate equipment, thereby reducing fatigue
4Ease of operation
If the eye is indented with another hand to bring peripheral retina into field of view, then laser application is enabled, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for manual eye indentation by using a non-contact imaging system that can visualize and treat peripheral retinal structures without requiring physical pressure on the eye
5Reliability
If conventional laser coagulation is performed, then treatment is achieved, but procedure time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous laser delivery through automated scanning systems that can treat multiple retinal areas sequentially without interruption, maintaining treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing total procedure time compared to manual spot-by-spot application
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 reduces procedure time, minimizes errors due to manual control, and provides documented records, allowing for efficient and precise treatment of eye disorders with reduced patient discomfort and physician fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
the photoaccoustic system being configured to measure temperature of eye structure tissue subjected to said first laser energy
Implementation Method 2
a laser generation system for transmitting an aiming laser beam and at least a first coagulation laser beam to said eye structure
Implementation Method 3
laser energy is transmitted to the structure to effect coagulation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow an ophthalmologist to perform laser retinal surgical procedures 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®.