OCT Enface Eye Imaging With Retinal Shadow Target Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic imaging systems for laser vitreolysis are not satisfactory in providing clear images, leading to potential damage to healthy tissue due to imprecise laser targeting, and often require multiple devices, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical system utilizing an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device to generate both 3D and 2D enface images, aligning the imaging and laser beams through a shared xy-scanner for precise targeting, and employing computer-assisted image processing to confirm target presence and track movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known imaging systems are used for laser vitreolysis, then the system can image the eye interior, but the images are not clear enough to ensure precise laser targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT imaging capability with laser delivery systems into a unified platform where the same optical path is used for both imaging and laser treatment. The OCT device generates high-resolution 3D and 2D images of the vitreous cavity, and the laser beam is delivered through the same optical pathway, ensuring that the imaging and treatment are precisely aligned. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing clear images while maintaining reliable laser targeting through shared optical components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to achieve clear images, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system where a single OCT device performs multiple functions: generating 3D volumetric images, creating 2D enface images, and providing guidance for laser delivery. The OCT device is integrated with the laser system through shared optical components and a common scanning mechanism, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate imaging and treatment systems. This multi-functionality approach maintains high imaging quality while reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If clear imaging is achieved through sophisticated systems, then targeting precision improves, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary scanning system that acts as a mediator between the OCT imaging device and the laser delivery system. The scanning mechanism redirects and aligns both the imaging beam and laser beam through a common optical pathway, ensuring precise spatial registration without requiring complex real-time registration algorithms or multiple coordinated devices. This intermediary scanning system simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining high precision in laser beam delivery to the target.
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 system provides clear, cost-effective imaging and precise laser targeting by reducing device complexity, ensuring accurate delivery of the laser beam to the target while minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device... directs an imaging beam along an imaging beam path towards the eye; receives the imaging beam reflected from the eye; generates three-dimensional (3D) image data from the reflected imaging beam
Implementation Method 2
generating two-dimensional (2D) enface images from the 3D image data... taking a slice of the 3D image data; and summing data of the slice to yield a 2D enface image
Implementation Method 3
A laser device directs a laser beam along a laser beam path towards the target
Implementation Method 4
The xy-scanner receives the imaging beam from the imaging system and directs the imaging beam along the imaging beam path towards the eye; and receives the laser beam from the laser device and directs the laser beam along the laser beam path aligned with the imaging beam path towards the eye
Implementation Method 5
The computer compares the target of the target enface image and the shadow of the retinal enface image to confirm the presence of the target
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic laser surgical system for imaging and treating a target in an eye includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device that: directs an imaging beam towards the eye; generates three-dimensional (3D) image data from the imaging beam reflected from the eye; and generates two-dimensional (2D) enface images from the 3D image data. The 2D enface images include a target enface image imaging the target in the eye and a retinal enface image imaging a shadow cast by the target onto the retina. An xy-scanner directs the imaging beam along an imaging beam path towards the eye, and directs a laser beam from the laser device along a laser beam path aligned with the imaging beam path towards the eye. A computer compares the target of the target enface image and the shadow of the retinal enface image to confirm the presence of the target.