Ophthalmic Laser Device with Automatic Trabecular Bubble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for selective laser trabeculoplasty require subjective visual detection of trabecular bubble formation by the operator to adjust laser pulse energy, limiting procedure reproducibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic laser device with an imaging system and processor that automatically detects trabecular bubbles, analyzing images to adjust laser pulse energy through a variable attenuation filter, allowing autonomous operation and increased reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic detection of trabecular bubbles is implemented, then procedure reproducibility and energy adjustment precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system originally designed for visualizing the treatment area is made multi-functional by enabling automatic bubble detection alongside its primary visualization function. The processor system analyzes existing imaging data to detect bubbles, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall device complexity while achieving automatic energy adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting bubble formation and using this information to self-adjust laser energy parameters. The processor system autonomously analyzes imaging data, determines bubble presence, and modifies treatment parameters without requiring external intervention, enabling the device to regulate itself based on real-time conditions.
2Productivity
If automatic bubble detection and energy adjustment is implemented, then operator burden is reduced and procedure efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors bubble formation, the processor analyzes this data in real-time, and the laser energy parameters are automatically adjusted based on bubble detection results. This feedback loop enables autonomous operation, reduces operator burden, and improves procedure efficiency by eliminating manual energy adjustment while utilizing existing system components.
3Reliability
If laser energy is adjusted closer to the bubble formation threshold, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of exceeding threshold and causing damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively detects early signs of bubble formation and preemptively adjusts laser energy parameters to prevent exceeding the damage threshold. By monitoring bubble formation in real-time and making preventive energy reductions, the system creates a safety buffer that allows operation close to the therapeutic threshold while preventing harmful effects, thus cushioning against potential damage before it occurs.
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 reproducible adjustment of laser pulse energy, allowing procedures closer to the bubble formation threshold, reducing operator burden and improving treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging system, which serves as the basis for automatic detection of trabecular bubbles during selective laser trabeculoplasty operation
Implementation Method 2
a variable attenuation filter 7, which decreases or increases laser pulse energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of devices for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty, more precisely to the field of systems for adjustment of laser pulse energy with the help of automatic detection of trabecular bubble formation on the patient's eye in the therapeutic device itself, which allows setting of optimal laser pulse energy during operation. Ophthalmic laser device for performing operation procedure of selective laser trabeculoplasty functions so that after laser pulse activation in a beam splitter (5) a part of image is directed into an imaging system (2), which forwards taken images of a patient's eye (8) to a processor system (3). The processor system (3), depending on received images from the system (2) and an algorithm (11) for recognition of images on the basis of a predefined algorithm (12), controls a variable attenuation filter (7), which decreases or increases laser pulse energy.