Shared-Aperture Vitreous Floater Laser Treatment With Real-Time Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Effective visualization and treatment of media opacities in the vitreous humor of the eye, such as floaters, are challenging due to the depth and complexity of the vitreous cavity and retina, making it difficult to accurately target and deliver treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system with a visualization module and laser module, guided by a controller, provides simultaneous visualization and treatment using ultra-short laser pulses, with features like a shared aperture, spatial light modulators, and corneal interfacing members to enhance precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visualization and treatment methods are used for media opacities in the vitreous humor, then the treatment can be performed with simpler equipment, but the precision and effectiveness of targeting deep ocular structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the visualization module and laser module into a single integrated ophthalmic treatment system with a shared aperture. The visualization module provides real-time imaging of media opacities while the laser module delivers treatment beams along the same optical path, eliminating the need for separate imaging and treatment devices. This merging achieves high measurement precision for locating deep ocular structures while managing system complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the visualization module and laser module, processing visualization data to acquire defining parameters of media opacities and determining when to activate the treatment beam. The controller coordinates the timing and targeting between imaging and laser delivery, enabling precise targeting of deep ocular structures without requiring the operator to manually coordinate multiple complex subsystems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the treatment beam is directed towards media opacities without precise targeting, then the treatment process is simpler, but the accuracy of targeting and potential damage to surrounding tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback by continuously acquiring visualization data of the eye and media opacities during treatment. The controller processes this visualization data to monitor the position and defining parameters of media opacities, and adjusts the treatment beam delivery accordingly. This feedback loop ensures high treatment accuracy by confirming proper targeting before and during laser delivery, while the automated nature of the feedback reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of defining parameters (shape, size, depth) of media opacities based on visualization data before directing the treatment beam. The controller determines in advance whether a threshold portion of the media opacity is within a predefined target zone, and only then activates the treatment beam. This preliminary assessment ensures treatment accuracy is achieved before the actual laser delivery, while the automated parameter acquisition simplifies the operator's task.
3Productivity
If ultra-short laser pulses are used to treat media opacities, then the treatment effectiveness and precision is improved, but the complexity of the laser module and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or contact-based treatment methods with ultra-short laser pulses for non-contact disruption of media opacities. The laser module generates focused laser beams that can precisely disrupt collagen fibers forming media opacities without mechanical intervention. This substitution achieves high treatment effectiveness while the laser system's automated pulse delivery, controlled by the controller based on visualization data, manages the complexity through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
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 precise and effective disruption of media opacities by accurately targeting and treating them, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues like the lens and retina.
Implementation Method 1
a laser module adapted to selectively generate a treatment beam directed towards the media opacity in order to incise, vaporize or otherwise disrupt the media opacity. The treatment beam may include a plurality of ultra-short laser pulses.
Implementation Method 2
the visualization module may be configured to employ electromagnetic radiation reflected from one or more optical devices prior to striking the eye
Implementation Method 3
The visualization module may further include a birefringent prism configured to intercept the linearly polarized light wave prior to the linearly polarized light wave striking the eye
Implementation Method 4
a sensor is in communication with the controller and configured to detect motion of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating a media opacity in a vitreous media of an eye includes a visualization module adapted to provide visualization data of a portion of the eye via one or more viewing beams. The system includes a laser module adapted to selectively generate a treatment beam directed towards the media opacity in order to disrupt the media opacity. The laser module and the visualization module have a shared aperture for guiding the treatment beam and the one or more viewing beams towards the eye, the shared aperture being centered about a central axis. A controller is configured to acquire one or more defining parameters of the media opacity and determine when the media opacity is with a predefined target zone of a real-time viewing window. The media opacity is treated with the treatment beam when the media opacity is within the predefined target zone.