Retinal Treatment System with Distortion-Corrected Laser Pattern Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal photocoagulation systems lack precision and efficiency due to inadequate imaging and laser pattern control, requiring improved methods for acquiring and processing retinal images to accurately target treatment sites and deliver predefined laser patterns.
Innovation Solution
A retinal treatment system that acquires images using an ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope, corrects for image distortion, and uses user-input location and pattern data to generate control parameters for directing laser light to precise treatment sites on the retina, ensuring accurate and precise laser pattern delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging and laser delivery systems are used, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the precision and accuracy of targeting treatment sites and delivering laser patterns is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging system and laser treatment system into a single integrated platform. The imaging laser and treatment laser share common optical paths and control systems, allowing synchronized acquisition of retinal images and delivery of laser patterns to precisely targeted sites without requiring separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from the imaging system to guide and adjust laser delivery. The imaging system continuously monitors retinal positioning and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts laser beam direction and pattern placement to maintain precision despite eye movement or positioning variations.
2Productivity
If manual laser application methods are used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the speed and efficiency of photocoagulation treatment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines laser treatment patterns and automatically positions them on the retinal image before treatment begins. The control system prepares multiple laser patterns in advance and automatically sequences their delivery, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and adjustment during treatment, thereby increasing speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated laser pattern delivery where the control system independently manages beam steering, pattern positioning, and treatment sequencing based on pre-programmed parameters. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal treatment delivery without requiring continuous manual intervention, significantly increasing treatment speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If distortion correction is not applied, then the system is simpler and faster to operate, but the accuracy of laser pattern placement on the retina is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distortion correction mechanisms with computational image processing. Software algorithms automatically detect and correct optical distortions in the retinal image, allowing precise laser pattern placement without requiring complex mechanical adjustment systems or additional optical components.
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
Enhances visualization of retinal disease extent and improves the precision and speed of photocoagulation treatments by enabling accurate targeting and delivery of predefined laser patterns, accounting for optical and eye-induced distortions.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image of a retina of a subject's eye using an imaging laser and an optical system
Implementation Method 2
directing laser light from a treatment laser through the optical system onto the retina
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining control parameters of a retinal treatment system comprising acquiring an image of a retina of a subject's eye using an imaging laser and an optical system of the retinal treatment system, presenting an image of the retina to a user of the retinal treatment system, receiving from the user location data of the retinal image that locates at least one treatment site of the retina, receiving from the user a required laser light pattern for use on the treatment site, using the location data to determine a location control parameter which causes the optical system to direct laser light from a treatment laser of the retinal treatment system to the treatment site, and using the required laser light pattern to determine a pattern control parameter which causes the treatment laser to produce a laser light pattern which passes through the optical system and results in the required laser light pattern at the treatment site.