Subthreshold Retinal Photocoagulation with Real-Time OCT Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photocoagulation methods struggle to visualize tissue changes in deep retinal layers during subthreshold coagulation, as no coagulation spot appears on the retinal surface, making real-time monitoring and control challenging, especially when using a probe inserted into the eye.
Innovation Solution
A photocoagulation apparatus that combines a laser system for subthreshold coagulation with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, allowing for OCT scans before and after treatment, and a controller to construct and compare images, acquire change information, and display tissue changes in real time, enabling proper visualization of deep retinal tissue modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional photocoagulation methods are used to perform subthreshold coagulation, then tissue damage in deep retinal layers can be achieved, but real-time visualization of tissue changes cannot be obtained because no coagulation spot appears on the retinal surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces OCT (optical coherence tomography) as an intermediary imaging technology to visualize deep retinal tissue changes. The OCT system acts as a mediator between the laser treatment and the observer, providing cross-sectional images of the retina that reveal tissue changes in deep layers without requiring surface coagulation spots. The controller integrates OCT imaging with the photocoagulation treatment, enabling real-time monitoring of treatment effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface imaging to three-dimensional deep tissue imaging by incorporating OCT technology. Instead of relying on surface coagulation spots for visualization, the system uses OCT to create cross-sectional views that penetrate through the retinal layers, providing visibility of tissue changes in the deep retina that were previously undetectable.
2Measurement precision
If OCT scanning is performed both before and after treatment, then tissue change visualization is enabled, but treatment time increases due to additional imaging steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs OCT scanning before the photocoagulation treatment to establish a baseline image of the retinal tissue. This preliminary imaging allows the system to compare subsequent post-treatment images against the pre-treatment baseline, enabling detection of tissue changes without requiring multiple sequential scans during the treatment process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured to compare the pre-treatment OCT image with post-treatment OCT images to detect tissue changes. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and assessment of treatment effectiveness by analyzing the differences between baseline and post-treatment images, enabling the system to adjust treatment parameters based on observed tissue response.
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 real-time visualization and monitoring of tissue changes in deep retinal layers during subthreshold coagulation, facilitating accurate and controlled treatment by displaying change images alongside retinal images, thus improving the effectiveness of subthreshold coagulation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a laser projecting system configured to apply treatment light for subthreshold coagulation to the retina via the probe
Implementation Method 2
Photocoagulation is a treatment method or technique in which retinal tissue is coagulated by the heat generated by the absorption of laser light energy into the retinal pigment epithelium
Implementation Method 3
a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) system configured to apply an OCT scan to the retina via the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A photocoagulation apparatus of some embodiment examples is configured to apply both treatment light for subthreshold coagulation and an OCT scan to a retina via a probe inserted in an eye. Upon receiving a user's instruction, the apparatus applies the treatment light to the retina, and applies an OCT scan to the retina at least after the treatment light application. The apparatus compares the first OCT image constructed from OCT data of the retina acquired prior to the treatment light application and the second OCT image constructed from OCT data of the retina acquired after the treatment light application, thereby acquiring change information that represents a tissue change in the retina caused by the treatment light. The apparatus displays a change image based on the change information together with a retinal image.