Single Laser Diode Ophthalmic Device for Multi-Point Photocoagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser systems for medical treatments, particularly in ophthalmology, are cumbersome, costly, and inefficient due to the need for complex fiber-optic connections and power supplies, limiting their portability and ability to perform precise, multi-point treatments while lacking diagnostic and data capture capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact system integrating a single laser diode assembly with an optical system for both aiming and treatment beams, using a headset-mounted beam pattern generator to enable precise, portable, and efficient photocoagulation treatments with reduced energy consumption and increased portability, allowing for simultaneous or sequential treatment at multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser systems use separate laser sources for aiming and treatment beams with fiber-optic connections, then precise beam superposition can be achieved, but system complexity, size, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aiming laser and treatment laser into a single laser diode source that emits both beams through wavelength division. The aiming beam is emitted at a first wavelength and the treatment beam at a second wavelength, eliminating the need for separate laser sources and fiber-optic connections while maintaining precise beam superposition capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single laser diode source performs multiple functions by emitting both aiming and treatment beams at different wavelengths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated sources for each beam type, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If galvomirrors are used for pattern scanning, then multiple target locations can be accessed, but power consumption increases and laser source lifespan decreases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The laser diode operates periodically, switching between emitting aiming beams and treatment beams. During OFF time when the treatment beam is not projected, the laser is turned off completely, eliminating continuous power consumption and heat generation associated with galvomirror scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring the laser diode is always in an appropriate state for its current function (emitting aiming beam or treatment beam) without wasted OFF time, maximizing energy efficiency
3Productivity
If galvomirrors project treatment beams continuously during scanning, then pattern coverage is achieved, but energy is wasted during OFF time when beam is not projected
Solution Approach 1:
The laser diode is turned off during OFF time when the treatment beam is not being projected, eliminating energy waste. The periodic operation synchronizes with the pattern scanning cycle, ensuring energy is only consumed when treatment beams are actively being delivered
4Measurement precision
If conventional laser systems are designed with complex optical elements and fiber-optic cables, then beam delivery precision is maintained, but portability and mobility are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex fiber-optic cable connection system and intermediate optical elements by using a single integrated laser diode source that emits both aiming and treatment beams directly, significantly reducing system weight and improving portability while maintaining beam delivery precision
Solution Approach 2:
By combining both beam types into a single laser diode source with wavelength division, the system eliminates the need for separate fiber-optic delivery systems, reducing overall system weight and enhancing portability
5Device complexity
If single laser source emits both aiming and treatment beams, then system complexity is reduced, but beam separation and precision control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different wavelengths are used for aiming and treatment beams, allowing spatial separation through wavelength-dependent optics. The aiming beam at first wavelength and treatment beam at second wavelength can be separately controlled and directed through the optical system
Solution Approach 2:
The laser diode operates at different wavelengths for different beam types. By changing the emission wavelength parameter, the system can switch between emitting aiming beams and treatment beams, enabling precise control and separation of the two beam types from a single source
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 provides a portable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for medical treatments by reducing energy waste, prolonging laser diode lifespan, and enabling precise, multi-point treatments without the need for complex fiber-optic connections, enhancing both diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode assembly operable with a single laser source that emits both an aiming light beam and a treatment laser beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical system with an illuminating light source and a focusing lens for focusing light from the illuminating light source onto an inner portion of an eye
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for providing diagnostic, imaging procedures and surgical laser treatments generating patterns of laser light on target tissue of a patient. The system includes aiming and treatment light beams originating from the same visible laser emitting diode, a scanner for generating patterns of points of light of the generated light, a controller, and a user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible point of light patterns, adjusts the point of light intensity and/or duration.