Retinal Heating Control Using ERG Feedback for Safe Dosimetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices lack effective dosimetry for retinal heating, failing to maintain therapeutic temperatures while avoiding retinal damage, and do not provide real-time detection of overtreatment.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement comprising a processor and light sources for ERG stimulus and retinal heating, which uses ERG signals to control heating based on amplitude and kinetics, terminating or adjusting heating if thresholds are exceeded, and performing power calibration to optimize retinal temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If retinal heating is applied to achieve therapeutic temperature elevation, then therapeutic benefits are obtained, but risk of retinal damage increases due to excessive temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretinal temperature elevationVSAvoidretinal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ERG signal amplitude and kinetics during retinal heating and uses this feedback to adjust heating power in real-time, maintaining temperature within the therapeutic window while preventing retinal damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a calibration protocol before treatment to determine the specific heating power required to achieve the desired temperature elevation for each patient, ensuring individualized and safe treatment parameters are established in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If heating power is increased to achieve therapeutic temperature elevation, then treatment effectiveness improves, but detection of overtreatment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature elevation per unit heating powerVSAvoiddetection of overtreatment

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ERG signal parameters during heating and compares them against expected values to detect overtreatment conditions, providing real-time alerts when temperature exceeds the therapeutic window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces subjective clinical assessment of treatment adequacy with objective, automated measurement of ERG signal parameters to precisely detect and respond to overtreatment conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If retinal heating is controlled to maintain therapeutic temperature, then safety is improved, but treatment duration and complexity increase due to continuous monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of retinal heatingVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing ERG recording apparatus to perform dual functions: both obtaining diagnostic ERG signals and monitoring temperature during heating, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the retina's own electrical signaling properties to provide temperature information, allowing the tissue to serve as its own temperature sensor through temperature-dependent changes in ERG signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Retinal heating is safely controlled to therapeutic levels, preventing damage and ensuring individualized treatment optimization through calibrated heating power adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a heating system for elevating the temperature of at least the target area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal heating: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

ERG signals obtained during retinal heating (e.g. photothermal retinal therapies) could be used to determine the temperature of the retina, due to the temperature dependence of the electrical signalling of the retina

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature dependence of electrical signaling:

Data Source

PatentEP4210555B1An arrangement for obtaining ERG signals during retinal heating and controlling retinal heating based thereon

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 MACULASER OY

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AI summary

An arrangement for providing retinal ERG stimulus and heating, the arrangement comprising at least one processor (102) and at least one light source (LEDS) for providing at least a stimulus beam to induce an ERG signal from a target area of the retina, the arrangement additionally comprising a heating system (LF) for elevating the temperature of at least the target area, wherein the processor (102) is configured to receive a retinal ERG signal induced by the stimulus beam during retinal heating, determine, based on said ERG signal, one or more indicators being indicative of a temperature of the retina, and control the heating system (LF) based on said indicator.