Detachable Photothermal Ophthalmic Adapter With Direct Diode Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical systems, such as photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation lasers, are bulky, complex, costly, and not suitable for point-of-care use, lacking ease of use, durability, and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a detachable adapter unit containing a direct diode laser integrated into a compact housing, which emits therapeutic light directly above or in line with the viewing path of a diagnostic instrument, eliminating the need for external fiber-optic connections and allowing retrofitting to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a semiconductor pumped solid-state laser is used in an ophthalmic treatment apparatus, then sufficient output power for photothermal therapy is achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two independent parts: a compact external laser source unit and a handheld treatment probe. The laser source generates sufficient power externally, while the probe contains only simple optical components for delivery, reducing the complexity of the treatment apparatus itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam is transmitted through a flexible optical fiber from the external source to the handheld probe, allowing the high-power laser to be separated spatially from the treatment site while maintaining beam delivery through a different dimensional path.
2Ease of manufacture
If a dedicated ophthalmic treatment apparatus with special interface is used, then laser beam introduction is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld probe is designed with a universal interface that can accept laser beams from different external laser sources through standard optical fiber connectors, making it compatible with multiple laser types and reducing the need for specialized dedicated apparatus for each laser source.
Solution Approach 2:
A standard optical fiber connector serves as an intermediary interface between the external laser source and the handheld probe, enabling compatible connection without requiring specialized custom interfaces, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If external fiber-optic cable connection is used, then laser beam delivery is achieved, but ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber connection is integrated directly into the handheld probe assembly, merging the laser delivery function with the treatment instrument itself. This eliminates the need for separate external cable management and simplifies the overall setup for the operator.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and versatile ophthalmic treatment system with improved ease of use and safety, reducing complexity and the risk of errors, while maintaining high treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the direct diode laser comprising a treatment laser diode configured to emit light at a wavelength suitable for photothermal ophthalmic treatment
Implementation Method 2
causing absorption of light by structures of a subject's eye, such as melanin or blood, in particular for photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation
Implementation Method 3
one or more optical elements configured to direct the emitted light as a treatment light beam towards the target area
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for photothermal ophthalmic treatment, in particular photocoagulation or photo-thermal stimulation, the apparatus comprising a diagnostic instrument and an adapter unit, the diagnostic instrument being configured to emit illumination light from an illumination output along a free-air illumination output path towards a target area, to receive light from the target area along a free-air viewing path and to provide a magnified view of the target area, wherein the adapter unit comprises: a housing detachably mountable to said diagnostic instrument; at least one treatment direct diode laser positioned within the housing; the direct diode laser comprising a treatment laser diode configured to emit light at a wavelength suitable for photothermal ophthalmic treatment in the wavelength range of 480 and 632 nm, one or more optical elements configured to direct the emitted light as a treatment light beam towards the target area when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument; and wherein the treatment direct diode laser is located above or in line with said viewing path when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument and wherein at least one of the optical elements is configured to extend into at least one of the free-air viewing path and the free-air illumination output path of the diagnostic instrument when the housing is mounted to said diagnostic instrument in an operational position.