Remote Laser Eye Surgery System with Dynamic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for laser coagulation of eye structures, such as diabetic retinopathy treatment, require contact lenses, are limited in field of view, and cause patient discomfort and physician fatigue, making them unsuitable for remote applications and lacking in documentation and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact laser imaging and coagulation system that allows remote ophthalmologists to perform laser surgery using a wide-angle digital image acquisition system, photoacoustic temperature measurement, and facial recognition, enabling precise and safe treatment of eye disorders without the need for contact lenses or physical presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional contact lens-based laser coagulation systems are used, then laser treatment can be performed on eye structures, but the field of view is limited and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the contact lens component from the laser coagulation system, extracting the source of patient discomfort while maintaining the core laser treatment function. This allows for a non-contact approach that eliminates corneal abrasion risks and patient discomfort associated with contact lens wear during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital imaging system as an intermediary between the physician and the eye structure. This intermediary captures wide-angle images of the fundus, allowing the physician to view and treat the retina without direct contact, thereby expanding the field of view while eliminating patient discomfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser coagulation systems are used, then treatment can be performed, but the systems are not suitable for remote applications and lack documentation features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines wide-angle digital imaging, laser coagulation, and automated documentation into a single integrated platform. This universal system can perform diagnostic imaging, treatment delivery, and record-keeping functions, making it suitable for both local and remote applications while eliminating information loss through comprehensive documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the digital imaging system continuously captures images during the laser coagulation procedure, providing real-time visual feedback to the physician and automatically documenting the treatment process. This feedback loop ensures accurate treatment delivery and creates a permanent record for future reference.
3Reliability
If conventional systems are used, then laser treatment can be delivered, but safety features and patient verification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary patient verification through facial recognition technology before laser treatment begins. The system captures and verifies the patient's identity in advance, ensuring correct patient and eye selection. This preliminary safety check prevents wrong-site treatment while the automated imaging and treatment planning reduce overall system complexity by eliminating manual verification steps.
4Ease of operation
If contact lenses are used for laser coagulation, then treatment can be performed, but physician fatigue increases and the procedure requires physical presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features where the system automatically captures wide-angle fundus images, processes them for treatment planning, and guides the laser coagulation procedure without requiring continuous manual intervention from the physician. The automated documentation and imaging systems serve themselves, reducing physician workload and fatigue while maintaining treatment quality.
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 remote, precise, and safe laser treatment of eye disorders with improved field of view and reduced patient discomfort, while providing documentation and safety features, such as facial recognition for patient verification and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the photoacoustic system being configured to measure temperature of eye structure tissue subjected to the first laser energy
Implementation Method 2
during laser coagulation of an eye structure, laser energy is transmitted to the structure to effect coagulation thereof
Implementation Method 3
laser coagulation of predetermined biological structures of the eye, such as the retina
Data Source
AI summary
A telemedicine system with dynamic imaging is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the telemedicine system comprises a laser imaging and treatment apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow a physician (e.g., a surgeon) to perform laser surgical procedures on an eye structure or a body surface with a laser imaging and treatment apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. Also, in some embodiments, communication between the laser imaging and treatment apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®. Further, in some embodiments, the telemedicine system includes a dynamic imaging system and/or a facial recognition system that verifies the identity of a patient, and is capable of being used for other important applications, such as tracking and analyzing trends in a disease process.