Ophthalmic Laser Pulse Compensation for Corneal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser pulses directed towards the cornea during ophthalmic surgery can be blocked by interfering objects, leading to inaccuracies in the ablation procedure due to the inability to accurately deliver the required number of pulses to the tissue.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical system comprising a laser device, camera, and computer that identifies interfering objects through image processing and modifies the control of laser pulses to compensate for these objects by suspending emission, predicting their movement, or notifying the user to reposition them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser pulses are directed towards the cornea according to a focal spot pattern, then the desired corneal shape can be achieved through material removal, but the pulses may be blocked by an interfering object leading to inaccurate ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the surgical field using a camera to detect interfering objects in real-time. When an object is detected that may block laser pulses, the system provides feedback by notifying the operator and automatically adjusting the treatment plan to compensate for the blocked pulses, ensuring the desired corneal shape is still achieved despite the interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates the focal spot pattern and identifies potential blocking objects before delivering the laser treatment. By preliminarily detecting interfering objects and computing compensated pulse distributions, the system prevents pulse blocking from causing inaccuracies in the corneal ablation profile
2Quantity of substance
If the number of pulses is increased to ensure complete ablation, then the desired tissue removal volume is achieved, but the likelihood of pulse blocking by interfering objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the laser pulse delivery plan based on real-time detection of interfering objects. When multiple pulses are required for complete ablation and an object is detected, the system dynamically modifies the treatment sequence to account for potential blocking, ensuring complete tissue removal while minimizing the impact of interference
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides continuous feedback about the presence of interfering objects during pulse delivery. When blocking is detected, the system responds by notifying the operator and automatically computing compensation strategies to ensure the total required tissue removal volume is achieved despite the interference
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of surgical images is implemented to detect interfering objects, then pulse delivery accuracy is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system used for monitoring surgical images serves multiple functions: it detects interfering objects, tracks the corneal surface, and provides visual feedback for the operator. By making the monitoring system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated detection devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
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
Ensures accurate delivery of laser pulses to the cornea by identifying and adapting to interfering objects, thereby maintaining the precision of the surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
Laser ablation removes material from a surface by irradiating it with a laser beam. In ophthalmic surgery, an ablation procedure typically uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea
Implementation Method 2
The camera captures surgical images of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic surgical system for performing a surgical procedure on an eye comprises a laser device, a camera, and a computer. The laser device comprises a laser source and a scanner. The laser source generates a laser beam comprising pulses, and the scanner directs the pulses towards tissue of the eye according to a laser focal spot pattern. The camera captures surgical images of the eye. The computer instructs the laser device to direct the pulses towards the eye according to the laser focal spot pattern, accesses and monitor the surgical images of the eye, identifies an interfering object from the surgical images of the eye, and modifies the control of the pulses to compensate for the interfering object.