Eye therapy system
First Claim
1. A system for treating an eye disorder, comprising:
- an energy source;
a thermokeratoplasty applicator configured to apply thermokeratoplasty therapy to an eye, the applicator having a distal end, the applicator being configured to receive an amount of energy from the energy source, a first portion of the energy received by the applicator configured to be transmitted through the distal end to the eye and a second portion of the energy received by the applicator being reflected from the distal end of the applicator;
a dual directional coupler configured to detect the reflected energy, the reflected energy being indicative of an amount of contact between the distal end and the eye, the dual directional coupler being further configured to provide a signal indicative of the detected reflected energy; and
an adjustment system configured to advance the distal end of the applicator toward the eye until a predetermined amount of contact is determined based on the signal indicative of the reflected energy,wherein the signal corresponding to the reflected energy has a power that decreases as the amount of contact increases.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods improve operation of an applicator that delivers heat-generating energy to an eye as a part of an eye therapy. For example, reflected power may be measured to determine whether sufficient contact has been established between the applicator and the eye for accurate and precise delivery of energy to the eye. In addition, at least one of forward and reflected power may be measured to monitor the application of coolant pulses that control the generation of heat in the eye when the applicator delivers energy to the eye. Further, the forward and reflected power may be measured to determine an efficiency of energy transfer or an impedance mismatch. Based on the efficiency of energy transfer or the impedance mismatch, an adjustable parameter of a tuning element may be modified.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for treating an eye disorder, comprising:
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an energy source; a thermokeratoplasty applicator configured to apply thermokeratoplasty therapy to an eye, the applicator having a distal end, the applicator being configured to receive an amount of energy from the energy source, a first portion of the energy received by the applicator configured to be transmitted through the distal end to the eye and a second portion of the energy received by the applicator being reflected from the distal end of the applicator; a dual directional coupler configured to detect the reflected energy, the reflected energy being indicative of an amount of contact between the distal end and the eye, the dual directional coupler being further configured to provide a signal indicative of the detected reflected energy; and an adjustment system configured to advance the distal end of the applicator toward the eye until a predetermined amount of contact is determined based on the signal indicative of the reflected energy, wherein the signal corresponding to the reflected energy has a power that decreases as the amount of contact increases. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for treating an eye disorder, comprising:
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an energy source; a thermokeratoplasty applicator configured to apply thermokeratoplasty therapy to an eye, the applicator having a distal end, the applicator being configured to receive an amount of energy from the energy source, a first portion of the energy received by the applicator configured to be transmitted through the distal end to the eye and a second portion of the energy received by the applicator being reflected from the distal end of the applicator; a dual directional coupler configured to detect the reflected energy, the reflected energy being indicative of an amount of contact between the distal end and the eye, the dual directional coupler being further configured to provide a signal indicative of the detected reflected energy; and an adjustment system configured to advance the distal end of the applicator toward the eye until a predetermined amount of contact is determined based on the signal indicative of the reflected energy, wherein the signal corresponding to the reflected energy has a power that increases as the amount of contact increases. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification