Retinal Laser Spot Pattern Generation for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal photocoagulation techniques using visible laser light can cause irreversible damage to the sensory retina due to heat generation and require lengthy treatment times, especially when applying multiple laser spots, which can lead to localized heating and require precise positioning to avoid sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic projection of spot patterns onto the target tissue using a photomedical system with a light source, scanner assembly, focusing element, and graphic user interface, allowing for selection and control of pattern configurations to optimize beam spot density and exclusion zones, reducing treatment time and minimizing heat damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple laser spots are applied manually to treat target tissue, then treatment coverage is improved, but treatment time increases and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment area is divided into multiple discrete laser spots arranged in predefined patterns. The scanner assembly divides the treatment process into sequential spot applications, with each spot addressing a specific sub-region of the target tissue, enabling comprehensive coverage through systematic segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
Laser spot patterns are pre-configured and stored in memory before treatment begins. The system pre-calculates optimal spot positions, spacing, and arrangement patterns based on the target area, eliminating the need for real-time positioning decisions and reducing treatment time while maintaining precision
2Productivity
If laser spots are delivered rapidly in patterns, then treatment time is reduced, but localized heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The laser delivery system employs periodic pulsing with controlled duty cycles, delivering laser energy in rhythmic sequences rather than continuous exposure. This periodic action allows thermal diffusion between pulses, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining high treatment throughput through optimized pulse timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies laser parameters locally across different spots within the pattern, adjusting pulse duration, energy density, and spacing based on the specific thermal characteristics of each treatment zone. This localized parameter optimization prevents hot spots while maintaining overall treatment efficiency
3Reliability
If visible laser light is used for photocoagulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but heat damage to sensory retina occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) as an intermediary target, focusing laser energy on this melanin-containing layer that absorbs visible light and converts it to heat. The RPE acts as a thermal mediator that destroys pathological tissue through controlled coagulation while the brief exposure duration prevents heat conduction to the overlying sensory retina
Solution Approach 2:
The laser exposure duration is optimized to be just sufficient to achieve coagulation in the RPE (typically milliseconds), applying exactly the minimum necessary energy to destroy target tissue while stopping before significant heat diffusion can occur to protect the sensory retina from thermal damage
4Manufacturing precision
If physician manually positions each laser spot, then positioning precision is improved, but treatment complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical positioning system is replaced with an automated scanner assembly that uses electromagnetic fields to precisely position laser spots. The scanner receives digital commands from a controller to move the laser beam to predetermined coordinates, eliminating manual操作 complexity while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through electronic control and pre-programmed patterns
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
The system enables efficient and precise retinal photocoagulation by automatically generating and projecting patterned light spots, reducing treatment time and minimizing heat damage to the sensory retina, while allowing for better control over beam spot density and exclusion zones.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for generating a beam of light
Implementation Method 2
a focusing element for focusing the pattern of spots on the target tissue
Implementation Method 3
heat is generated predominantly in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), which is the melanin containing layer of the retina
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for generating patterns P of aiming and treatment light on target eye tissue (e.g. the retina) of a patient's eye. The system includes light sources for treatment and aiming light, a scanner for generating patterns of spots of the generated light, a controller, and a graphic user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible spot patterns, adjust the spot density and/or spot size, and apply patterns with fixed or varied density. The patterns can be formed of interlaced sub-patterns and/or scanned without adjacent spots being consecutively formed to reduce localized heating. Partially or fully enclosed exclusion zones within the patterns protect sensitive target tissue from exposure to the light.