Ophthalmic Laser Depth Detection via Confocal Plasma Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic surgical laser systems lack accurate and precise depth detection during procedures, requiring separate pre-surgical devices and additional imaging tools that increase costs and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ophthalmic surgical laser system that uses the same laser for both incisions and depth measurement, employing a mirror, lens, and charge-coupled device (CCD) to detect tissue depth based on plasma light characteristics, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of incision depth during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate pre-surgical imaging devices like OCT are added to measure depth, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the surgical laser system and depth measurement system into a single integrated platform. The laser system's optical path is used to deliver both the surgical laser beam and the measurement beam, eliminating the need for separate external imaging devices like OCT. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of a confocal detection system that measures back-reflected light from tissue interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical laser system is designed to perform multiple functions: both surgical incision and depth measurement. The same optical delivery system that guides the laser for surgery also guides the measurement beam to detect tissue depth through back-reflected light analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for surgery and measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to coordination and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the surgical laser and depth measurement systems into one integrated platform, the patent eliminates the need for separate calibration and coordination between multiple devices. The unified system uses a single optical path and synchronized control, allowing real-time depth measurement without the time loss associated with coordinating separate OCT or imaging devices with the surgical laser system.
3Measurement precision
If external imaging devices are added for depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the depth measurement functionality into the existing surgical laser system, eliminating the need for separate external imaging devices that would require independent maintenance. The unified system reduces maintenance burden by consolidating calibration and upkeep requirements into a single platform, while still providing precise depth measurement through confocal detection of back-reflected light.
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 precise and accurate depth detection during ophthalmic surgeries, reducing treatment time and eliminating the need for external imaging devices, thus improving surgical efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the same laser that makes the surgical incisions also measures the tissue depth
Implementation Method 2
a lens positioned to focus the portion of reflected light onto a detector
Implementation Method 3
a mirror to transmit a portion of the reflected light of the pulsed laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this invention relate to systems and methods for automatic depth (or Z) detection before, during, or after laser-assisted ophthalmic surgery. When performing ophthalmic laser surgery, the operator (or surgeon) needs to make accurate and precise incisions using the laser beam. With the automatic depth detection systems and methods, the same laser used for the surgical procedure may be used for depth measurement of the surgical incisions. The surgical laser system may include a laser delivery system for delivering a pulsed laser beam to photoalter an eye, a mirror to transmit at least a portion of reflected light of the pulsed laser beam, a lens positioned to focus the transmitted reflected lighted on to a detector, (such as a CCD), and a depth encoder configured to automatically detect depth according to one or more of color, intensity, or shape of the focused spot on the CCD.