Retinal Coagulation Spot Sequencing for Precision Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal coagulation methods are inefficient due to the manual adjustment of coagulation points, leading to potential overcoagulation or undercoagulation, especially in curved or irregular retinal surfaces, and often result in damage to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a light source to project a sequential, one-dimensional series of spots onto the retina for marking coagulation sites, allowing for automated confirmation and precise adjustment of spot sequences to ensure only necessary areas are treated, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of coagulation points is used, then treatment flexibility is maintained, but treatment speed is reduced and operator dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating and marking the optimal coagulation point pattern on the retinal image before actual coagulation treatment begins. The marking step allows the operator to review and confirm the planned treatment areas, ensuring accuracy while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment of coagulation points with an automated optical system. The computer calculates the optimal pattern and the system automatically marks these positions on the retinal image using projected markers, substituting manual mechanical positioning with automated computational and optical positioning.
2Productivity
If fixed geometric patterns are used for coagulation points, then treatment speed increases, but adaptability to irregular retinal surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by calculating and marking coagulation points individually based on the specific local conditions of the retinal surface. Each coagulation point's position and parameters are optimized for its local area, allowing adaptation to irregular surfaces while maintaining an organized overall pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the coagulation point pattern adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system can modify the pattern based on retinal curvature and irregularities, allowing the treatment to dynamically adapt to the specific anatomical conditions of each patient's eye.
3Area of stationary object
If continuous coagulation laser is used, then treatment coverage is improved, but risk of overcoagulation and healthy tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the continuous coagulation treatment into discrete, individually marked coagulation points. Each point is separately identified and can be individually controlled, allowing precise delivery of treatment energy to only the necessary pathological areas while avoiding healthy tissue between the segmented treatment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by marking and treating only the specific coagulation points that are necessary for effective treatment, rather than applying continuous coagulation across the entire retinal area. This selective approach ensures adequate treatment coverage of pathological areas while minimizing exposure of healthy tissue to harmful laser energy.
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
This approach significantly increases treatment speed and accuracy, allowing for efficient coagulation of pathological areas while avoiding healthy tissue, and can be adapted to various retinal conditions through equidistant spot placement and temporal control.
Implementation Method 1
the energy of the laser beam is absorbed by the dark coloring of the pigment epithelium within the retina
Implementation Method 2
the retina is warmed up or coagulated during light coagulation by means of a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for marking coagulation sites on a retina by application of a light source including projecting a serial spot sequence from a sequential, one-dimensional series of spots on the retina, wherein the individual spots indicate the coagulation sites; waiting for confirmation of the sequence of individual spots; after confirming, recalculating an automated sequence of steps having a further serial spot sequence and projecting them on the retina according to the first step; and subsequent repeating of the second and third steps. Also, a system for coagulating the retina, having an imaging diagnostic unit, a therapy beam for coagulating coagulation sites, a pilot beam for marking the coagulation sites by a spot sequence, a beam deflecting unit for generating the spot sequence and for positioning the therapy beam, an electronic control unit for controlling the above devices, a software interface, and an interactive interface.