OCDR-Guided Laser Vitreolysis for Precise Floater Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser vitreolysis treatments for vitreous humor opacification, such as floaters, are challenging due to difficulties in targeting the floaters accurately, potential damage to sensitive eye structures, and the risk of retinal detachment, making the process complicated, time-consuming, and stressful for both patients and physicians.
Innovation Solution
An OCDR-assisted laser treatment system that integrates an Optical Coherence Domain Reflectometry (OCDR) system with a laser system, focusing unit, and central control unit to automatically locate and track floaters, ensuring precise laser application while avoiding sensitive eye structures, using OCDR to determine the relative position of floaters and trigger laser pulses only when safe focusing is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual laser targeting is used for vitreolysis, then the treatment can be performed, but the targeting accuracy is insufficient and sensitive eye structures may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system (OCT or similar optical coherence tomography) that acts as a mediator between the laser system and the eye. This imaging system provides real-time visualization of the vitreous humor and floaters, enabling precise localization of targets and sensitive structures without direct manual manipulation. The imaging system serves as a safe intermediary that allows indirect observation and control, preventing direct harmful contact while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors the position of floaters and sensitive eye structures during laser treatment. The real-time images provide feedback to the operator or automated control system, allowing dynamic adjustment of laser targeting. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the laser remains accurately targeted on floaters while automatically avoiding sensitive structures, thereby improving targeting precision and preventing damage.
2Productivity
If traditional laser vitreolysis is performed without automated tracking, then the treatment process is simpler, but the treatment time is excessive and patient stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated tracking and targeting functionality where the system serves itself by automatically acquiring real-time images, identifying floater positions, calculating optimal laser parameters, and guiding the laser beam without continuous manual intervention. The automated system performs these functions independently, significantly reducing treatment time and increasing productivity while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent laser adjustments are made during treatment, then the treatment can adapt to floater movement, but the treatment process becomes complicated and stressful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into an integrated system: the imaging system, tracking algorithm, laser control system, and safety monitoring are combined into a unified automated platform. This integration allows the system to simultaneously perform real-time imaging, detect floater movement, recalculate targeting parameters, and adjust the laser beam all in one coordinated process. The merging of these functions reduces operational complexity despite the high adaptability required, as the system handles multiple tasks through a single cohesive control mechanism rather than separate manual operations.
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
Facilitates a safer, quicker, and more efficient laser vitreolysis treatment by ensuring accurate targeting of floaters, reducing the risk of retinal detachment and damage to sensitive eye structures, and minimizing treatment time and stress.
Implementation Method 1
short laser light pulses are directed at the vitreous humor opacification in order to obtain optical breakdown or photodisruption there on account of the high laser intensity in the focal region
Implementation Method 2
short laser light pulses are directed at the vitreous humor opacification in order to obtain optical breakdown or photodisruption there on account of the high laser intensity in the focal region
Implementation Method 3
an OCDR system is designed to locate the relative position of a floater along an optical axis of the OCDR system
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for laser treatment of vitreous floaters. The arrangement for laser vitreolysis of an eye includes an OCDR system, a laser system having a deflection unit, optical elements that couple the OCDR system and the laser system, a display unit and a central control and operating unit. The OCDR system is configured to localize the position of a floater along the optical axis of the OCDR system. The laser system is configured to destroy the floaters by application of laser pulses, and the central control and operating unit is configured to focus the laser system onto the position of the floater and to activate it, in particular when the position of the laser focus and the floater match in a sufficient manner. The present invention relates to an arrangement for the gentle, low risk and painless laser treatment of vitreous floaters, which allows a partially or fully automated therapy.