SLO-Guided Laser Vitreolysis for Precise Floater Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser surgery systems for treating eye floaters are expensive due to the use of optical coherence tomography devices, and there is a need for more accurate laser guidance to fragment floaters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) device is used to determine the xy- and z-locations of floaters, combined with a treatment laser device and a computer system for precise laser beam guidance, utilizing shared optical components to compensate for distortions and a confocal filter for z-focusing, with xy-scanner and encoder for accurate beam alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fixation laser is used to mark the treatment site before vitreolysis, then the treatment site can be identified, but the procedure requires multiple laser systems and increases procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation laser and vitreolysis laser into a single integrated laser system. The laser can switch between fixation mode (emitting visible light at specific wavelengths) and treatment mode (emitting energy for vitreolysis), eliminating the need for separate laser devices while maintaining reliable treatment site identification and treatment delivery
2Measurement precision
If a separate fixation laser is used to mark the treatment site, then the site can be located, but additional alignment and positioning procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fixation and treatment functions into one laser system with shared optical paths and control mechanisms, the patent eliminates separate alignment procedures. The single system maintains precise treatment site location through continuous laser guidance while simplifying the operational workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical coupling mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the fixation laser path and the vitreolysis laser path. This coupling allows seamless transition between fixation and treatment modes without requiring separate alignment procedures, as the optical systems are already coordinated through the coupling interface
3Illumination intensity
If visible light is used for fixation, then the treatment site is visible, but the laser wavelength must be changed for vitreolysis treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between fixation wavelength and treatment wavelength within a single laser system. The laser alternates between emitting visible light for site marking and emitting appropriate wavelengths for vitreolysis treatment, controlled by a unified system that manages the periodic wavelength changes without requiring permanent wavelength conversion components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the laser system, specifically wavelength modulation, to switch between fixation and treatment modes. By controlling the laser's operational parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration), the system can emit visible light for fixation and then switch to treatment wavelengths, eliminating the need for physical wavelength conversion devices
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 accurate and cost-effective laser guidance for fragmenting floaters by determining their locations with high-speed imaging and compensating for optical distortions, allowing for efficient treatment with reduced system costs.
Implementation Method 1
laser energy is delivered to an opacity within a patient's eye to fragment and vaporize the opacity
Implementation Method 2
The SLO illuminates the retina with a low-power, visible, near-infrared or other suitable wavelength laser
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic laser surgical system for treating a floater in an eye includes a scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) device, a treatment laser device, and an xy-scanner. The SLO device directs an SLO beam towards the retina of the eye, generates an image that includes the floater shadow from the SLO beam reflected from the eye, determines the xy-location of the floater shadow, and determines the z-location of the floater relative to the retina using the confocal filter. The treatment laser device receives the z-location of the floater from the SLO device, and directs a laser beam towards the z-location. The xy-scanner receives the SLO beam from the SLO device and directs the SLO beam towards the xy-location of the floater shadow. The xy-scanner also receives the laser beam from the treatment laser device and directs the laser beam towards the xy-location of the floater shadow.