Feedback control of thermokeratoplasty treatments
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorB. Stuart Trembly
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Abstract
A microwave thermokeratoplasty system uses an applicator having embedded sensors that provide feedback signals to a controller. The controller interprets these feedback signals to dynamically adjust or cease a keratoplasty operation. The system uses a microwave applicator that is specially adapted for direct application of energy to an eye in the course of treatment. The applicator is formed of discrete zones or sectors that are selectively controlled in an individual manner.
Claims51
In a thermokeratoplasty system including an applicator used for cornea-based vision correction modalities, the improvement comprising:
- a sensor configured to measure a physical variable in an eye as the eye is affected by a thermokeratoplasty operation and to provide a sensor signal representative of the physical variable;
- and
- a feedback system adapted to receive the sensor signal and analyze the sensor signal to determine when a treatment modality has achieved an intended effect.
In a thermokeratoplasty procedure that employs a thermokeratoplasty applicator used for cornea-based vision correction, the improvement comprising the steps of:
- sensing a physical variable in an eye as the eye is affected by a thermokeratoplasty operation to provide a sensor signal representative of the physical variable;
- receiving the sensor signal;
- and
- analyzing the sensor signal to determine when a treatment has achieved an intended effect.
A thermokeratoplasty applicator comprising:
- a plurality of concentric tubes each having a top end and a bottom surface configured to apply radiation to a cornea for keratoplasty operations;
- a dielectric material separating the plurality of concentric tubes from one another;
- and
- a cooling system configured to cool the applicator during keratoplasty operations without flowing coolant adjacent the bottom surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.