Pattern Laser System for Ophthalmic Photocoagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser devices face limitations in scan time and flexibility due to the use of galvanic scanners, which are costly to maintain and restrict the therapeutic window for effective photocoagulation, making it difficult to predict dosimetry and extend the range of treatments.
Innovation Solution
A pattern laser system that delivers all laser spots simultaneously or sequentially using a close-packed optical fibre bundle and diode laser assemblies, controlled by a controller to manage power, pulse duration, and pattern selection, eliminating the need for scanning and allowing for faster and more flexible treatment patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If galvanic scanners are used to deliver laser patterns sequentially, then the laser treatment can be delivered to the retina, but the scan time between spots (around 1 millisecond) and total treatment time become excessively long, limiting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser delivery system into multiple independent laser sources (e.g., 7x7 array of 49 lasers) instead of using a single scanned beam. Each laser can deliver spots simultaneously, eliminating the sequential scan time bottleneck and dramatically improving treatment productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic scanner system with a static array of optical fibers and diode lasers. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical scanning, reducing scan time to near-zero while maintaining precise spot delivery capability.
2Reliability
If the dwell time per spot is extended beyond 10 milliseconds to allow for thermal tissue interactions, then effective photocoagulation can be achieved, but the total treatment time extends beyond practical limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous delivery of multiple laser spots across the treatment area. By delivering all spots in parallel rather than sequentially, the system achieves effective photocoagulation without extending total treatment time, as all spots receive their full dwell time concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions all laser spots in their final treatment locations before activation. This allows all spots to begin their therapeutic exposure simultaneously at the start of the treatment, eliminating the sequential delay inherent in scanned systems and keeping total treatment time within practical limits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If galvanic scanners are used to direct the laser beam, then the laser spot can be moved to different locations, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical galvanic scanner with a static optical fiber bundle and diode laser array. Positioning flexibility is achieved through optical switching and selective activation of individual lasers rather than physical beam deflection, eliminating moving parts while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical switching matrix as an intermediary between the laser sources and the optical fiber bundle. This switching mechanism enables flexible routing of laser beams to different treatment locations without requiring mechanical scanning, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Productivity
If a single laser beam is scanned across the retina, then the treatment pattern can be delivered, but the time taken to scan the spot across the pattern (product of number of spots and scan time) becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single scanned beam into multiple independent laser sources arranged in an array. Each laser delivers spots simultaneously in parallel, reducing the total pattern delivery time from sequential scan time to the duration of a single exposure, dramatically improving productivity.
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 faster and more flexible treatment by delivering a 10-spot pattern in 50ms, optimizing the therapeutic window and reducing treatment time, while eliminating the constraints of dwell time and scan time, allowing for larger areas to be treated quickly and predictably.
Implementation Method 1
A pattern laser comprises a plurality of laser assemblies (111) each including a treatment laser device (111b) and an optical fibre (121)
Implementation Method 2
The optical fibres from the laser and fibre launch module are formed into a close packed bundle (12) which is coupled to a delivery system (13) that images the output from the bundle (12) to a treatment zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(i)
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AI summary
The invention resides in a pattern laser comprising a plurality of laser devices each emitting a treatment laser beam into an optical fibre of an optical fibre bundle. An optical coupling module is associated with each laser device and each optical fibre for coupling a treatment laser beam into the associated optical fibre. A controller controls the operation of the laser devices by selectively turning on or off one or more of the laser devices so as to form a laser treatment pattern at an end of the fibre bundle away from the laser devices. A delivery system images the output from the fibre bundle to a treatment zone.